Himself

Hmm I guess the Wasp Factory is a book which you could read without any particular reference points. Both the Crow Road and The Bridge are heavily referenced to Scotland and I don't know how much they work on their own merit. I can't remember the others which doesn't mean they aren't good, just that my memory is poor these days

I love your signature quote. I am an Iain Banks fan too - but of his non-sci-fi novels - having grown up in Scotland, I could literally taste The Crow Road.

Got to agree with you on Banks' Culture novels; I've decided, since reading a few of them, that I'd like most to live in the Culture over all other sci-fi societies I've read about.

I'm actually not an alternative account for flow. Having not been here terribly long, I can't comment on any possible similarities. But if his avatar is similar to mine, I think I can safely say he has excellent taste. :P

I just read my first Iain Bank Culture novel, fricken awesome. Also, are you an alternative account for flow? You two have similar tastes in avatars.