Hamish kicked things off by heralding the book's big issues: morality, complicity, politics and poetic justice. Like Cameron, Hamish might well enjoy light drug use, mild S&M, and computer games, unlike Cameron he is less inclined to check out bizarre deaths about which he might, or might not, know more than he cares to admit. What Hamish could, and did, say, with confidence, is that this book was a total masterpiece and deserved at least 9.5 out of 10. Wow.
Nigel was similarly enthusiastic, but not quite in agreement with the masterpiece assessment. Nigel lavished the book with a respectable 7/10, explaining that "Complicity" was an atmospheric, compelling, intelligent Scottish crime thriller that - like the best genre fiction - also has plenty to say on our messed up world and the human condition. Nigel raced through this satisfying story of how dysfunctional local journalist Cameron Colley may have triggered a series of horrific revenge incidents (murder, torture etc.). The two narrative voices kept this tale tense. Andy and Cameron are flip sides of the same coin: Cameron talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk, the withdrawn Andy on the other hand...
Nigel also wondered why the dysfunctional central character was such a common trope in crime writing: an efficient, organised, relatively sober, family man, perhaps even a member of a local book group, never seems to feature at the heart of these books.
Nick had read "Complicity" before and his enthusiasm levels were less pronounced second time around. With a weary sigh, Nick discussed how sex was a device, how the book was a bit on the long side, and how he felt a bit disappointed. The bleakness left Nick feeling that he had not been sufficiently challenged. Are you nihilist enough? An unheroic 5.5/10
For the Don, and sadly via email, Cameron Colley was one of the most loathsome heroes ever to grace a crime novel. The first criminal act was writing the book. the second was choosing it, and the third was reading it. Ouch. No one gets left behind ever on Don's watch. Except Chris Mullins. Ripped up and left for dead in the compost bin. Don did like Andy and this was the book's saving grace. 5/10
Tristan, in stark contrast, is a hard core Banksophile. The man could do no wrong. Tristan noted there were actually two Iain Banks: the straight author, and Iain M. Banks the science fiction writer. Complicity" is vintage Banks, and second only to Crow Road. Convincing violence, playful, imaginative well written, and - despite being twenty years old - still resonates. 9/10
Keith, again via email, was unconvinced and awarded the book an uncertain 6/10. The larger than life seedy hack who thinks he’s on the trail of something big, is actually a saddo computer gamer. Keith did not care about him. The second person narration of Andy’s handiwork is bold but distracting. Pace, intrigue, shock, social commentary, and despite the kinky sex, life-in-the-fast-lane, moral ambiguity and gruesome deaths, Keith demands more. Much more.
Robin described the book as cliched. How many more times are we going to have to read about boys wanking each other off in the woods?, he asked a somewhat surprised Hove Book Group. An inferior anti-Thatcherite fantasy. Perhaps, and yet, there was a glint in Robin's eyes. Banks got Robin into the mind of the murderer. Cameron has to solve all the puzzles via memory. Robin, like Cameron, got slowly sucked into a world of intrigue, with the stakes rising with each scene. 7/10.
So a mixed reception for "Complicity" and perhaps a bit out of kilter with the broader acclaim for this writer.
We then turned our attention to Hamish's musical selection "In The Heart Of The Moon" (2005) by Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté
Hamish observed that "In the Heart of the Moon" was a 2005 record by Malian musicians Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté, the kora king. The music flows effortlessly and beguiles with every listen.
Nigel is unconvinced by much of this type of thing however agreed that is a thing of beauty and a lovely listen.
Robin praised the minimal accompaniment of percussion, bass, guitar and keyboard. His life is enhanced with each listen of the flowing meditations.
Tristan was seduced by the kora and found his spirits lifted when he focussed on it.
Nick described the album as divine.
On that moment of harmony and consensus Nick unveiled his ORDINARY => EXTRAORDINARY selections for our next gathering.
Excited? I should coco.
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