What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedPiranesi
Susanna Clarke · Book · 2020
If you loved Piranesi, start with Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (Peter Harness, 2015) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Piranesi across media.
What hooked you in Piranesi is the way an expansive, labyrinthine world mirrors the solitary, fragile architecture of the human mind.
Films on the same thread
Pan's Labyrinth
Guillermo del Toro · Film · 2006
Explores: Escapism, Loss of Innocence, Good vs Evil.
Like the protagonist of Piranesi, the young girl in this film navigates a dark, mythic landscape where the boundaries between harsh reality and dangerous fantasy become hauntingly fluid.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Film · 2019
Shares 2 threads with Piranesi: Memory, Isolation.
The isolation of the island setting and the slow, deliberate focus on memory and artistic creation will resonate with those who found Piranesi a deeply contemplative, immersive experience.
The Pianist
Roman Polanski · Film · 2002
Explores: survival against the odds, dehumanization, loss of identity.
This story of survival captures the same sense of profound loneliness and the struggle to maintain one's identity and humanity while navigating a world stripped of familiar comforts.
Dune
Denis Villeneuve · Film · 2021
Explores: Destiny vs. Free Will, Colonialism, Environmentalism.
If the sheer scale and mysterious history of the House in Piranesi captivated you, this epic exploration of a vast, alien world offers a similarly grand sense of place.
Series on the same thread
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Peter Harness · Series · 2015
Explores: Magic Revival, Rivalry, Social Commentary.
Returning to the author of Piranesi, you will find this historical fantasy equally rich in its meticulous world-building and its exploration of the intersection between magic and reality.
The Prisoner
Patrick McGoohan · Series · 1967
Explores: Identity Crisis, Loss of Freedom, Surveillance State.
The feeling of being trapped in a beautiful yet maddening, restrictive environment will feel familiar to anyone who spent time wandering the infinite, puzzling halls of Piranesi.
Prime Suspect
Lynda La Plante · Series · 1991
Explores: Gender Inequality, Workplace Discrimination, Ambition.
While the setting differs, the protagonist’s intense, singular focus and intellectual rigor echo the careful, methodical record-keeping that defines the narrator’s unique perspective in Piranesi.
Arcane
Christian Linke · Series · 2021
Explores: Sisterhood, Dystopian Society, Technological Advancement vs. Social Decay.
The contrast between a decaying, complex environment and the personal search for truth mirrors the thematic depth found in Piranesi, set against a backdrop of clashing, intricate social structures.
Podcasts on the same thread
Serial
Podcast
Shares a thread with Piranesi: Mystery.
The investigative spirit and the slow, careful piecing together of a hidden truth reflect the central mystery that drives the narrative momentum within the pages of Piranesi.
Philosophize This!
Stephen West · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Existential inquiry, Critical thinking, Evolution of ideas.
Those who appreciated the philosophical undertones and existential wonderment of Piranesi will find this survey of human thought a perfect companion for exploring the nature of reality.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Piranesi a standalone novel?
Yes, Piranesi is a standalone novel written by Susanna Clarke. It was published in 2020 and serves as a complete narrative, following the protagonist as he makes a careful record of the House within his notebooks.
Who is the author of Piranesi?
Piranesi was written by Susanna Clarke. She is also the author of the bestselling novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Piranesi was recognized for its literary merit by winning the 2021 Women's Prize for Fiction.
What is the premise of Piranesi?
Piranesi is set within a mysterious location known as the House. The protagonist lives there, potentially having always lived there, and spends his days maintaining a detailed record of the structure's wonder within his notebooks.
Did Piranesi win any awards?
Yes, Piranesi received significant critical acclaim and was the winner of the 2021 Women's Prize for Fiction. The book is also recognized as a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller.