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A review by cjdavey
A Song of Stone by Iain Banks
5.0
A song of stone is extremely dark. Abel is the epitome of the Banks protagonist/narrator; unpleasant, unreliable, controlling. While his recollections of his relationship with (half-sister?) Morgan are consensual, his unreliability and her silence suggest something altogether less savoury: in many ways Morgan seems to loom over his fate in echoes of her Arthurian namesake, although ultimately her fate is tied more closely to that of the lieutenant.
Loot is the only character that comes through with any real credit. She's by no means morally upright, but her authority keeps her men in check. Her humanity shows in the way she ensures the quick despatch of the young soldier at the start, in her treatment of the castle staff, in her preservation and (limited) protection of Abel and Morgan. She represents a fulcrum, balancing the old order clinging to its nonsensical heirarchies against the marauding rapine of those in her command.
This isn't an easy read, but it's worth it. Banks as a stylist is on top form, and the writing is terse and atmospheric. One of his best.
Loot is the only character that comes through with any real credit. She's by no means morally upright, but her authority keeps her men in check. Her humanity shows in the way she ensures the quick despatch of the young soldier at the start, in her treatment of the castle staff, in her preservation and (limited) protection of Abel and Morgan. She represents a fulcrum, balancing the old order clinging to its nonsensical heirarchies against the marauding rapine of those in her command.
This isn't an easy read, but it's worth it. Banks as a stylist is on top form, and the writing is terse and atmospheric. One of his best.