Towards the end of British writer China Mieville’s latest fantasy novella, his young protagonist, Thibaut, muses: “Something doesn’t make sense.” “Really?” replies Sam, his mysterious sidekick. “Just one thing?”
It’s not an altogether unexpected line: after all, Thibaut has just destroyed a centaur that is part giant, part Second World War German panzer tank. In a world in which the Nazis are still in power in the 1950s in Paris, but are battling figures from surrealist paintings – “manifs” – that have come to life, it probably pays for Mieville to be just a little sardonic.
The 44-year-old has been picking away at the boundaries between surrealist fantasy and literary fiction for some time now – most notably in 2011's Embassytown.
It is not particularly unfair to suggest some of his flights of fancy are an acquired taste: undoubtedly The Last Days of New Paris might be a struggle for those who find the prospect of the river Seine infested with sharks with canoe-seats for backs a bit silly, rather than a lovely nod to the parlour game of consequences played by surrealists in 1929.
But Mieville – as the copious research notes at the back of this dazzlingly inventive tale reveal – does somehow make sense of a world in which a version of André Breton's surrealist manifesto Exquisite Corpse is battling the Nazis and their allies. Which happen to be the forces of hell – a relatively horrifying arch enemy, you'd have to suggest. Meanwhile, Thibaut takes on almost superhero-like powers as he tries to make sense of what is happening to Paris and who is on what side.
How does he overcome demons and Nazi-developed paintings brought to life? He has a special pair of bulletproof pyjamas.
You can argue whether a mock essay at the back suggesting The Last Days of New Paris is a "true" story told to Mieville is really necessary. But for all the playful elements – there's even a video game-style "end of level baddie" feel to the climactic battle – this is a wildly imaginative tale with a nightmarish, dreamlike quality and real substance.
Mieville seems to be suggesting that art and culture remain a powerful salve against the forces of extremism and fascism – and while this novella perhaps won’t stay that long in the memory – the ideas it grapples with certainly should.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
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Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
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Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
If you go
The flights
Emirates (www.emirates.com) and Etihad (www.etihad.com) both fly direct to Bengaluru, with return fares from Dh 1240. From Bengaluru airport, Coorg is a five-hour drive by car.
The hotels
The Tamara (www.thetamara.com) is located inside a working coffee plantation and offers individual villas with sprawling views of the hills (tariff from Dh1,300, including taxes and breakfast).
When to go
Coorg is an all-year destination, with the peak season for travel extending from the cooler months between October and March.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
SPECS
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Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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