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Literature / Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
« on: October 26, 2020, 02:19:37 am »
Susanna Clarke has a new book out! It's been 16 years since Jonathan Strange and 14 years since the Ladies of Grace Adieu. Ms. Clarke hasn't been well but she did get this book to print and it is wonderful. No spoilers from me in this post.
A few things about Piranesi:
- It's not related to the Jonathan Strange universe except thematically. It takes place in 'The House' which brings to mind the King's Roads. I think everyone was expecting a sequel but I've got to wonder if that's even possible. The book I'd really wish she'd write would be A Child's History of the Raven King by Lord Portishead.
- It's pretty overtly inspired by and a tribute to C.S. Lewis' The Magician's Nephew (but it isn't Christian propaganda). That's the sixth book in the Narnia series or what some heretics think of as the first.
- Feels a bit like Kafka's The Castle but is not ultimately Kafkaesque.
- Like I mentioned, it's great. Clarke has not lost a beat.
I listed to the audiobook--the narrator, Chiwetel Ejiofor, is extremely capable. I will look for his books hereon.
A few things about Piranesi:
- It's not related to the Jonathan Strange universe except thematically. It takes place in 'The House' which brings to mind the King's Roads. I think everyone was expecting a sequel but I've got to wonder if that's even possible. The book I'd really wish she'd write would be A Child's History of the Raven King by Lord Portishead.
- It's pretty overtly inspired by and a tribute to C.S. Lewis' The Magician's Nephew (but it isn't Christian propaganda). That's the sixth book in the Narnia series or what some heretics think of as the first.
- Feels a bit like Kafka's The Castle but is not ultimately Kafkaesque.
- Like I mentioned, it's great. Clarke has not lost a beat.
I listed to the audiobook--the narrator, Chiwetel Ejiofor, is extremely capable. I will look for his books hereon.