The Sword and Laser discussion

I've finished a second read of this book and I am convinced it it one of the true great SciFi novels of the 20th century.
Anyone else read it?

This one?

Use of Weapons

Hated the last part. It's in my status and review.

Yeah V, sorry for not including the link - brainfartage.

Tamahome wrote: "Hated the last part. It's in my status and review."

What did you hate about the last part? It was a shock (although Banks did hint towards it throughout the book), but seemed to fit the theme of the book.

Cp wrote: "I've finished a second read of this book and I am convinced it it one of the true great SciFi novels of the 20th century.
Anyone else read it?"

Any of the Culture books are great to read in my opinion. This was one the best though.

Cp wrote: "Tamahome wrote: "Hated the last part. It's in my status and review."

What did you hate about the last part? It was a shock (although Banks did hint towards it throughout the book), but seemed t..."

I was already getting disgusted with the party stuff, and then the chair...

Tamahome wrote: "Cp wrote: "Tamahome wrote: "Hated the last part. It's in my status and review."

What did you hate about the last part? It was a shock (although Banks did hint towards it throughout the book), but..."

That's understandable. I think, after a second reading, I was able to appreciate just how Banks means to express that war, past or present is rather disgusting - and how the use of any weapon, guns, knives, even names - can be disgusting, in its own right.

I can absolutely understand your point, though. It's definitely not a feel-good ending; but I don't see how any war has a feel-good ending for those involved in the aftermath.

It reminds me of watching the History Channel and hearing WWII vets talking about the horrors and how they live with them for the rest of their lives. We may see 'winning' a war as a happy ending, but the war goes on for so many, unfortunately.

Cp wrote: "I've finished a second read of this book and I am convinced it it one of the true great SciFi novels of the 20th century.
Anyone else read it?"

Yes I really enjoyed this book, as I did with all the other Culture novels by Banks. The ending is somewhat unusual compared with most other books, but that is somewhat his style. Several of them have left me thinking "how could he end it like that" after reading the very last sentence.

I've been interested in Banks, but haven't read him yet -- should the Culture books be read in a certain order, or are they independent stories set in the same universe?

How does Player of Games compare? People seem to rave about that one.

Tamahome wrote: "How does Player of Games compare? People seem to rave about that one."

The Player of Gamesis great, too.
I also loved Consider Phlebas, being quite the Banks fan. His crime novels are pretty good, too. he's not for everyone, as he likes to show the sick and unpleasant side of humanity, oftentimes; but he's never boring.

Jlawrence wrote: "I've been interested in Banks, but haven't read him yet -- should the Culture books be read in a certain order, or are they independent stories set in the same universe?"

The Culture books are only directly connected by The Culture, itself. Reading them in order isn't necessary.

Jlawrence wrote: "I've been interested in Banks, but haven't read him yet -- should the Culture books be read in a certain order, or are they independent stories set in the same universe?"

I would read Consider Phlebas first as it has a somewhat different take on Culture that might be spoilt by reading any of the others first.

Thanks, CP and Andrew. I've added both Consider Phlebas & Use of Weapons to my to-read list.

I love Banks and have been a cheerleader of his for years. Use of weapons is really good - Banks' take on the depravity of violence is really thought provoking. But, for me, the best Culture novel is a toss-up between Excession and Player of Games. Excession is awesome in so many ways, not the least of which is the ship names. Any universe that has AI controlled ships that name themselves things like "Anticipation of a New Lover's Arrival" or "Shoot them Later" is A-OK by me.