In the ordinary course of events, I would likely rate this a 4. I was truly devastated when Iain passed away. I was aware that I still had his remarkable gift of 2 more Culture books to relish, namely this one and Inversion. So, while I was excited to read another Banks book, it was with a heavy heart, knowing that there would be no more.

This was a beautiful book that delved into death, memory, and loss, but also explored life. I adored the alien Homondan. There was a great twist at the end. As always, Banks had his wonderful touch of humor and humanity. One of my favorite scenes was when some anonymous Culture members at a party bantered about Ship's names. I have always derived such enjoyment from those.

I found myself completely immersed in the story, and it made me reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing our memories. The way Banks crafted the characters and the world-building was truly masterful.

Overall, this book is a fitting tribute to Iain Banks and his incredible talent. It will be cherished by fans of the Culture series and science fiction enthusiasts alike.

Mmm… Where to start?

The characters: the characters don't matter much. Or nothing, except for one that is used to show how a tragedy to which one reacts badly can lead to bad things. In this case, it is the death of one of the members of a couple that causes the loss of the will to live and leads to actions that are perfectly reasoned and rational but do not exclude the death of billions of people.

But as it is told, it doesn't sound so epic-tragic. The author gives it a human touch, one of understanding that as a reader, although I see what it implies, I understand the character's state. Bringing it to a very current field, how can one not understand that the widow of a thirty-five-year-old military man can declare herself anti-vaccine? Or the same position of someone who has spent months in agony in intensive care? In these cases, they are situations where the reaction only affects at an individual level but the mechanism is very similar.

What else? The story itself doesn't have much. Or nothing. The context, the setting, as if his "Culture" books always have that setting and yet I always find a different point of view or world. In each of the different novels, he always ends up adding nuances to the created universe.

OK, enough beating around the bush, let's get to the point! (and that's where it falls, by the era, right?). Here is our quasi-protagonist on a trip-walk and he observes a mountain on which there is a kind of monastery and then he remembers the time he spent in it and during that period a discussion he had with the canon about the "post-mortem heaven" and its creation.

So we have: the first level of tourism there, the second remembering his times of rest seeking spiritual peace, and the third. It doesn't end up being an exercise in narrative dynamism, no sir. And in that third level, we are explained that once society reaches the point where minds are storable in devices, death is not the same and therefore all the part of religio-cultural beliefs such as where souls go after death loses its meaning. Unless of course one believes in a kind of place where the deceased are stored. Well, that with its implications and more things constitute the core of the philosophical musings that make up the book. And maybe it caught me being playful, perhaps with a few too many firearms, but Iain, GIVE ME MORE GREAT PHILOSOPHICAL MUSINGS!! (I'm aware that the author spiced it up).

Recomendable? No, damn it. The first three are enough. But once you catch the author's point, I consider it interesting because I often end up finding something.

Then there is another reading, the one that the author probably wanted to do and I don't mention. Let's say an empire carries out some interventionist acts beyond its controlled territories. Let's say that years later things happen that largely derive from those acts. Let's say that the religious theme is in the middle. So it would explain some power dynamics, reprisals, and vengeance. Another reading, of course.

This was an exquisitely beautiful Culture book. It not only decries war but also does an absolutely fabulous job as a space opera. It creates a plethora of characters, each of whom could potentially have their own entire books.

We get to learn so much more about the Culture and its diverse denizens, as well as those who oppose it. We are transported far and wide with the willing participants and their drones. It's truly fascinating.

The Culture Series by Iain M Banks is a remarkable collection. Each book offers a unique perspective and adventure.

From "Consider Phlebas" to "The Hydrogen Sonata" and even "A Few Notes on the Culture", there is a wealth of stories to explore.

The non-Culture Sci-Fi works by Banks, such as "Feersum Endjinn", "Against a Dark Background", "The Algebraist", and "Transition", also offer captivating reads.

Overall, Iain M Banks' works are a must-read for any science fiction enthusiast.

Full review on my podcast, SFBRP episode #263.

This episode was truly a captivating one. We delved deep into various topics, exploring different aspects with great detail. The discussions were engaging and thought-provoking, leaving the listeners with a lot to ponder upon.

Coming soon: Culture Read-Through Wrap-Up show. This show is highly anticipated as it will bring together all the highlights and key takeaways from our previous culture read-through sessions. It will be a great opportunity for the audience to重温 and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the cultural aspects we have explored.

Stay tuned for more exciting content on my podcast!

Another Banks good read!

If you're a book lover, you'll be excited to know that there's another great read from Banks. This author has a reputation for creating engaging and thought-provoking stories that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

The latest offering from Banks is no exception. It takes you on a journey through a world filled with complex characters, thrilling plot twists, and deep themes. Whether you're into mystery, adventure, or romance, there's something for everyone in this book.

One of the things that makes Banks' writing so special is his ability to bring his characters to life. You'll find yourself rooting for the heroes and despising the villains as you follow their adventures. The vivid descriptions and detailed settings also add to the overall atmosphere of the book, making it feel like you're actually there.

So if you're looking for a new book to add to your reading list, look no further than Another Banks good read. It's sure to provide you with hours of entertainment and leave you wanting more.

- A huge sociopolitical intentionality beneath the veneer of gender.

- Gender. Science fiction.

- What it tells us. In the book "A barlovento" (original publication: "Look to Windward", 2000), Worosei is a Chelgrian military who will travel to an orbital of The Culture on a diplomatic mission with the aim of bringing back Zeller, a self-exiled musician there, with him. But behind the mission lies something much more dangerous, an act that mixes aggression, revenge, and socioreligious action. And it is that the actions of The Culture, a long time ago, caused countless deaths among the Chelgrians. The sixth book in the "La Cultura" series.

- Do you want to know more about this book, without spoilers? Visit:

- http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...

This science fiction book, "A barlovento", delves into a complex world where gender is just the surface layer covering a much deeper sociopolitical intentionality. The story follows Worosei, a Chelgrian military on a diplomatic mission to The Culture's orbital. His task is to convince Zeller, a self-exiled musician, to return with him. However, there is a hidden danger lurking behind this mission. The actions of The Culture in the past have led to numerous deaths among the Chelgrians, and this has set in motion a series of events that involve aggression, revenge, and socioreligious action. As the sixth book in the "La Cultura" series, it offers readers a fascinating exploration of a unique fictional universe. If you're interested in learning more about this book without having the plot spoiled, be sure to visit the provided link.

Kultūras cikla projekts man jau rit otro gadu. Nevar teikt, ka man šī sērija nepatiktu. It's just that after reading each book, there isn't an immediate desire to read the next one right away. The author knows how to create new and interesting worlds and solve puzzling problems. At times, the writing is a bit dictatorial, but that is fully compensated by the well-written parts.

It has been 800 years since the day of the Dvīņu Novu war. One of the bloodiest wars in the history of the Culture. The Masak orbital station is located 800 light-years away from the site of the war and is preparing for a memorial ceremony for the dead. For the 50 billion people living here, it is difficult to understand how entire planetary systems can be destroyed and what role the Culture civilization played in this event. Also, the planet Čel's envoy, major Kvilans (Quilan), is going to Masak. Her planet has recently experienced a civil war, and many on this journey see Čel's desire to reconcile with the representatives of the Culture. Perhaps he wants to meet the most famous dissident composer on his planet, Ziller. But no one knows the real reason for the mission, not even Kvilans himself.

Well, anyway, the author has a talent for planetary construction these days. In this book, the author has created two more ecosystems without the Culture's orbital station. The planet Čel is a typical planet where intelligence exists, but this time the intelligence has arisen from bacteria. Their social structure dynamics are completely different from those of all other civilizations. First of all, it is a caste system, where membership is determined by birth. The caste boundaries are guarded, and often they have been the cause of bloody wars. These wars are often also called caste wars. The inhabitants of Čel have another unusual feature. Unlike other highly developed cultures, only a small part of the population has transcended in a certain historical period. In addition, this departure from the physical world has not been complete, they still maintain connections and beliefs. A kind of religion has arisen, and its adepts are guaranteed immortality and resurrection in very real clouds.

The Culture, for some reason, has not taken all these nuances into account and, in its own way, trying to democratize society, has caused the bloodiest civil war in the history of the planet. They achieved their goal - the planet's inhabitants united, but not out of good will, but in hatred against the Culture. It is so easy to justify oneself and say, look, we are no longer to blame, they provoked us. Even their transhuman creators have no desire for peace. If you look at it generally, then the book is such an interplanetary allegory about the US intervention in the Middle East. About how one value system tries to replace another. Perhaps especially without demanding a democratizable view of one's own future. The Culture's desire to bring light to other civilizations is at the same level as it is sometimes a benefactor and sometimes a policeman. Perhaps this is a criticism of US foreign policy.

The second world is a planet with an atmosphere populated by behemoth-zoa. It was undoubtedly created artificially with a small core but a huge atmosphere in which behemoth-zoa and other organisms symbiotic with the continents slowly float. Here each species performs certain functions. All these zoos are at a high level of development. If humans were smart, then the behemoth-zoa would be humans, as some representative of the Culture studied. One thing is clear, if any race tries to take over these beings, then regardless of how powerful they are, the expected lifespan of such civilizations quickly approaches zero. Perhaps that's why everyone here has learned to respect the rules. At first, when the events unfold slowly, this world serves the reader as a haven where one can read good SF with interesting biology and philosophy.

The main characters of the book are quite interesting. Kabe, a three-and-a-half-meter-long three-armed creature that looks like a triangle. He is a reporter who sends news to his planet from the Culture. In the first part of the book, he engages in philosophical discussions with Ziller. Ziller, a composer who once belonged to one of the highest castes on Čel, has turned away from everything and fled to the Culture. But he knows the realities of his planet and has no desire to deal with major Kvilan. He has reasonable suspicions that this planet's emissary is here for only one purpose - to capture him. Kvilans, a former soldier who has lost the will to live but has a desire to leave with a big bang. Her emotions can be understood, but why she chose such a way to put an end to her life can only be guessed after reading the entire book. And, of course, Masak's artificial intelligence, an intellect that can guarantee the life of all its 50 billion inhabitants, manage all the station's infrastructure and, if necessary, negotiate with each one. Her capabilities are beyond human comprehension.

Despite all the wonderful planets and interesting plots, it takes the author half the book to get into it. The foundation laid at the beginning is useful these days, but it could have been presented more interestingly. I have to admit that when I got to the halfway point, I considered putting the book aside completely. Forget about its existence and devote myself to something else. Then the reading of the series would have been prematurely completed. Fortunately, I was able to overcome myself because the ending was excellent. The author weaves various tricks throughout the book to attract the reader, make him draw the wrong conclusions and then show everything a little differently. I liked that, it makes you think about everything all the time and put the events in a new perspective.

I give the book 8 out of 10 points. Good criticism of democratization, about how apologizing does not always heal all the wounds and quench the thirst for revenge. About a highly developed religious society where the clouds are reality and about its individuals. It can be read separately from the entire series, but the first two hundred pages will be boring.

Reading Banks' books has always been a challenging task for me. My relatively small brain can typically handle 2-3 easily memorable characters with a simple plot line or two. However, Banks is more than happy to create names that have only the most tenuous connection to existing human languages (which makes perfect sense within the context of the fiction, to be fair). He joyfully weaves multiple parallel plots and timelines that seemingly have nothing in common, interspersed with flashbacks. I have a great affection for Banks, but oh my brain, it hurts!

So when I say that Look to Windward was straightforward to read, it is in comparison to his other works.

This is the seventh book in the Culture series, so expect science fiction elements such as superhuman artificial intelligences, various alien species (including extremely fascinating non-humanoid ones), amazing worlds, spaceships, a bit of (thankfully brief this time) gore, and a plethora of things to ponder.

Since the Culture books are very loosely connected, you are free to read them in any order you desire, and you could do much worse than starting with this one.

You would miss the reference to GCU Grey Area and one of the most wonderful scenes I encountered (two Culture citizens sharing the names of ships they came across - blatant fan service but also absolutely and obviously a wonderful thing that some people in the Culture do), but that's about it.

The story is self-contained, and the characters only appear in this book. And it's a great journey. Especially towards the end when everything starts to come together, along with an ending that I definitely did not anticipate.

I liked the characters, including the antagonist (a thing almost unheard of in the storytelling I've come across), and this is, I believe, the first time I've shed tears over a textual description of a symphony (yes, a musical symphony).

Oh, and there's also a fascinating exploration of religious doctrine, the afterlife, and reincarnation in a society where it is technologically possible to save someone's mental state and run it in a computational substrate or a new body.

All in all, it's an excellent book with a lot of strange things that you probably never thought of, but isn't that what science fiction is (supposed to be) great at?

If there is one thing I have reservations about, it would be the epilogue. While interesting, it felt a little too neat, too obvious. It seemed rather unnecessary while adding only very little. But that's the tiniest of complaints.

It's a fantastic book, and it in no way obligates you to read the rest of the series.

In my pursuit of reading the Culture books in the order of publication (for no particular good reason, as it's not really necessary), I have reached my seventh stop. All the elements that I adore about Banks are present here: entertaining AIs, thoughtful humans and aliens, the Culture and other cultures, and so on. (If you're not familiar, the Culture is a post-scarcity galactic civilization where citizens are liberated from the drudgeries of money and jobs - a concept that makes for excellent science fiction). Many typical Banskian themes also emerge, such as love, loss, regret, as well as contemplations on life, the universe, and everything.

One unusual aspect is that all the main characters are non-humans. Quilan and Ziller are five-limbed Chelgrians, and Kabe is a Homomdan (former friends of the Idirans featured in Consider Phelbas). You don't have to have read Consider Phlebas to understand this one; Banks provides readers with the necessary information. (Of course, you should read Consider Phlebas because it's amazing). The Mind that operates the Orbital also becomes a significant character. (A Mind is a super-intelligent AI, and an Orbital is like a giant space station, and this one has many extreme sports enthusiasts). Unfortunately, there is really only one drone character, but the other characters compensate for this flaw. (I mean Banksian hilarious, sarcastic drones, not the killing kind or the Radio Shack kind we have in the real world).

War, or more precisely its aftermath for combatants and their civilizations, is another major theme. I don't want to disclose too much about the plot, but the ending is emotional and makes it all worthwhile. In typical Banks style, there are moments when you're not sure what's happening (especially in the non-numbered chapters), but you have to trust that it all comes together in the end. Speaking of the end, death is another major topic: would you truly desire to live forever, or is there something to be said for the sweet oblivion of nothingness?

EDIT (June 7, 2015): See my reviews of all ten Culture books here: http://examinedworlds.blogspot.com/20...

The concept, the premise, and the world building in this work are as immaculate as ever.

However, the pacing is a bit too slow for my personal taste.

Although I greatly enjoy the vast scope and remarkable imagination that Banks展现s, I felt that the descriptions and digressions in this book were just a little bit too long.

Nonetheless, when I finished reading, I ended up staring into space, lost in thought, my mind blown as always by the author's creativity and depth.

The detailed world building and intricate concepts truly make this a captivating read, despite the slight issue with pacing.

It's a book that requires patience and a willingness to engage with the author's ideas, but the payoff is well worth it.

Overall, I would still highly recommend this work to fans of science fiction and those who appreciate well-crafted and imaginative worlds.

This is not only my favorite Culture book so far,

but also one of my new favorite science fiction books,

and indeed one of the best books I have ever read.

This book has had a profound impact on me on multiple levels.

After finishing it, I was left completely stunned.

I truly hope to write a comprehensive review in the future.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a book by Iain M Banks.

The man was an absolute legend in the world of literature.

I am already filled with excitement at the thought of completing the rest of this series and then reading them all over again.

His writing style is captivating, his imagination is limitless, and his ability to create complex and engaging universes is truly remarkable.

Each book in the Culture series offers a unique perspective on different aspects of society, politics, and human nature.

I can't wait to explore more of his works and continue to be amazed by his talent.

Gentile or Jew
O you who turn the wheel and look to windward
Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you.

I have a particular weakness for anyone who quotes Eliot, especially The Waste Land. Initially, I thought the title of this work was a bit excessive, considering Banks had already used "Consider Phlebas," which seemed more fitting for the novel it adorns. However, it just occurred to me that the people in this book are those who "look to windward." The entire book serves as an extended meditation on the message of Phlebas the Phoenician. It is a meditation on death, loss, despair, remorse, I suppose, but mostly on the diverse kinds of relationships one can have with death.

"Windward" is closely linked to Phlebas, both thematically and because it is in part about the aftermath of the war. Perhaps the title is intended to signify the importance of that connection, which I didn't pay much attention to at first. I should read the two books consecutively sometime.

This is, of course, the Culture. So, the characters have far more relationships with death at their disposal than ordinary humans do, just as they have more freedom of choice regarding almost everything else. They can Sublime (which I'm not entirely convinced of), have one or several of various kinds of uploaded personality-continuation afterlives, artificially extend their lifespans to arbitrary lengths, enter suspended animation, and probably others I've forgotten or which Banks hasn't thought of yet. But many choose to have the old-fashioned, no-backup-available, risky kind of relationship, and some of them go to great lengths to expose themselves to the risk of being killed and have a terrible time doing so. (Lava-rafting has to be the least enjoyable sport I've ever seen described.)

And then there's the Mind... "There are places to go, but either I would not be me when I went there, or I would remain myself and so still have my memories. By waiting for them to drop away all this time, I have grown into them, and they into me. We have become each other. There is no way back I consider worth taking." Quilan said something similar earlier in the novel, that he could not live with the knowledge of his wife's death and would not live without it. Two different kinds of death, and the loss of the self while continuing to live is judged the greater evil.

It's truly fascinating how Banks explores these complex themes in the context of the Culture. The characters' relationship with death is both diverse and thought-provoking, challenging our own notions of mortality and what it means to live and die. The connection between "Windward" and Phlebas adds another layer of depth to the story, making it a rich and engaging read. I look forward to delving deeper into these ideas and seeing how they develop further in the rest of the book.