Gabriela

If I didn't have to give full stars, this would likely be a 4.5, but I'm rounding up because I really loved this book. I loved getting to know these characters. Through reading this book, you start to get to know Eleanor, her way of thinking, her routines, and her story. Told from her perspective, you see the world through her eyes and the stories she tells herself. It's equal parts delightful and tragic. I miss her already!

4.5. I loved it. It was so good. I have to admit I struggled through the first part because of the immense amount of places, rooms, and things described, but I was so intrigued with the story and the way Piranesi saw the world. I know this book will not be for everyone, but I thought it was beautifully written, with an engaging plot, and characters that you couldn't help want to know better. Ultimately, I think this is a story about identity, about connecting with others, and connecting with your environment. How seeing the world through the lens of being grateful, kind, and curious will reveal the true beauty of our surroundings. Piranesi's empathy and passion for life was so compelling and pure.

This is one of the best character-driven stories I've read, with characters that are lovable, flawed, nuanced, and feel real. A five-star read (for me) should make me feel something deeply and have stories and characters that will stay with me forever. This is that story. That being said, I would be very hesitant to recommend this to people. Please check the trigger warnings and only read when you're in the right headspace to read some traumatic shit.

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I understand why some people would not like this book. This book has so many horrific things described or alluded to, but they aren't there for shock value. To reduce this book to “trauma porn” is to ignore the way this story focuses on the impact these events have on the human who experienced it and those around them; it's to ignore the feelings of joy and hope this book elicits (don't get me wrong, you will also experience plenty of anger, despair, and sadness!).

There is a tenderness and sweetness to the way this story is told despite the horrible events. This is a found-family story, of living with a disability, addiction, mental illness, identity, and the transition to adulthood. It is also largely a story about growing up with trauma, ending up in cycles of abuse, and trying to overcome these things.

Most of this story is told from a third-person perspective, but later on in the book it switches from third and second-person perspective. This is done effectively and produces the desired impact. No notes. My only complaint with this is book is how ridiculously long the chapters are. I was listening to the audiobook alongside it and most chapters were 2-3 hours long. Some even 4. So beware if you, like me, have big chapter fear.

I don't think this is a 5-star read everyone needs to read. I would say most people shouldn't. But if you want to embark on the journey of reading it, you will meet some of the most wonderfully written characters who will steal your heart and then destroy it. Good luck!

3.5 Joan Didion is a spectacular writer. I did find the exploration of grief interesting, complex, and nuanced. I found her tendency to focus on getting information and taking control in moments of crisis relatable. However, for a book focused on so many emotionally charged topics, this book made me feel nothing. I cannot put my finger on why this is, but it did not tug on the heartstrings in the way I wanted it to. If I had to guess, this same tendency to rationalize emotional situations to prevent yourself from feeling the full extent of the pain had the same effect on me, as a reader. It was good, but it wasn't great.