Miéville writes a mini-masterpiece that is densely packed with thrills and art history. The book‘s description doesn‘t mislead as much as it can‘t encompass the dream-like read that, if you want to enjoy this book, you as a reader need to give yourself over to. I find this with many of his books, that once you‘ve crossed into a Miéville world you‘re pretty much a goner; soaking in whatever strange essence he has concocted.