The Last Days of New Paris

The Last Days of New Paris presents an alternate 1950 where Nazi-occupied Paris has been transformed by a surrealist catastrophe called the S-Blast. The explosion brings surrealist art and manifestos to life, populating the city with living artworks that battle Nazi forces and their occult weapons. A resistance fighter named Thibaut navigates this strange version of Paris alongside an American photographer and a mysterious figure from the surrealist movement. Their mission involves confronting both the physical dangers of manifest art-beings and the Nazi regime's attempts to harness surrealist powers. The novel alternates between the main narrative in 1950 and sections set in 1941 that reveal the origins of the S-Blast. A detailed afterword provides context for the real surrealist artworks and figures referenced throughout the story. The book explores the intersection of art and resistance, examining how imagination and creative forces can stand against authoritarianism. Through its surrealist lens, it questions the nature of reality and the power of dreams to reshape the world.

Readers describe the book as dense and demanding significant knowledge of both Surrealist art and World War II history. Many found the blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements unique but challenging to follow. Readers appreciated: - Detailed research into Surrealist artwork and artists - Creative reimagining of Nazi-occupied Paris - Vivid descriptions of manifestations ("manifs") - The included academic-style notes section Common criticisms: - Complex, confusing narrative structure - Required extensive background knowledge - Characters felt underdeveloped - Too short to fully explore its concepts Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (120+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Like reading an art history thesis on acid" - Goodreads review "Beautiful ideas that never quite come together" - Amazon review "Needed a companion guide to understand the art references" - LibraryThing review Most readers agreed the novella works best for those already familiar with Surrealism and willing to research while reading.

Declare by Tim Powers In 1941 London, a secret network of angels and demons wage war while poets and spies harness supernatural forces through surrealist art.

The City & the City by China Miéville A murder investigation spans two cities that occupy the same physical space yet remain separate through strict societal rules and perception.

Little, Big by John Crowley Multiple generations of a family interact with faeries in a house that serves as a gateway between worlds while reality shifts between architecture and myth.

The Etched City by K.J. Bishop A gunslinger and a physician build new lives in a decaying city where art comes alive and reality bends through surrealist transformations.

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov The Devil arrives in Moscow with a talking cat and supernatural entourage, creating chaos while interweaving with a story about Pontius Pilate.

🗼 In the novel's alternate history, Paris in 1950 is haunted by "manifs" - physical manifestations of Surrealist artworks brought to life by an occult-scientific explosion called the S-Blast. 🎨 Many of the supernatural creatures in the book are based on actual Surrealist artworks, including pieces by Max Ernst, André Masson, and Salvador Dalí. 📚 Author China Miéville wrote his doctoral thesis on Marxism and international law at the London School of Economics, and his political philosophy often influences his fiction. ⚔️ The book blends historical elements of Nazi-occupied France with supernatural horror, incorporating real Resistance fighters alongside fictional characters who battle both Nazi forces and living Surrealist manifestations. 🔍 The novel includes an afterword where Miéville presents the story as if it were based on true events, creating an additional layer of reality-bending that mirrors the Surrealist themes of the book.