Eight hundred years after the Idiran war, the aftermath, the light from two suns, the Idrians exploded, killing millions, is finally reaching the Culture Masaq' Orbital. To honor the loss of life, a symphony by the Chel composer Ziller will be performed. Ziller does not want to return to his home world, so a former soldier, Major Quilan, himself grieving over the death of his wife in the recent Chel civil war, is sent to convince Ziller to come home. Or so that is said to be the purpose of his visit--Ziller is convinced Quilan was sent to kill him. This creates tension on the Orbital as Ziller threatens to walk out on his own symphony performance.
I am continually impressed by how well Banks does dialogue. The back-and-forth between characters is both humorous and excellently written. Additionally, the plotting and pacing are spot-on. The characters are sympathetic, especially Major Quilan, and the clash of wills between the temperamental Ziller and those trying to coax him into conducting his symphony is a welcome sideline.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Matter, to see what Banks does next.
5/5 stars.
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