Iain Banks – Walking on glass (06-063)

[gerbie]

I’m always happy to start reading a new Banks novel (though not his scifi-books), I have bought a few second hand fairly cheap. Walking on glass was my ‘nice weather book’. I’m afraid this might have been my mistake. I only read it when it was nice and warm, lying in the grass. That is not very often in this country, hence sometimes I went for weeks without continuing to read it.

The story is about three different characters. Graham, Steven and Quiss are the protagonists of this book. On the backside it says their separate courses are set for collision. It might have been so, but I’m afraid I must have missed it then.

Graham’s story is a good one, Steven’s story the most interesting, Quiss’ story gives me the impression that Banks has mixed his scifi and his fiction for this one book. One chapter at the time, which does inevitably mean that just when you got into a story, you have to wait for two chapters before you can continue.

Again, it is probably my fault for not reading this book fast enough, but I just didn’t get it. I’m rating Banks high enough to throw in a lot of deeper meaning, plenty of symbolism, but it must have gone past me. The man who wrote so many great books, has disappointed me this time. I’m not bothered, there is a couple of other books waiting for me on my shelves. I’m sure they will be his usual standard.

Number: 06-063
Title: Walking on glass
Author: Iain Banks
Language: English (Scotland)
Year: 1985
# Pages: 240 (11758)
Category: Fiction
ISBN: 0-349-10178-7

Comments

A gift for you

[(Anonymous)]

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 3:14-21

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
Luke 12:7-10

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man comes. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
Matthew 24:44-47

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26

Re: A gift for you

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

Where's the gift?

Thank you very much Anonymous user. My life has completely changed now.