The Hydrogen Sonata

This was my second read, and I understood more of the plot this time. Not that it's all THAT complicated. This is an excellent book for those who are interested in delving into the thoughts and activities of the Culture's most powerful members, the Minds who constitute the sentient operating systems for their space ships. It's less depressing than some of Banks' earlier Culture stories. Points deducted for a relatively unsatisfying denouement for anyone who likes seeing bad guys get their comeuppance. Still an enjoyable romp through giant ships and small ones, the Gzilt "girdle city" is a fascinating structure to consider, plus various orbitals.

blog.arkadi.one/the-hydrogen-sonata-by-iain-m

My first culture book, but not my last. Not an all time classic, but a good diversion with some interesting science speculation that makes good SF.

Uncharacteristically light on sensawunda for a Culture novel, The Hydrogen Sonata is still a solid installment in the Culture canon. A group of Mind super-sleuths reminiscent of the Interesting Times Gang from Banks' Excession is responsible for much of what I found enjoyable about the book. Additionally, the Mistake Not... and its avatar Berdle are satisfyingly interesting (to the reader) escorts for our main human protagonist. A few enjoyable space and planet-side battles allowed for the occasional high-Culture-tech fix, and a healthy dose of "which is more me, myself or a clone of my current mind-state" continues with the themes touched on but not quite as acknowledged in the previous Culture novel, Surface Detail.