Consider Phlebas

Book Review

Iain Banks' novel «Consider Phlebas» is the first in the Culture series, and it immediately caught the attention of critics with its scale and depth. The book immerses the reader in a complex world where the highly advanced Culture civilization clashes with the religious Idiran Empire. Banks masterfully creates a rich and detailed world in which the story of Horza Gorbachev, a mercenary working for the Idirans, unfolds. Critics note that Banks successfully combines elements of science fiction with philosophical reflections on the nature of war, morality, and identity. The characters, though not always sympathetic, are deeply developed and intriguing. Some reviewers point out the complexity of the narrative and the abundance of details, which can make comprehension challenging, but this also makes the book rich and multi-layered. Overall, «Consider Phlebas» received positive reviews for its ambition and originality, becoming a significant milestone in the science fiction genre.