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metatronlives's review
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
4.25
Definitely shouldn't be your first Culture book, but is an deft unpacking of the contradictions of the Culture as a whole and Special Circumstances in particular. Really really enjoyed, especially in how so much of the novel was driven by the various emotional impulses of the main cast.
hakimbriki's review
5.0
Inversions is a work of genius.
It takes one of my favorite literary techniques, ambiguity, to the next level. Banks narrates the story through characters who are not aware of the intricate details of the unfolding events. As the readers, assuming one has read all the Culture novels preceding this one, it is quite simple to piece it together, but it is so immensely satisfying to step into the shoes of chroniclers who wouldn't even be able to fathom what is really at stake. It's a very bold and courageous storytelling approach that adds dimension and depth to the story, and it blossoms gorgeously at the end, in my opinion.
Aside from technique, the story itself is immersive and atmospheric. Banks creates a fantastic world reminiscent of medieval Europe, and without giving us much historical context, succeeds in enhancing it with intricate politics and power dynamics, improbable relationships, and a bewildering latent mystery in each successive chapter. There also is a powerful undercurrent of poignancy in this book. I found myself drawn to (or repelled by) the characters almost instantly. The intrigue develops nicely, and the prose is stellar. The author enlightens us on morality and the risks of uplifting a "primitive" civilization. My only regret is that I did not read this right when it came out... I'm not sure if it was marketed as a Culture novel at the time, but to think that readers might have not known that... fills me with jealousy.
It takes one of my favorite literary techniques, ambiguity, to the next level. Banks narrates the story through characters who are not aware of the intricate details of the unfolding events. As the readers, assuming one has read all the Culture novels preceding this one, it is quite simple to piece it together, but it is so immensely satisfying to step into the shoes of chroniclers who wouldn't even be able to fathom what is really at stake. It's a very bold and courageous storytelling approach that adds dimension and depth to the story, and it blossoms gorgeously at the end, in my opinion.
Aside from technique, the story itself is immersive and atmospheric. Banks creates a fantastic world reminiscent of medieval Europe, and without giving us much historical context, succeeds in enhancing it with intricate politics and power dynamics, improbable relationships, and a bewildering latent mystery in each successive chapter. There also is a powerful undercurrent of poignancy in this book. I found myself drawn to (or repelled by) the characters almost instantly. The intrigue develops nicely, and the prose is stellar. The author enlightens us on morality and the risks of uplifting a "primitive" civilization. My only regret is that I did not read this right when it came out... I'm not sure if it was marketed as a Culture novel at the time, but to think that readers might have not known that... fills me with jealousy.
leighbarlow's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
jenny_brum's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.5
Not to be read if you are marking student work around getting to the point and unnecessary words. But otherwise fine.
mwplante's review against another edition
3.0
Inversions is another neat little experiment in writing from Banks, this time focusing on perspective and the expectations of the reader.
julcoh's review
4.0
Another fascinating novel in the Culture series.
Fantastic writing, as per usual, from Ian M. Banks, but a different story than is told in most of the Culture novels (and in a largely different fashion). Not the strongest story of the series, but I couldn't put the book down.
Ultimately, it did not end in any of the myriad ways I thought it might. There are plenty of loose threads left hanging, but I believe that was the author's point.
Fantastic writing, as per usual, from Ian M. Banks, but a different story than is told in most of the Culture novels (and in a largely different fashion). Not the strongest story of the series, but I couldn't put the book down.
Ultimately, it did not end in any of the myriad ways I thought it might. There are plenty of loose threads left hanging, but I believe that was the author's point.
aereaux's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
stev's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
jamiecase96's review
4.0
After reading The Wasp Factory, I picked this up to get a taste of his fantasy writing. His unique style is on display again with a dual narrative that leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader. I couldn't put it down by the end. Truly a weird and wonderful book!
createabeast's review
2.0
This was an "okay" book. Not terrible. Mediocre (which is it's own inoffensive flavor of "bad").
I liked the basic concept of Culture citizens living on pre-space planets and having to blend in. The execution was lacking, given the potential. The characters are all detached, in part because of the structure, and I found the whole thing hard to keep reading.
I don't regret finishing it, but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend.
I liked the basic concept of Culture citizens living on pre-space planets and having to blend in. The execution was lacking, given the potential. The characters are all detached, in part because of the structure, and I found the whole thing hard to keep reading.
I don't regret finishing it, but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend.