Title: Look to Windward
Author: Iain M. Banks
First published August 1, 2000
483 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780743421928 (ISBN10: 0743421922)
Rating: 4.21
Overview
Look to Windward is a remarkable tale of a past war that still haunts the Culture, an advanced civilization. 800 years ago, the Idiran war brought devastation to many worlds, causing the death of billions of sentient beings.
Now, the light from the first explosion is about to reach Masaq’ Orbital, and the Culture is preparing to commemorate the tragedy. Major Quilan is sent to Masaq’ to retrieve a self-exiled Composer Ziller, but he soon realizes that his mission is far more complex than he initially thought.
As the truth unfolds, Quilan finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could have unimaginable consequences. Look to Windward is a gripping novel that delves into the complex nature of war, morality, and the power of memory.
About the Author
Iain Banks was a Scottish author who gained fame under the pseudonym Iain M. Banks, which he used to publish his science fiction works.
Banks’ father was an Admiralty officer, and his mother was a former professional ice skater. He studied English Literature, Philosophy, and Psychology at the University of Stirling before moving to London, where he lived until 1988.
He then returned to Scotland, living in Edinburgh and Fife.
Banks met his wife, Annie, in London before publishing his first book. They got married in Hawaii in 1992, but after 25 years together, Banks announced in early 2007 that they had separated.
He most recently lived in North Queensferry, a town on the north side of the Firth of Forth near the Forth Bridge and the Forth Road Bridge.
Banks and his friend Ken MacLeod, another Scottish writer of technical and social science fiction, were known for their strong left-wing views, which were evident in their writings. One of their arguments was that an economy of abundance makes anarchy and adhocracy viable or even inevitable, which many found interesting as a potential experiment.
Banks was also a signatory to the Declaration of Calton Hill, which called for Scottish independence.
Banks was a prominent member of a group of British politicians and media figures who campaigned to have Prime Minister Tony Blair impeached following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In protest, Banks cut up his passport and posted it to 10 Downing Street.
He related his concerns about the invasion of Iraq in his book, and the main character in the novel confronts another character with similar arguments.
Banks explained in an interview on Mark Lawson’s BBC Four series that his novels are published under two different names. His parents intended to name him Iain Menzies Banks, but his father made a mistake during registration, so he was officially registered as Iain Banks.
However, he continued to use his unofficial middle name, and it was as Iain M. Banks that he submitted for publication.
Although his editor asked him to drop the “M” as it appeared “too fussy” and was concerned about possible confusion with a character in some of P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves novels, Banks suggested the return of the “M” to distinguish between his mainstream and science fiction novels.
Banks’ latest book was a science fiction novel in the Culture series called The Hydrogen Sonata, published in 2012. In April 2013, Banks revealed that he had late-stage cancer and that his next novel, The Quarry, would be his last.
He passed away in June 2013.
Editoral Review
Look to Windward is a science fiction novel by Scottish author Iain M. Banks, first published on August 1, 2000.
Banks was an acclaimed author of science fiction literature, and he gained recognition as a master of “space opera” a style of science fiction that emphasizes grand, sweeping, action-filled stories that take place on a vast scale. He had written several novels, including the popular Culture series, of which Look to Windward is a part.
The novel is set in the far future where humans and other advanced civilizations coexist in the vast universe. The central conflict revolves around the aftermath of a catastrophic event, where a culture known as the Chelgrians suffered enormous losses due to a tragic accident.
In the wake of this event, a memorial is established in their honor on an artificial world called Masaq’ Orbital.
The story follows two main characters; Ziller, a composer who resides on Masaq’ Orbital, and Quilan, a Chelgrian diplomat who is sent to Masaq’ Orbital on a mission of his own.
As they navigate the complex relationships and politics of the artificial world, they are also linked by a mysterious message from an ancient civilization long since extinct. The message’s content is prophetic, and it hints at a terrible future event that may threaten all life in the galaxy.
Banks has created a beautiful, complex world where the characters are embroiled in a web of political intrigue and interpersonal relationships fraught with danger and emotion. The novel explores themes of grief, love, and revenge that are universal and relatable to readers of any genre.
Banks’ writing is poetic and evocative, with beautiful descriptions that make the world come alive. He is also skilled at character development, with his protagonists’ motivations and personalities being vivid and well-documented.
Readers will find themselves deeply invested in the outcome of the characters’ struggles, which is a testament to Banks’ skill as a writer.
One potential criticism of the work is that it can be slow-paced, with the plot unfolding over many pages.
As a result, some readers may find the novel dragging in certain parts. However, this is only a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent book.
Overall, Look to Windward is a remarkable novel that benefits from Banks’ profound vision and skillful writing. With its complex plot, gorgeous setting, and well-realized characters, it is a must-read for fans of science fiction, space opera, or literary fiction in general.
Score: 8.5/10
