Dead Air

Style and Technique

In «Dead Air», Ian Banks's narrative style is marked by vitality and nervous energy, laced with ironic undertones and subtle satire. The language is sharp, rich in contemporary slang, snappy lines, and allusions to current events, creating a sense of immediate presence in the protagonist's turbulent life. The author masterfully employs interior monologue, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the character's mind, to feel his doubts, fears, and sardonic detachment. The structure alternates dynamic dialogues with introspection, where outward action is closely intertwined with inner turmoil. Banks skillfully uses stream-of-consciousness techniques, abrupt scene cuts, and playful shifts in time, lending the narrative cinematic vividness and tension. The rhythm of the big city pulses through the text, and everyday details become symbols of the era, highlighting the fragility and uncertainty of human connections in a world where every word can trigger disaster.