It is such an unusual book, at the start I didn't know if I was going to enjoy it, but I kept going and ended up really loving this. It is told mainly in journal entries, from the POV of the main character (Piranesi) who is an unreliable narrator, but he is a wonderful character I loved him. The real strength of this book is the description of the exploration of the world and Piranesi's view of it. It is a slow build, with an amazing atmosphere it feels ancient both in its subject and the execution. (I could imagine this being an ancient greek work at the beginning.) It is only every now and again when something modern is referenced that you recognize that this is new and modern. I loved how this exploration into Piranesi's world, his surroundings, routines, and how he views his world really resonated with me. The writing and language are beautiful and the mystery element added direction to the plot. The layers of the book are subtle but impactful, themes of imprisonment, self-imprisonment, loss of self, betrayal, revenge, discovery, and exploration.