Iain M. Banks, Consider Phlebas Reviews

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Although the conceptual level it was quite interesting - i.e. mega-scale civilizations clashing, mega-populations, mega-engineering works, mega-communist society; the long Spielberg Indiana Jones like roller coaster ride experienced by the main characters was too far-fetched. Some of the decisions taken by the characters seemed inconsistent with what would be expected from pirates or professional soldiers - it was like they were bending over backwards to sabotage their own efforts. If the characters experiences had been more believable and less action packed, it would have been a much better book. In its defense, if you like the concept, and don't mind unlikely chains of good and bad fortune, then it will hold your attention.

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Banks is known for his split personality, with Iain Banks writing general fiction, whereas his alter ego Iain M. Banks is sci-fi. This distinction is well-documented and Banks is celebrated for being able to ' bridge the gap 'apparently effortlessly between the two genres. But, wait a second, who said these genres are mutually exclusive? Who decided you couldn ' t write both? I don ' t subscribe to that view of the world, and I can ' t imagine Huxley, Orwell or Bradbury agreeing that all they ...

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Iain M. Banks, Consider Phlebas - It has been so long since I have read this book I usually make a point of coming back and reading books I particularly loved, unfortunately my copy was lost by my brother in some scummy part of Sunderland (I almost rang his neck). No worry though, I'll find another copy with that fantasy cover that you don't quite understand until you start reading it.
One massive thing I really hate about this book and most Banks books in general is how much you get to know th ...