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A review by hakimbriki
Use of Weapons by Iain M. Banks
5.0
This is one of my favorite books. One that has had a long lasting impact on me as a reader, as a person, and as a thinker. I've always been apprehensive about reading it again, for fear I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the first time. Here we are, twelve years later, and I am even more blown away by it this time, if you can believe that.
First of all, I think the structure of Use of Weapons is what gives it the emotional oomph it is so famously known for. The narrative is divided into two halves: one set in the present day, and the other comprising flashbacks presented vignette-style with minimal context, progressively unfolding backward in time. It may seem confusing at first, but once you grasp the logic, you come to appreciate how it brilliantly fleshes out our main character. Zakalwe is a very complex and enigmatic character. Getting to know him is my favorite part of the book. He embodies the themes of morality and redemption, which are central to the plot. The other characters don't carry significant importance, but that's not particularly consequential.
Another theme explored in the book is the mechanics of war, highlighting how, in the grand scheme of things, those actively engaged in combat, and, sadly, even those who aren't are essentially "used as weapons" (roll credits) by the powers that be. This completely shatters our character, in unforeseen ways for the reader. Banks' skill in repeatedly pulling the rug out from under the reader is truly masterful.
Use of Weapons transcends mere science fiction. It is an espionage novel, a character study with irresistible literary finesse, and it has the essence and feel of a wonderfully crafted short story anthology... all set in deep space and in one of the most dazzling universes ever depicted in literature. Banks' prose is incisive, lyrical, moving, and frequently hilarious.
Lastly, I rarely say this, but I think this would make a killer movie, if done well. It has all the ingredients to be a unique cinematic experience. Christopher Nolan or Neill Blomkamp, please get on this STAT!
First of all, I think the structure of Use of Weapons is what gives it the emotional oomph it is so famously known for. The narrative is divided into two halves: one set in the present day, and the other comprising flashbacks presented vignette-style with minimal context, progressively unfolding backward in time. It may seem confusing at first, but once you grasp the logic, you come to appreciate how it brilliantly fleshes out our main character. Zakalwe is a very complex and enigmatic character. Getting to know him is my favorite part of the book. He embodies the themes of morality and redemption, which are central to the plot. The other characters don't carry significant importance, but that's not particularly consequential.
Another theme explored in the book is the mechanics of war, highlighting how, in the grand scheme of things, those actively engaged in combat, and, sadly, even those who aren't are essentially "used as weapons" (roll credits) by the powers that be. This completely shatters our character, in unforeseen ways for the reader. Banks' skill in repeatedly pulling the rug out from under the reader is truly masterful.
Use of Weapons transcends mere science fiction. It is an espionage novel, a character study with irresistible literary finesse, and it has the essence and feel of a wonderfully crafted short story anthology... all set in deep space and in one of the most dazzling universes ever depicted in literature. Banks' prose is incisive, lyrical, moving, and frequently hilarious.
Lastly, I rarely say this, but I think this would make a killer movie, if done well. It has all the ingredients to be a unique cinematic experience. Christopher Nolan or Neill Blomkamp, please get on this STAT!