A review by ianbanks
Feersum Endjinn by Iain M. Banks

adventurous challenging inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Love this book for all the questions it raises about the setting and for the sheer brilliance of the setting and for the way a quarter of the book makes you think about how you really understand what is going on and how you can make sense of the world around you. Also, the last paragraph is magnificent as it takes the seemingly petty stakes of the first 80% of the book and raises them to unimaginable heights.

2021 reread: this is still a criminally misunderstood novel and one of the most fun books that Banksy ever wrote. And that last para is still wonderful.