Whilst in Paris last week (and, largely, on the Eurostar back to London) I read Iain Banks new book Dead Air.
I've been a big fan of Banks since I read The Wasp Factory soon after it came out in 1984. I've been a little disappointed with his last three novels, but this was a great improvement. I don't think he's quite back to the standard of The Bridge or The Crow Road but this story gripped me and I read it quicker than any book I've read for years.
Oh, and Dave's top tip for getting people to read Iain Banks books - don't give them The Wasp Factory. You may well think it's wonderful (and I'd agree with you) but I've had far too many people throw it back at me without finishing it because it disgusted them. Far better to start them off with something like The Crow Road and gradually build up to the more... er... "descriptive" stuff.
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