The first book I read by Banks was chosen mainly because of its paperback exterior and also by randomly picking it from the lending library shelf. Looking back, I must admit that the book actually chose me!

Set in a real place in Scotland, which is also the author's homeland, I could easily envision the surroundings due to Banks' vivid descriptive imagery. He masterfully weaves interesting plots like crime, politics, and sex with sub-plots such as drug use and computer games to create a rich and engaging read that keeps you hooked for life! I noticed these sub/plots recurring in part or in parallel in the subsequent books I read by Banks, whether they were Science Fiction or not. Thus, Banks also creates a connection among his series of books, making the reader fall into his literary trap just like some of the main characters in the novels spiral within the stories.

I was so fascinated by this book that I bought an original DVD of the movie based on it. But I'm not ashamed to admit that I didn't watch the movie before re-reading the book for the second time!

Banks writes in a unique way that I've never experienced before. One minute he's spending long chapters describing a grey, dull-looking building, and then he suddenly presents an image filled with sex and drugs. The next, it's a discussion about Tory and Labour politics. And don't be surprised if you find a humorous touch within a murder scene that is otherwise bloody and unforgiving!

Banks is truly a must-read for avid readers, and I highly recommend this book as a great first introduction to Banks for anyone.

An entertaining and well-written crime thriller that offers a scathing critique of modern society, its politics, greed, and overall morality. Journalist Cameron Colley stumbles upon a lead that seems to promise a huge story. However, to his dismay, he soon finds himself under suspicion by the police for being a serial killer. Cameron, following the tip-offs he received, just so happens to be in the vicinity of several murder sites. What further incriminates him is the fact that the victims are precisely the kind of people Cameron openly criticizes in his articles.

Here is an example of Iain Banks' writing style:

'The point is, there is no feasible excuse for what are, for what we have made of ourselves. We have chosen to put profits before people, money before morality, dividends before decency, fanaticism before fairness, and our own trivial comforts before the unspeakable agonies of others.'

This crime thriller not only keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its thrilling plot but also makes them reflect on the state of our society. The author's skillful writing and incisive social commentary add depth and substance to the story, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Cameron Colley sometimes smokes one joint too many and also strays off the path from time to time. Nevertheless, he is a good reporter and is appreciated by colleagues and superiors, even if he sometimes drives them crazy. He has a nose for a good story and once he is on a trail, he doesn't let go. This time, however, his good nose gets him into trouble. When he follows the tips of a mysterious source, he stumbles upon the trail of a serial killer. Unfortunately, the police believe that he is the killer himself.

At the beginning of the story, I was able to watch the perpetrator during his probably first crime. He is very unsure and tries to do everything right. It seemed to me as if he had a work plan in front of him that he was now working through point by point. He really didn't seem to be suited for this job and his behavior brought a certain comic element to the story.

Cameron, on the other hand, is completely different: chaotic, not always reliable, a bit messy and with a penchant for S&M that he preferably lives out with the wrong women. Nevertheless, the perpetrator and the reporter are the perfect opponents, precisely because they are so different. At first, Cameron doesn't know that someone has drawn him into his diabolical game.

I have read "Complicity" for the second time, but that didn't make the book boring. It was fun to watch Cameron in his daily life at the beginning and to follow how the perpetrator becomes more and more skilled. I couldn't be angry with him because his victims were not innocent, even if the public didn't always know that. However, it also quickly made me realize who the perpetrator was, while Cameron was still groping in the dark. For me, a good crime novel is one that still works on the second reading. Even if Iain Banks has written a rather unusual crime novel with "Complicity".

I gave it my all, but unfortunately, it just wasn't meant to be for me.

Perhaps I made a wrong choice when I selected this particular book as my very first read by Iain Banks.

However, I'm not one to give up easily. I won't completely rule out the possibility of trying another one of his works in the future.

In fact, I'm quite curious and excited to see how our Iain Banks Book Group evening, which is scheduled for later this month, will unfold.

Who knows? Maybe that will be the moment when I truly understand and appreciate the genius of Iain Banks.

Until then, I'll keep an open mind and look forward to the discussions and insights that will surely come our way.

Complicity is my second encounter with a Banks novel, following The Wasp Factory. Both are undoubtedly 5-star reads. The main reason lies in Banks' remarkable ability as a storyteller. He can captivate the reader and even evoke sympathy in situations where one might not initially feel comfortable. If only life hadn't constantly intervened, I would have devoured this book in a single sitting with great ease.

The book is highly unpredictable. I was merely making guesses until around two-thirds of the way through, which is rather late compared to what I'm accustomed to. However, when I reflected on the story after finishing, everything seemed complete. It had that wonderful deceptively simple quality and an ending that I wholeheartedly approved of.

The novel contains a significant amount of violence, both within and outside the bedroom, as well as scenes of torture. Instead of being gratuitous, this violence serves to spark potential discussions among readers and perhaps in some delightfully twisted book clubs. I've always been a fan of debates regarding vigilante justice, the greater good, moral right, and capital punishment. This book at least touches on each of these topics to varying degrees.

What truly made this book stand out and earn its 5-star rating was Banks' storytelling method. Portions of it were told in the second-person narrative, and surprisingly, it worked perfectly. I truly felt as if I were part of the story. Believe me, the second-person narrative scenes are not something I ever wish to experience in real life.

I also adored how Banks introduced and intertwined the protagonist's memories and real-time drug use into the story. In the end, this book felt more like a tragedy than crime-horror fiction, but it's a tragedy well worth reading. While The Wasp Factory was disturbing in more ways in my personal opinion, Complicity is the better-written novel.

I spent the first two thirds of this book hating it.

It was a mystery thriller, and from the very beginning, I had already worked out who had done it and why they had done it.

The plot seemed so obvious that I was just painfully keeping going, unable to believe that something could be this straightforward.

However, suddenly near the end, a remarkable transformation occurred.

I realized that it wasn't merely a mystery thriller.

In fact, it was a profound moral tale, a powerful political statement, and a scathing criticism of modern society.

The whole thing had a significance that I simply hadn't expected.

To be honest, it wasn't the best book I have ever read.

I wouldn't even say that it really deserves the four stars I have given it.

But still, I am glad that I read it.

Yes, it did make me think deeply about various aspects of our society and human nature.

After all, what else can you truly ask from a book but to make you think and gain new perspectives?

The ending of this book is truly remarkable. It's a rather chaotic piece of writing, filled with a lot of graphic content. However, the questions it poses still feel highly relevant even 30 years after its publication. Any book by Iain Banks has the power to make you yearn to visit Scotland in the 90s. He describes the landscape and way of life with such vividness. The image of listening to The Pixies CDs on the motorway, seeing tweedy old couples, and experiencing the post-industrial areas and the highlands is truly captivating. These books are also deeply psychological. The flashback scenes in the woods, where teenage Cameron and Andy are exploring their sexuality only to be interrupted by the backpacked red-haired 'I'm a policeman' predator, are masterfully done. Sadly, such issues are all too common. The swift justice found in that case would, in many ways, be desirable. But we also see the scars left behind. I found the vigilante generally unsympathetic, while the speed snorting journalist was quite likeable. His ongoing affair added an interesting dimension. The scene where the arms dealer watches his foxhounds being shot to death is a powerful image, especially considering he had indirectly killed thousands in the Iran-Iraq war. I suppose the question it raises is what we think of the British mini-Eichmanns, those who abuse humanity from their nice homes in the Cotswolds or Belgravia and sit on the Arts Council or receive 'OBEs'. And to what degree are we all complicit? Hmm, well, I don't have an answer, but it was a novel approach to combine 1980s Marxist Journalism with Rorschach style 'justice'. Steep Approach to Garbadale is my favorite of his books and the one I'd recommend to anyone who liked this. Crow Road is also brilliant. I haven't actually read The Wasp Factory, but it's likewise supposed to be great. Well, thanks to William for introducing me to this.

So violent. So good. These two short phrases seem to convey a rather complex and perhaps somewhat contradictory message. The term "violent" immediately brings to mind images of aggression, chaos, and destruction. It implies a forceful and unrestrained nature that can cause harm and turmoil. However, the subsequent "So good" seems to suggest that there is something positive or appealing about this violence.

Perhaps it is the idea that in certain contexts, violence can be a means to an end. It could be a way to assert power, make a statement, or achieve a goal that might otherwise seem unattainable. In some forms of art, for example, violence can be used to create a sense of drama, tension, or impact. It can draw the audience in and make them feel a range of emotions.

Alternatively, the phrase could be interpreted more metaphorically. Maybe it is referring to a passionate or intense approach to something. In this sense, being "violent" could mean being completely committed and dedicated, throwing oneself into a task or pursuit with full force. And the "So good" would then signify the satisfaction or fulfillment that comes from such wholehearted engagement.

2.5 Stars
This book is truly a mess. I deliberately set out to read disturbing books this year, and lo and behold, I discovered yet another one. Let's assume this book contains all the content warnings, ranging from rape to explicit violence. I can tolerate a significant amount of dark content, but I must admit that this particular one really pushed the boundaries. However, my relatively low rating is actually more due to the writing, which was rather crude.

This is a book that should be read for its plot rather than its prose. The narrative was extremely chaotic and detracted from the story. I did appreciate the inclusion of a second-person perspective, but otherwise, I was frustrated by the narrative structure. I would only recommend this book to other readers who are actively seeking stories that will make them extremely uncomfortable. It's not a book for the faint of heart or those who prefer polished writing and a seamless narrative. But if you're looking for something that will shock and challenge you, this might be worth a read.

This litany of the late Mr Banks' sexual and violent fantasies truly turned my stomach. It was so disturbing that I simply won't be reading more of his works.

The plot that was supposed to link these fantasies ultimately made no sense at all. It was a jumbled mess that left me completely confused.

Moreover, the excessive listing of brand names of vehicles, computer models, and bands, along with the over-attention to the rules of computer games, was extremely tiresome.

Adding to that, the obsession with drugs and the irrelevant digressions, like the random mention of whisky, were not only irritating but also served to pad out the quite low word total.

My copy carried an unattributed endorsement by the Independent on Sunday, drawing a comparison with Robert Louis Stevenson. However, I strongly disagree. I don't think Mr Banks' writing even comes close to the caliber of Stevenson's.

I have read this book for the second time, and it still managed to make me audibly exclaim "Holy shit" at the end.

The story presents a fascinating conflict. On one hand, there is the passive, hand-wringing, and mildly socialist impotence of the post-modern narcissistic individual. This type of person is often consumed by self-reflection and a sense of powerlessness, unable to take decisive action.

On the other hand, there is the self-assured, yet horrifying morality of an individual who goes out and makes a difference. This person is driven by a strong belief in their own cause, but their methods may be extreme or unethical.

The contrast between these two types of characters creates a powerful and thought-provoking narrative. It makes the reader question their own beliefs and actions, and consider the consequences of both passivity and activism.

Overall, this is a brilliant story that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a deep and engaging read.

There was no way not to continue with Banks after "The Factory of Bubbles". "Participation" is an unusual thriller.

The main hero is a reporter with a drug addiction, who is thrown into the middle of a series of murders for which he has no alibi. Little by little, his past unfolds, the events from his childhood, and how they are connected to the investigation.

This story takes the reader on a thrilling journey as the hero tries to solve the mystery and clear his name. The author skillfully weaves together the present and the past, creating a complex and engaging plot.

As the story progresses, the reader is kept on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next and how the hero will manage to escape from the dangerous situation he finds himself in. "Participation" is a must-read for fans of thrillers and mysteries.