inversions
2 journalers for this copy...
Registering all Hubby's books on the shelf.
Will consider trading if asked.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Science fiction readers know that Iain Banks writes "respectable" novels (such as The Wasp Factory) while his alter ego Iain M. Banks produces equally well-written but often more playful sci-fi--most famously, the gaudy and galaxy-spanning Culture series. In Inversions, Banks is being tricky again. Besides extra moons in the sky and stories of devastating meteor showers that toppled a former Empire, this novel's squalid, pre-industrial world seems to have no sci-fi elements. The two entwined stories feature a woman who becomes personal physician to one kingdom's absolute monarch, and the male bodyguard of a rival and more "progressive" country's Cromwell-like Protector. Both protagonists are mysterious outsiders from farther away than the King or Protector can ever imagine. Readers of Banks's other science fiction will spot the clues to their origins. Others may be slightly puzzled, especially by a seeming miracle which intervenes when the doctor faces torture--but can still enjoy the elegant narrative reversals, reflections and echoes. There are also generous helpings of blood, violence, poisoning, ingenious deceits and high excitement, spiced with political philosophy. Banks continues his pleasant habit of never repeating himself. --David Langford
Will consider trading if asked.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Science fiction readers know that Iain Banks writes "respectable" novels (such as The Wasp Factory) while his alter ego Iain M. Banks produces equally well-written but often more playful sci-fi--most famously, the gaudy and galaxy-spanning Culture series. In Inversions, Banks is being tricky again. Besides extra moons in the sky and stories of devastating meteor showers that toppled a former Empire, this novel's squalid, pre-industrial world seems to have no sci-fi elements. The two entwined stories feature a woman who becomes personal physician to one kingdom's absolute monarch, and the male bodyguard of a rival and more "progressive" country's Cromwell-like Protector. Both protagonists are mysterious outsiders from farther away than the King or Protector can ever imagine. Readers of Banks's other science fiction will spot the clues to their origins. Others may be slightly puzzled, especially by a seeming miracle which intervenes when the doctor faces torture--but can still enjoy the elegant narrative reversals, reflections and echoes. There are also generous helpings of blood, violence, poisoning, ingenious deceits and high excitement, spiced with political philosophy. Banks continues his pleasant habit of never repeating himself. --David Langford
Released on Saturday, April 24, 2004 at Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes, England United Kingdom.
Taking this book to a book crossing meet up at 3pm outside Ottakers, followed by coffee at the nearby Starbucks.
Taking this book to a book crossing meet up at 3pm outside Ottakers, followed by coffee at the nearby Starbucks.
Caught at the meet-up in Milton Keynes.
I have heard this author mentioned quite a bit on the BCUK Yahoo! Group, but never read anything by him or his alter ego, so I am looking forward to this.
Thanks, Weebly, and also for organising the meet yesterday.
I have heard this author mentioned quite a bit on the BCUK Yahoo! Group, but never read anything by him or his alter ego, so I am looking forward to this.
Thanks, Weebly, and also for organising the meet yesterday.
Journal Entry 4 by Moondreamer from Sandhurst, Berkshire United Kingdom on Monday, November 27, 2006
Sorry I've had this so very long!
I enjoyed this, and will definitely look out for more by this author, although David Langford is right, one or two bits were slightly puzzling to a 'new' reader.
Thanks, weebly. Hope to release this soon.
I enjoyed this, and will definitely look out for more by this author, although David Langford is right, one or two bits were slightly puzzling to a 'new' reader.
Thanks, weebly. Hope to release this soon.
Release planned for this weekend; not sure where or when yet, so won't make release notes yet.
Weebly - hope you're feeling much better and that progress is good, and that ultimately all you've gone through will have been worthwhile.
Weebly - hope you're feeling much better and that progress is good, and that ultimately all you've gone through will have been worthwhile.
