The Hydrogen Sonata

by Iain M. Banks

English language

Published Nov. 30, 2012

ISBN:: 9780356501505

(4 reviews)

The Hydrogen Sonata is a science fiction novel by Scottish author Iain M. Banks, set in his techno-utopian Culture universe. The hardcover edition was released on 4 October 2012 in the United Kingdom, and on 9 October in the United States. The book's release marked 25 years since the publication of Banks' first Culture novel. A paperback edition of the book was released on 5 September 2013 in the United Kingdom, and on 10 September in the United States. The Hydrogen Sonata was Banks' last science fiction novel, as he died of gall bladder cancer in June 2013.The Hydrogen Sonata of the title is a fictional work of music which is woven into the plot.

1 edition

applaud7982 reviewed The Hydrogen Sonata by Iain M. Banks

Iain Banks last book

5 stars

Content warning spoilers

It's an extended meditation on death and the possibility of closure.

The Mind that went to the other side and came back, as a guest in another Mind, but had nothing useful to say about the experience, then after years abruptly disappeared. And the hosting Mind realizing their guest was really gone, purging any trace of the other Mind from their Mind. Maybe it would be a good power to erase people from my mind who are really gone.

When the guy who has plotting and scheming the entire book causing interstellar war, causing the destruction of a military base, and other shenanigans gets to the end, it's just him and a few others from his civilization having an awkward conversations that has nothing to do with all the mayhem he caused.

Maybe one of the morals of the story is any conversation with someone might be the last conversation you ever have with them.