A review by rosemarieshort
A Song Of Stone by Iain Banks

4.0

Iain Banks has always had a particular brand of fiction. His books do not shy away from the grotesque and the disturbing, embracing the harsh reality of life and unbalanced nature of humanity wholeheartedly. A Song of Stone runs in that same vein. A male protagonist (though in Banks novels protagonist does not always mean good guy) who is clearly a little mentally disturbed, a little depraved and yet, nevertheless, is our guide. His relationship differs with the accepted social norm, he lies down when he should stand up, he acts bravely when he should cower. However I couldn't help but feel sympathy for the character. Amid tales of childhood sexual experiences, rebuttals from his Father and the ongoing storyline of having his home invaded without any choice - no matter his actions or choices, there is a magic to Banks' storytelling which allows you to nod along, despite disagreeing morally, and accept. A fascinating read.