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matt357's review against another edition
5.0
Another great story by Banks. This covers the protagonists way to a family party just weeks away, and flashes back to explain how he got her.
There are 2 of Banks' trademarks here, a twist that's more horrifying than surprising, and a majority of minor characters being fleshed out enough to feel real, even if they only feature in 20 pages, like pen sketches by a skilled artist.
This story will put some people off, but if you enjoy Banks' split timeline, flashback heavy stories you should love this.
There are 2 of Banks' trademarks here, a twist that's more horrifying than surprising, and a majority of minor characters being fleshed out enough to feel real, even if they only feature in 20 pages, like pen sketches by a skilled artist.
This story will put some people off, but if you enjoy Banks' split timeline, flashback heavy stories you should love this.
biophile's review against another edition
2.0
I've been a fan of Iain Banks since a friend loaned me a copy of the Wasp Factory about fifteen years ago. Since then I have read everything he has written. I generally prefer his science fiction; to me that is where his skills are at their peak.
In Garbadale Banks is revisiting modern corporate culture, a subject he mulled over in his previous novel The Business. This time he mixes in some of the secrets, scandals, and quirks of an old Scottish family, cheapening the storytelling somewhat with the use of a gimmicky twisted plot-line and suspense.
Unfortunately this is a weak novel for Banks. His last, The Algebraist, was among his best and one of my favourites so I'm pretty sure he hasn't run out of good ideas. There was nothing challenging here and most of the characters felt two dimensional. It's hard to empathize with a protagonist that never shows you how he feels. The story itself has very little substance and is hinged on a secret that you know is only going to be revealed in the final pages.
In Garbadale Banks is revisiting modern corporate culture, a subject he mulled over in his previous novel The Business. This time he mixes in some of the secrets, scandals, and quirks of an old Scottish family, cheapening the storytelling somewhat with the use of a gimmicky twisted plot-line and suspense.
Unfortunately this is a weak novel for Banks. His last, The Algebraist, was among his best and one of my favourites so I'm pretty sure he hasn't run out of good ideas. There was nothing challenging here and most of the characters felt two dimensional. It's hard to empathize with a protagonist that never shows you how he feels. The story itself has very little substance and is hinged on a secret that you know is only going to be revealed in the final pages.
bluestarfish's review against another edition
3.0
The Steep Approach to Garbadale feels rather familar in material, but perhaps that is just because I've read a couple of other Bank's recently? There are moments of really gripping storytelling (and some disappointing cliches too) and the scene that follows Irene out into the Loch is remarkable.
barts_books's review against another edition
2.0
My first Banks that wasn't science fiction. In case you don't know Iain puts the W. Between his first and last name to distinguish his science fiction from his literary efforts. Anyway, this was a real disappointment, especially as Use of Weapons is one of my all time favourites. After a promising start it soon dissolves into a rather tired story full of cliched characters indulging in pretentious, self indulgent observations of the world. In addition the final twist, despite an agonising build up, can be spotted a mile away. In lieu of the aforementioned, an extra star goes to the excellent reading by Peter Kennny on the audiobook version; his range of voices was superb.
upbeatmetaphor's review against another edition
4.0
Banks on top form, giving a wide spread of characters each with distinctive traits and personalities. The narrative progression was ultimately more enjoyable than its conclusion, perhaps the "Steep Approach" of the title and setting.
Nick
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Nick
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rosemarieshort's review against another edition
4.0
I think there must be something about Iain Banks, for better or worse, which just clicks with me as a reader. I say this because I have read a number of reviews of his books on this site and he is nothing if not controversial. I know a lot of people didn't enjoy this but I have to say, I did. However what I would say about The Steep Approach is that the title is appropriate. The story is about the approach, far more than the ending. This book is a journey which ends in a conclusion which I, personally, found underwhelming. It followed the same Banks formula of having a big reveal at the end. However, unlike The Wasp Factory, the reveal doesn't overwhelm or add to the story which leads up to it. Instead I enjoyed more the tale, past and present, of the characters. Banks is an engaging writer, I found myself constantly wanting to keep reading based only on his description, his words, his storytelling. I would recommend other books which represent him better before this, true, but if you're a Banks fan I would try The Steep Approach.
dave_white's review against another edition
4.0
Book gives as an insight into a life of a wealthy family running a game company. Intrigues and secrets unravel while we follow Alban and his story just days before a big family meeting.
I wouldn't have read it if I would have judged it only by synopsis. I don't read this kind of books, but Ian Banks made this really enjoyable experience.
I wouldn't have read it if I would have judged it only by synopsis. I don't read this kind of books, but Ian Banks made this really enjoyable experience.
dereadergal's review against another edition
Couldn't get interested in it enough to keep reading so off it goes to the ditched pile and onto more books.