Excession (Culture #5) by Iain M. Banks

Excession
Culture #5
Iain M. Banks

Front cover

Date read: 14 - 24 July 2019
Length: 455 pages
Published: 1996


Something appears in space and no-one knows what it is, not even the super intelligent Minds. Genar-Hofoen is sent on a mission to retrieve a very old Mind from a dying spaceship, and his old flame keeps popping up...


Okay, so it was actually pretty hard to pinpoint a synopsis. There seems to be a lot of minor stories here, but not particularly one major plot. The novel took quite a while to get going, and I felt that pretty much the first half wasn't really much, it did get better towards the end though!

I like Dajeil Gelian. She's pretty interesting, and not just because she's been pregnant for 40 odd years! She's quite mysterious and obviously has a past that still influences her life today.

The ship names are interesting! They always have been but they seem to be even better here. I won't spoil any names here, you'll just need to read to find out.


Looking forward to the rest of the series.




Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

The Fourth Bear (Nursery Crime #2) by Jasper Fforde

The Fourth Bear
Nursery Crime #2
Jasper Fforde

Front cover

Date read: 4 - 13 July 2019
Length: 383 pages
Published: 2006


Jack Spratt and Mary Mary are back, investigating the disappearance of Goldilocks, a Friend to Bears. Meanwhile the Gingerbread Man has escaped from prison, and what's with all the unexplained explosions? And how dangerous can a giant cucumber be?

The Gingerbreadman - psychopath,

genius, convicted murderer and biscuit

- is loose on the streets of Reading.

If there's one thing you can say about Nursery Crime, it's that it's not boring. There's always so much more to it than you think, and it keeps you on your toes! One thing leads to another and more things are discovered that need investigating. Before you know it you have many questions that need answered.

I am very much enjoying this series and all the characters. They're just so unusual you don't know what to expect.

I kind of feel sorry for Jack. He is underestimated all the time and not taken as seriously as he should be. If he was just left to get on with things I'm sure he would manage perfectly fine, but for some reason people keep getting in his way.

Mary and Ashley were an odd couple, but I liked it. It was a little bit unexpected but also really worked. It's a shame about what happened to Ashley - I hope he asks her out again.

When is the next Nursery Crime novel going to be?! Apparently there is supposed to be a third one, but considering this one was published 13 years ago and the third isn't out yet, I'm not very hopeful. It's a shame because I was really enjoying this series!

Overall rating

Thanks,

The Wee Librocubicularist

Saturday by Ian McEwan

Saturday
Ian McEwan

Front cover

Date read: 27 June - 3 July 2019
Length: 279 pages
Published: 2005


Dr Henry Perowne is trying to enjoy a Saturday away from work, but after a disturbed night, a car crash, and an assault all before lunch, he's finding it difficult. His daughter is coming home to visit, so at least he has that to look forward to, right?


I found this book a little difficult to read, not because of the writing but because I thought Henry was a bit dull. You know, he has the perfect life; a loving wife, 2 children, a good job and house, he plays squash at the weekend. Nothing much of interest. A lot of the book is him rambling on about various things like neuroscience, his thoughts on war etc.

His collision with Baxter was probably the most interesting thing to happen in the book, because it paved the way for the rest of the story. Baxter is an interesting character, even considering the fact he is thoroughly unlikable. Baxter angers me in a way that makes me wish violence upon him.

Daisy has a surprise is revealed to her family too soon, because of Baxter's despicable acts. I feel sorry for her and the family because the joyous moment was taken away from her family, and especially her. Another reason to hate Baxter.


I did quite enjoy Saturday but I think a lot of Henry's waffling was unnecessary.




Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

The State of the Art (Culture #4) by Iain M. Banks

The State of the Art
Culture #4
Iain M. Banks

Front cover

Date read: 21 - 26 June 2019

Length: 216 pages

Published: 1991

Diziet Sma tells her story of when the Culture visit Earth. They learn all about the people, their way of life, the technology, everything. One member goes so far as to decide they want to stay on Earth, and even change their body to be more human. Also included are some short stories.

I like the fact that the Culture came to Earth, and not to destroy it or declare war, but to observe and learn. They get to know what being human is about and respect what they discover.

The short stories were okay but not really that memorable. I thought the pictures were quite cool though.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the series, after what feels like a little break.

Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist