LOOK TO WINDWARD

When Iain Banks uses his middle initial, he is writing science fiction. Narrator Robert Lister is remarkable for his portrayal of two very different characters: Ziller, a vain composer who has exiled himself from the planet Chel, and Major Quilan, a tormented veteran of the planet's recent civil war. As Ziller completes his symphony, Quilan is on a mission so secret even he doesn't know the details. The goal is revenge--to be achieved by abolishing the caste system of the Culture, the civilization that caused the Chelgrain war. Lister expertly captures the voices and personalities of humans, half-humans, and robots. His voice is beautifully melodious or bitterly furious, as appropriate, making this a moving experience for science fiction fans and non-fans alike. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]