I’ve never read Iain Banks or Iain M Banks before (the difference of name coincides with whether Banks is writing fantasy or science fiction). I probably should have chosen my first book from The Culture Series more carefully but I wanted to read a Culture novel before buying Surface Details (his latest) and my Mum had this one lying around (free book). My mum didn’t think to warn me that I would be extremely confused and not understand the context of the story without pre reading the other books. But that is very typical of my mother!
Inversions is by Iain M Banks and therefore a sci-fi. This surprised me, as it appears to be fantasy, particularly at the beginning of the novel. The novel is set on a world reminiscent of our feudal times. Rest assured the novel is speculative fiction but if you’re expecting advanced technology, spaceships and intergalactic mercenaries you will be disappointed.
The important thing to know with this book is if haven’t read The Culture Series before you are going to be left with loose ends and mystery. Like the narrator Uelph, you will not be able to understand certain events. The clues are there but without the background knowledge it’s hopeless to figure out unless you read some of the other novels. Fortunately, you can read the other novels after, which isn’t too bad because regardless of still being in the dark, I still quite enjoyed the novel.
Whereas, the other Culture novels take the bird’s eye view on society. Inversions is the point of view. It’s the micro as opposed to the macro. The main focus appears to be how one person (or indeed two people) can influence the culture of a country.
The novel is told by Uelph. He tells two stories that appear to have no connection. The connection, in reality, is the culture. Although he can’t explain it, Uelph believes something extraordinary influenced and connects the two stories – the culture.
The first story is of Doctor Vosill, Uelph’s mentor and the doctor to King Quience of Hapside.
The second story is set in another country where DeWar is the bodyguard of The Protector, General UrLeyn who is the target of assassination.
Both characters are mysteriously from other realms. Each is trusted in positions to the most influencial people. Both appear to be highly trusted and given the opportunity to influence the future of the nations. They are also hugely successful in their chosen pursuits; the Doctor is the best in her profession and DeWar demonstrates impeccable abilities to protect the General from harm.
The truth about the pair is revealed through a ‘fairy tale’ DeWar tells his General’s younger son. In this sense the novel is a moralistic tale above all else. The two members on the Culture must decide:
“ Was it better to leave them alone or was it better to try and make life better for them? Even if you decided it was the right thing to do to make life better for them, which way did you do this? Did you say, Come and join us and be like us? Did you say, Give up all your own ways of doing things, the gods that you worship, the beliefs you hold most dear, the traditions that make you who you are? Or do you say, We have decided you should stay roughly as you are and we will treat you like children and give you toys that might make your life better? ”—Inversions, chapter 6
This book is a funny one because the plot appears relatively simple. It could of fallen flat on its face if Banks wasn’t a good writer and the characters weren’t interesting and likeable. The intrique carries you through though. And put together with the context of the culture series and the value behind it, it makes a good but not great read.
No comments:
Post a Comment