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A review by hakimbriki
Inversions by Iain M. Banks
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.