Ever since I first picked up a copy of the Wasp Factory way back when I was at school, I have looked forward to Iain Banks' new books, whether they be his inventive science fiction stories or his quirky 'general' fiction tales and finding Whit finally on sale in paperback was no exception to the rule. And just like most of his previous books, you swiftly get caught up in a mystery story as devious as anything Agatha Christie ever concocted and as entertaining as any four books by Tom Robbins, Michael Chrichton, John Irving and Tom Wolfe put together. Whit, once more is no exception. The story revolves around a small religious sect based in the highlands of Scotland and introduces characters as different to any in his previous general fiction as they are to those in his science fiction.

Every time I pick up a new Iain Banks book I prepare myself to feel that his steam has run out, that his way with words has escaped him, and it only heightens my appreciation when I finally put the book down to learn that yet again he has come up with the goods. If there was to be any criticism of the work it would have to be a creeping incipient wordiness - this novel is over 450 pages long - compared to his previous works, but then again, it just gives you more to enjoy.

Ben gives it:

Price: £6.99 (Interesting to note, the UK price now has "Recommended only" attached to it)
Published by: Abacus (ISBN 0-349-10768-8)

last updated: 16th September 1996