_Consider Phlebas_ by Iain M. Banks

Grand vistas, but grim storytelling.

( *Lots* of spoilers here )

To paraphrase rickthefightguy quoting The Princess Bride: "Geez, grampa! Why'd you tell me this story?" What reason is there for this book to exist? What was he trying to say that was worth hundred of pages of prose to say it?

I read this because I have heard many people whose opinions I respect recommend Banks, especially his Culture novels, of which this is the first. But I gotta say that there's nothing in this one for me. So a question for those who have read more of them: Do any of the others contain at least *some* of the elements I like?

Not Recommended.

_Consider Phlebas_ by Iain M. Banks

Grand vistas, but grim storytelling.

( *Lots* of spoilers here )

To paraphrase rickthefightguy quoting The Princess Bride: "Geez, grampa! Why'd you tell me this story?" What reason is there for this book to exist? What was he trying to say that was worth hundred of pages of prose to say it?

I read this because I have heard many people whose opinions I respect recommend Banks, especially his Culture novels, of which this is the first. But I gotta say that there's nothing in this one for me. So a question for those who have read more of them: Do any of the others contain at least *some* of the elements I like?

Not Recommended.