http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-22015175 Tragic, tragic news and I'm sure many other forum members will be as gutted as I am to read this. A great author and probably my all time favourite, really defining the space opera genre for me.
Oh man this makes me sad I have read all his non sci fi books (the weird ones) I am getting through his sci fi stuff. That's a real shocker
Iain Banks http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/apr/03/iain-banks-gall-bladder-cancer Very grim news indeed.
Pookey, Pookey, Pookey. Not that I mind another thread about one of my favourite authors, but it's posted here.
I'm gonna read all his books again, one after the other as a mark of respect. I know he's not gone yet... but so what. Very sad news indeed.
Well great, this did nothing to help alleviate my grim mood this morning. I'll have to pay the great Iain M. Banks a tribute in the form of re-reading all his books starting with Excession I think. Here's to hoping you beat the odds and pull through Mr. Banks (and then finally write a culture book that tops Excession).
Think i may go back to the start with 'Consider Phlebas' although i still have his most recent to read. A shame book reading can't heal.
Indeed it is. The Hydrogen Sonata was, as expected, a very good book, and quite similar to Excession in its expression, but lacking the same overall feel that you got from Excession. There's a sense of playfulness and excitement in Excession that I feel is missing or diminished in Sonata. However, as always with his books; it is a very good read.
I've got all the culture novels, some physical and some Kindle. Personally I thought Hydrogen Sonata was harking back to earlier works in the series and recaptured more of the essence of the series. Its terrible news for him and his family, and I'm sad that there'll be no more culture novels
Was gutted to read this news story yesterday. Player of Games was the first Iain M Banks book I read back in 1993 and it started a lasting love affair with the Culture and Banks sci-fi works in general. Full collection takes pride of place on my bookshelf and its very sad that it won't be expanding any further.
In the article he states that his current book, The Quarry, will probably be his last. So at least one more Banks book will take place on our bookshelves soon. I too am proud owner of all his books in hardcopy form.
Threads merged, in case of confusion. Sad news - I've not read many of his books, but I enjoyed the Wasp Factory and The Bridge immensely.
