Reviews

The Crow Road, by Iain Banks

enno's review against another edition

5.0

I love how this book is constructed, it's like a Scottish version of a John Irving novel. Definitely coming back for more Ian Banks books in 2018!

bookswithbethany's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

gemmalovesbooks's review against another edition

dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

timmyb's review against another edition

5.0

Another fantastic book by Banks. Funny, dark, brilliant.

fatfree's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

frankiebuchanan's review against another edition

emotional inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

davercade's review against another edition

5.0

Wasn't sure at first but got totally submersed in it, brilliant book, witty, charming .... Loved it!

rhihill's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

fallen_adam's review

emotional funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

The first sentence to set the tone. 

It was the day my grandmother exploded. 

The second sentence to set the majority of the plot. 

I sat in the crematorium, listening to my Uncle Hamish quietly snoring in harmony to Bach's Mass in B Minor, and I reflected that it always seemed to be death that drew me back to Gallanach. 

And everything that follows, right down to that last “Ha!” was perfect. There's not a single scene or sentence I can point to, and say “That's unnecessary” or “That would've made more sense later on”. Sure, I'm writing this about five minutes after finishing it, but I don't think I'll think of this as even a bit hyperbolic in a month's time.

One of the best books I've ever read. 

kiramke's review against another edition

4.0

Excellent story about family & secrets & grief.  I love a story that can put grief in the silent moments.
Notable humanity and the humor. I enjoyed the recurrence of ballast as motif.  Was the mystery necessary? It was certainly a change in tone, but also needed for earlier insights.