Author Iain Banks has terminal cancer

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the terminal cancer diagnosis of author Iain Banks, known for his works such as The Wasp Factory and the Culture series. Participants express their sadness and share their experiences with his books, reflecting on his impact as a writer.

Discussion Character

  • Meta-discussion
  • Personal reflections

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express their sorrow over Iain Banks' terminal cancer diagnosis and its implications for his life and work.
  • Several users share their favorite books by Banks, with titles like The Player Of Games, Consider Phlebas, and The Wasp Factory mentioned as highlights.
  • One participant notes the enduring influence of Banks' work, suggesting that his legacy will continue beyond his lifetime.
  • There are expressions of personal connection to Banks' writing, with participants recalling their experiences reading his books.
  • Some participants express a desire to read more of his works, indicating a mix of admiration and regret over not having explored his full bibliography.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the sadness surrounding Banks' illness and the impact of his work, but there are no explicit disagreements or competing views presented in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific books they have read or plan to read, but there is no detailed discussion of the themes or content of these works.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in Iain Banks' literature, fans of science fiction and contemporary authors, or those reflecting on the impact of literary figures facing terminal illness may find this discussion relevant.

Ryan_m_b
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Iain Banks author of The Wasp Factory, The Crow Road, Complicity and the Culture series has terminal cancer and isn't likely to live another year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-22015175

I read my first culture novel as a young teen and loved it, Iain is a great writer :frown: such a tragedy.
 
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Always sad when someone relatively young and still creative becomes seriously ill.

So far I have read Consider Phlebas - which of his other books do you recommend?
 
The next Culture book, The Player Of Games, is one of my favourite books. All the early Culture books are brilliant. I've always intended to read the Wasp Factory as I've heard great things about it but never got round to it.
 
Ryan_m_b said:
The next Culture book, The Player Of Games, is one of my favourite books.

Sample on my Kindle.
 
Borek said:
Sample on my Kindle.

I would just go ahead and buy it; it is a wonderful book.

It's a shame he has terminal cancer. The unique situation with authors is that their work and influence lives long beyond their actual life, and I am sure that his works will continue to be appreciated and inspiring to many.
 
I have The Algebraist on my shelf but I haven't even begun to read it, such a shame he has cancer, best wishes to him and his family.
 
Sad this is the first thing I find to comment on after joining. I heard about his cancer shortly after he announced it. I hoped he would live longer. The Algebraist and The Hydrogen Sonata are amazing, but every book of his I have read has been at least great. Sad.
 
[tight beam, M32,tra. @n4.29.898.0002]
xEccentric Mentz114
oGSV(Continent) Iain M Banks
Terrible news, old ship. Condolences to family and friends. We'll miss you.

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  • #10
Oh my god so sad.
I have read almost every single one of his books.
Consider phlebas and the wasp factory are my two favorites.
I actually forgot that he was the author of those two books.
What a shame. He was very talented. Now I'm sad
 

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