Dark deeds done lightly. The Wasp Factory's macabre events are all described through the first person narrative of character who earns your sympathy (if not your full pardon). Iain Banks' sci-fi is full of amazing worlds and technology, but take that all away and that same energy goes into the writing of a single mind. The plot languished, and the end left much resolution to be desired. But the writing itself was more impressive than I would expect from a debut novel (even though I hold the author in high regard). Had it been tightened up a bit and taken the ending a few hours or days further, I would easily have given it another star.