The more I delve into the Culture series, the greater my puzzlement regarding its standing in the SF genre. Indeed, Banks' writing is truly rather excellent. The personalities he creates are often vivid and captivating - although I've observed that this is more true of the artificial intelligences than the human ones. However, each novel thus far seems to be much ado about very little.

I have several concerns with this particular installment:

There are simply too many characters. Minds with their impossibly forgettable names, humans with their equally hard-to-recall names, and aliens with names that are nearly impossible to remember. I quickly lost track of who said what, who was plotting with whom, and I didn't care enough to go back and re-read or take notes.

The plot points are illustrated through tiny snippets and vignettes of random minor characters who may or may not make another appearance. This greatly contributed to my inability to keep the various storylines straight in my mind.

Remind me again, what is the point of all these twists and turns? This novel seemed to be filled with mountains made out of molehills.

Ultimately, what can be written about the inhabitants of a society that no longer has to worry about death, illness, or any kind of material deficiency? It seems that not much of deep significance can be said. Only with the appearance of an outside context entity, posing a potentially overwhelming threat of destruction, does deep thought and philosophy emerge (as clearly demonstrated by the various instances where the Minds and humans finally gain clarity after facing the prospect of imminent annihilation). In the meantime, the entities squabble, plot, sulk, throw tantrums, indulge in all possible pleasures, and live out their self-acknowledged ultimately meaningless lives...

---

2017:

Years later, I find myself compelled to upgrade the original 2-STAR rating to 4-STARS. Despite my initial thoughts about the details within this novel, it is the one that I remember most vividly out of the entire series. It is also the first thing that comes to my mind whenever the concept of an "Outside Context Problem" pops into my head (which occurs more frequently than one might expect). I must make an effort to re-read it soon.

WOW. I'm still completely overcome by how outstanding this book is. It's the fourth novel in the Culture series that I've read (omitting The State of the Art) by the late Ian M. Banks. In terms of content, writing style, and sheer imaginative scope on a grand scale, it has truly surpassed the others.

Certain parts of this book are simply awe-inspiring. You'll understand exactly what I mean once you've read it. Banks describes the technologies and ideologies in his envisioned future with a clarity that is truly astonishing. In particular, the first three pages of a chapter that describes Metamathics, a computationally simulated conception of reality (if you'll forgive my rather poor description), left me completely breathless. It's easily some of the most beautiful prose I've ever encountered in science fiction, or perhaps even in all of my readings.

Large sections of the book consist of dialogues and forums between sentient, incredibly intelligent, and ancient artificial intelligences, which are referred to as Minds (with a capital M) in the Culture series. The events in this novel unfold on such a vast scale that the human affairs described seem almost comically quaint and insignificant. Nevertheless, Banks is a master at handling characters, and he weaves the fabric of this novel with both the macroscopically huge and the microscopically human. I especially loved his description of The Affront, a race of beings that have evolved in a radically inhuman environment. They are beaked, six-tentacled, air-sacked, immensely powerful, fanatically warmongering, and viciously mean creatures. It's great fun to read about them.

This is a book that I will definitely reread time and time again, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It's worth noting that you could start the Culture series with this novel (since they are set in the same universe but have different characters and stories), but I would highly recommend reading Consider Phlebas as your first foray into the Culture.

Oh, Excession.

I have had a complex relationship with you. I've hated you at times, when the story seemed to veer off in directions that I didn't quite understand or when the concepts were just too mind-boggling. But then, I've also loved you, for the sheer brilliance of your ideas and the way you can make my mind race. And there have been moments when I've been wildly frustrated by you, when I felt like I was on the verge of grasping something truly profound but it just eluded me.

I guess the best I can say is that every reread brings me something new. It's like uncovering a hidden layer of a complex mystery with each pass.

I think it's fair to say that I love the plot line with the Minds. Finally getting to see how they interact, plot, rationalize, and manoeuvre is truly fascinating. Their intelligence and capabilities are almost beyond comprehension, and it's a joy to watch them in action. I could cheerfully do without most of the humans, in spite of a lingering respect for the broad strokes of the Dajeil / Byr subtext. The humans often seem so limited and flawed in comparison to the Minds.

For my full thoughts, please visit Full thoughts.

This is my favorite so far of the five Culture books I've read.

If you are interested in the minds of ships in particular and a few drones, there's a lot going on here. Especially in the way of text conversations between ships.

Though I'm not sure how that will be handled as an audiobook because there are often message headers and strings of numbers and such that could be a bore on a listen.

There's some good space battle stuff, though that's not the sole focus. As far as the Culture generally, I believe this goes into more background on it than any of the other books so far. It's also quite fun often and sometimes even funny.

Prepare for a book with a lot going on, and shifting between various story lines that at least on some level are related. In fact, it's a bit overstuffed, with a bit too much going on and probably a few threads that needed less attention.

In particular, there's an odd relationship thread that I just did not care about, beyond understanding a mystery aspect of it, that is too prominent. If you feel the same, you can probably skim those parts for interesting bits without missing much.

I can see clear signs of a successful author who doesn't feel a need to edit anything out of the work to tighten the story. It works for me this time and I love this book and this universe Banks created, but this book is apparently just too much for some.

My big frustration with Excession, and I'll keep it spoiler free, is that the ending is abrupt. Almost at the end I was thinking, wait, this isn't a continued in another book thing is it, but no. The climax encompasses a scant few pages, and while I know the saying is 'always leave them wanting more', a bit more would have been appreciated after about 500 pages of buildup.

Highly recommended, but I'm sure it's not for everyone.

Casi me siento un héroe por terminar esta novela.

Aunque creo que soy un imbécil por ser tan cabezón y terminarla.

Empezaba a ser un seguidor de este autor y seguiré con la siguiente.

Pero si es como esta creo que abandonaré.

Una pesadilla de libro, el Sr. Banks parece que buscaba que sus lectores tiraran la novela por la ventana.

The story was so convoluted and the characters were not engaging at all.

I found myself constantly losing interest and having to force myself to keep reading.

There were so many plot holes and the ending was just disappointing.

I really hope the author's next book is better, but based on this one, I'm not holding my breath.

A Psychologically Realistic Utopia in the Culture Series

The Culture series by Iain M. Banks offers a unique exploration of a future society. In one sentence, it can be described as a flawed utopia nestled in a soft opera-of-space-operas. The series is not just about technological wonders but delves deep into social development and psychological realism.

The Culture is truly different from our current society. Although liberalism unbound lies beneath their society, it functions in ways that are both fascinating and thought-provoking. Banks was open about the didactic nature of his sci-fi, but it is his inventiveness that saves it. The stories are filled with thrilling concepts and ideas that make the series a permanent touchstone for many readers.

One of the most memorable aspects of the series is the way Banks covers social development. He presents a society that has overcome many of the problems we face today, yet still has its own flaws and challenges. This makes the Culture a complex and realistic portrayal of a possible future.

The scenes from the books, such as the one about cleaning a table and the discussion on argument, have had a profound impact on many readers. They offer insights into human nature and the meaning of achievement. Before studying formal philosophy, these ideas may seem radical, but they are often confirmed by further study.

In conclusion, the Culture series is a must-read for anyone interested in science fiction, social development, or psychological realism. It offers a unique perspective on the future and challenges us to think about our own society and values.

To be read when: you don't think we have anywhere to go. / On a train.

Confusing, perhaps intentionally. There are simply too many characters to keep track of, and Dajeil's story feels as if it was shoehorned in just to add a touch of human connection. Ulver's situation is even worse.

The Excession and its power were well presented, but I remain uncertain about the nature of the conspiracy and who is behind it (with so many characters, it's a challenge to keep everything straight). This is, to this day, my least favorite book in the series. It seems that the author has sacrificed clarity for the sake of complexity, leaving the reader feeling lost and frustrated. The numerous subplots and characters make it difficult to follow the main storyline, and the lack of a clear resolution only adds to the confusion. I hope that future installments in the series will be more focused and easier to understand.

In this book, a truly strange phenomenon is witnessed.

The story unfolds around how the Culture and its neighboring entities attempt to grapple with this particular event.

Is it a weapon of unknown origin?

Or perhaps it is a message from an incredibly superior race or culture?

Could it be a natural event that defies explanation?

Adding to the mix are tragic love stories, sadistic aliens, and a thirst for revenge, resulting in one densely written and fantastically entertaining narrative.

This is quite possibly one of my all-time favorite books.

The conversations between the sentient ships alone are captivating enough to keep me engaged.

The language is replete with puns and an abundance of clever words.

I often find myself rereading their dialogues multiple times, uncovering new layers of meaning each time.

And the names the ships choose for themselves never fail to make me burst out laughing.

The action itself is complex and highly technical.

Fortunately, I have a penchant for this kind of writing.

This is hard science fiction at its finest.

However, if reading such material is a chore for you, it might be best to avoid this book.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a book that demands concentration on multiple levels, this is an excellent choice.

I have read it three times already and will undoubtedly read it many more times in the future.

This might be the best Culture book since Player of Games (which I cannot compare between).

It begins with a plethora of mysterious and unknown objects that we often encounter in science fiction. As the story progresses, it evolves into a Science Fiction Tom Clancy book.

The author has masterfully crafted a narrative that combines elements of mystery, science, and adventure. The detailed descriptions of the unknown objects and the complex scientific concepts add depth and authenticity to the story.

What makes this book truly stand out is its ability to engage the reader's imagination and keep them on the edge of their seat from start to finish. It is a must-read for fans of science fiction and anyone who enjoys a thrilling and thought-provoking story.

Highly recommended.

Finally, the Culture novel I’ve been eagerly anticipating since I embarked on this series. Everyone cautioned me against starting with Excession, and I heeded that advice. In hindsight, it was excellent counsel. I can understand why some might not take to this novel. Even though I think I would have liked it without prior exposure to the Culture universe, reading other books in the series has deepened my appreciation for what unfolds here.

Excession reminds me of children’s books where the main characters are animals and humans play a minor role in the plot. Replace “animals” with “AI Minds (mostly ships)” and you get the picture. There are only a few named human characters in this book, and only three of them are crucial to the plot. Even then, their impact on the main storyline is minimal. Iain Banks once again delves into the idea that humanity has a place in a post-Singularity galaxy, but we’re unlikely to be in control.

This is essentially a Big Dumb Object story, but what sets it apart is that most of the book is dedicated to discussing what to do with it and setting the stage, rather than actually taking action. On one level, this book consists mainly of dialogues between ships separated by vast distances. As they debate how to handle the Excession, a faction within their group seizes this distraction as an opportunity to engineer a compassionate war. The intricate web of intrigues within intrigues is mind-boggling. I love how just when I thought I had a handle on the allegiances, Banks throws in a well-timed twist that shatters all my theories.

Banks endows his machines with personalities that only a British author could manage. They are humorous and quirky, yet some are ponderous and self-important, while others are rude, perverse, or downright warped. It’s fascinating to see the range of personalities among the Minds and to glimpse the edges of our possible understanding of what it would be like to exist in such a capacity. Banks explains how the Minds’ idea of fun and diversion is to model different possible universes and actually inhabit and explore these mental universes (which perhaps explains the allure of the Excession). There is also ample commentary on the philosophical tension between the Culture’s enforced stagnation and the temptation to Sublime (ascend to a higher plane of existence). In a post-scarcity society where one lacks for nothing and crime has become a form of performance art, the chief problem is boredom.

Although Minds and drones have been significant characters in the other Culture novels I’ve read so far, this is the first time we truly begin to understand their psychology (as much as us pitiful meatbrains can). Minds are created to enjoy whatever function they will serve, whether it’s coordinating a Hub, managing a General Systems Vehicle, or serving as a warship. As the story progresses, we see how Minds interact and judge each other. Sleeper Service’s fixation on Dareil and Byr’s conflict is an example of what occurs when a Mind feels it has made a huge error. In this regard, while these human characters have little direct impact on dealing with the Excession, their peripheral actions greatly influence one of the ships directly involved in the plot.

There’s something very Shakespearean about all this, and I sense I’ve witnessed this before in Banks’ writing. From the complex conspiracies to the tragedies and profound regrets, the plot unfolds like a vast tragedy (although one could argue that, in the end, it is a comedy despite the gigadeath – I think Banks is satirizing the wider space opera genre here, highlighting how when the narrative operates at such a remove, pathos becomes an insurmountable problem). The Culture misses out on a huge opportunity because one segment of it couldn’t resist the temptation to play political games.

This conspiracy to incite war is a captivating subplot because it makes me wonder if such a story is possible with human instigators. I don’t mean the conspiracy aspect (which seems entirely plausible), but the fact that such a vast action could occur and the Culture could remain intact. This positive outcome only seems possible because of the way Minds function and the fabric of the Culture itself, which is heavily influenced by the Minds’ operations. The Culture is a paradoxical society, both remarkably flexible and yet very rigid in other ways. Despite a technical civil war in the form of some Culture warships firing on others, there are few indications of long-term consequences for those actions; in contrast, I think a human-run empire would tear itself apart in the aftermath of such events.

Hey, I’m not suggesting that machines will do it better … but I do welcome our robot overlords!

At a more fundamental level, I unabashedly delight in Banks’ prose and the way he描绘s the science-fictional setting of this novel. I’m long past my adolescent fascination with posthumanism and nanomagic, but I’d be lying if I said I couldn’t stop reading Excession. I was completely nerding out over the descriptions of the ships, the Minds, the way humans interact with the world and even their own bodies. Banks imagines the Culture’s culture so vividly and convincingly that you truly wish you could be there, experiencing it for yourself. This is a universe I would love to revisit again and again, and I’m glad I have a collection of other Culture novels to read before I return to this one.

My reviews of the Culture novels:
← Use of Weapons | Inversions →

\\n  \\n

Music: something from Slowdive, like "Souvlaki Space Station"

It was as if I had never left the world of this series. Picking up this book felt like putting my feet back into a familiar river. And it was truly a pleasure to read. There's a mysterious ship that appeared many years ago and has now returned. Everyone seems eager to explore it, prod it, talk to it, uncover its secrets, and some even attempt to destroy it. There's also a conspiracy brewing in the background.

This novel focuses on the ships, each with unique names like "Honest Mistake", "Killing Time", "Not Invented Here", "Sleeper Service", and "Grey Area" (also known as "Meatfucker" for its strange behavior). There are a few Culture people as well. Ulver Seich lives a life similar to Marie Antoinette while still渴望尝试冒险的事情. The Affronters are a playful yet sadistic problem area that the Culture has long worried about. Of course, there are the ships and drones. Some of the characters I met in the story, like the loner at Pittance storage, I grew to care about. The created worlds on the ships were truly amazing.

The story concludes neatly, with some nice twists and an epilogue that left me feeling excited. The world in this book also reminded me of the one in the Valérian And Laureline comic book series. I have two unread books from this series, and after reading this one, I'm motivated to read them soon. It was a lovely read.

I've witnessed numerous individuals claim that this is the ultimate Culture book. However, I simply fail to understand their perspective. All the other Culture books I perused prior to this one were far superior. I had no liking for this particular one whatsoever.

The plot was extremely convoluted and meandering, and there was an excessive number of characters. Many of them were introduced only to have no significance at all. Take, for instance, the fellow who desired to live in solitude on Pittance or the individual who had wings. Additionally, there were an overwhelming number of Minds. I was unable to keep them all distinct. In fact, half the time, I couldn't even determine which one of them was speaking.

The book simply wanders aimlessly from one random plot to another, and most of it isn't even remotely interesting. Page after page is dedicated to describing things that hold no importance. For example, two pages are spent描绘 a bird soaring through a ship, or four pages are used to describe a world that has only six pages of plot relevance. The only characters in the book who were even slightly interesting were the antagonists (Affront). By the conclusion, I was fervently hoping that the Excession would simply detonate the entire galaxy so that I could at least extract some enjoyment from my reading endeavors.