RIP Iain (M) Banks

[julesjones]

Iain Banks died earlier today. He was only 59. I don't have the words for this. We all knew it was coming, that it would be soon -- but not this soon. Two months to get used to the idea, but it's not enough. Nothing would have been enough.

I'm sitting here typing through tears, and I didn't even know the man. But I know his books, both with and without the M. Angry, humane, a mirror held up to ourselves, with a message engraved therein that we can and should do better. They are part of my life, have been for over twenty years, and always will be.

The world is a better place because he was in it.

Comments

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

{hugs} A great loss...

[carl-allery.livejournal.com]

I've just picked up on this today. Surprised that I didn't hear it on the radio, when the news that he had cancer was reported in April. I will, one day, get round to reading at least one of his books, but I mourn the passing of one of our respected senior craftsmen. :(

[sweetheartwhale.livejournal.com]

I picked up several Culture novels at Eastercon and was just bowled over by them. Intend to read his entire works. Its so sad, so soon - at least he got to marry his partner.

[julesjones]

I'm glad that he at least had the time to tidy up his life and make some good memories before he went. It doesn't stop the grief for friends and family, but it lightens the load of things that must be dealt with after he's gone.