Title: The Last Days of New Paris
Author: China Miéville
First published August 9, 2016
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.55
Overview
“Prepare to be transported to a Paris like no other…” The year is 1941 and amidst the chaos of wartime Marseille, Jack Parsons stumbles upon an underground anti-Nazi group that includes surrealist theorist André Breton. In this world of dissident diplomats, exiled revolutionaries and avant-garde artists, Parsons discovers hope, but he also unknowingly unleashes the power of dreams and nightmares that will change the war and the world forever.
Fast forward to 1950, where a lone surrealist fighter named Thibaut navigates a new, hallucinogenic Paris. Here, Nazis and the Resistance are locked in unending conflict, and the streets are haunted by living images and texts.
To escape this world, Thibaut teams up with Sam, an American photographer determined to capture the ruins of the city. Together, they must join forces with the enigmatic and rebellious exquisite corpse.
However, as they delve deeper into this twisted world, new secrets will emerge that test their loyalties to each other, to Paris old and new, and to reality itself.
About the Author
Meet a British author who specializes in fantastic fiction. He prefers to call it “weird fiction,” inspired by early 20th century horror and pulp writers like H.P. Lovecraft.
He’s part of a group of writers called New Weird who aim to take fantasy writing beyond the typical, commercialized clichés of Tolkien imitators. In addition to writing, he’s also politically active and a member of the Socialist Workers Party.
He’s even run for a seat in the House of Commons as part of the Socialist Alliance and written a book about Marxism and international law.
Editoral Review
The Last Days of New Paris is a fantastical alternate history novel written by China Miéville. It was first published on August 9, 2016, and is a unique blend of art, history, and science fiction.
Miéville is known to be a master of the weird and the eerie, and this book is no exception. The Last Days of New Paris takes place in 1941 on an alternate timeline where Paris has been transformed into a battleground between surrealism and fascism.
The main character, Thibaut, is a member of the French Resistance who is fighting to liberate the city. However, after a failed mission, he finds himself transformed into a living weapon in a world where real-life surrealism is weaponized.
The book’s major themes delve into various topics such as fascism, surrealism, the horrors of war, and the power of imagination. Miéville uses his writing style to create a vivid and terrifying alternate universe where art and wartime technology are fused together in a nightmarish way.
Miéville’s writing is exceptional, using vivid and detailed descriptions to create his alternate universe. The characters are fully developed, and the pacing is excellent.
The book’s plot structure is unconventional, and the details are fascinating. Miéville’s writing style brilliantly creates the surrealism of the world he has crafted, and his characters are relatable and well developed.
The strengths of the book lie in its imaginative world-building, thorough character development, and unique blend of genres. However, there are some limitations to the book.
The plot can be confusing at times, leaving some readers feeling lost. Additionally, the world-building may be too complex for some readers, making it difficult to fully engage with the story.
Despite its limitations, The Last Days of New Paris is a great read for those who enjoy a unique blend of history, art, and science fiction. The book is perfect for those who appreciate Miéville’s signature style and those who are looking for something out of the ordinary.
The Last Days of New Paris has cultural significance as it delves into the themes of fascism and surrealism. It is especially relevant in our current times, where destructive ideologies threaten to dominate the world.
In conclusion, The Last Days of New Paris is an imaginative and unique alternate history novel that is well crafted and thought-provoking. Miéville has created a world that feels both strange and familiar, with themes that resonate in our present world.
The book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy a blend of history, art, and science fiction. It deserves a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
