Beyond Reality discussion

Post here if you are reading or planning to read Excession. No spoilers, please!

This is next up for me.

Currently reading.

I am a bit anal about reading books in order, even when I know you can skip around and still know what's happening, so I'm holding off on this one for now because I've only read Consider Phlebas. I do plan to get to it someday!

I started reading this, and I'm stuck. I read chapters 1 and 2 and I have no idea what's going on. It's very difficult to read so far. Is it going to get clearer soon, or can someone explain?

I've read Consider Phlebas, so I'm not a Culture newbie, but I haven't read any other Banks.

This was the very first Banks book I ever read. Hooked immediately. Now I’ve read them all plus a few of his “non-M” books. Will comment as appropriate.

Ryan wrote: "I started reading this, and I'm stuck. I read chapters 1 and 2 and I have no idea what's going on. It's very difficult to read so far. Is it going to get clearer soon, or can someone explain?”

I have read a few other Culture books and I always find them challenging to get into, with no real idea what is going on for at least a few chapters. I also find I have to read them more slowly and carefully than I usually read. I am only on page 27 and I am pretty lost. But I trust things will get clearer as I get further into the book.

Ryan wrote: "I started reading this, and I'm stuck. I read chapters 1 and 2 and I have no idea what's going on. It's very difficult to read so far. Is it going to get clearer soon, or can someone explain?"

I’m 30% in, it’s still challenging but I think it’s starting to flow better. It even revisits some of the confusing bits at the beginning to reveal more context and even provide translations. I don’t know how successful the technique was, but the confusion at the beginning appears to be intentional.

I am about 15% in now, and the story is starting to flow a bit more and pieces are beginning to make more sense. I did do a little “research” via Google and a Culture fandom website, which helped without being spoilery.

Edited to add that I love the little bits of humor in these books, and, of course, the ships’ names.

I’m starting this today.