The Player Of Games

The Player of Games is a tremendous book that I am hesitant to talk too much about, because there is an element of mystery involved that could be ruined by a loose tongue.  A disillusioned man (though as with any of Banks' Culture novels, the entire society is out-of-whack) whose role in life is to play games is 'given' an opportunity to travel to the exotic and barbaric empire of Azad, to play in their great tournament, which decides the station of all who play and the makeup of their heirarchy.  Fireworks ensue.

One of the most successful parts of the writing is the way that Banks describes the playing of several games, while not actually describing any games at all.  He finds just enough detail of the mechanics to show you how someone would approach the games he has not truly invented, and in doing so externalizes the inner workings of his characters.  Their actions often represent entirely their engagement with the world around them and Banks uses it to his best advantage.

It is fair to say that books have been written more closely resembling the record of a game - especially histories which catalog movement, action and outcome - but could not be less interesting to read.  Banks' approach with this book serves to draw the reader into Gurgeh's story, even giving you the impression that you can imagine the board or court where the game is taking place, though you can't fully and, frankly, what you've imagined is not right.

I'm sorry, but you're wrong.  That piece is actually supposed to go over there, and you've got it upside down.

I would recommend this book:  and would then yell "Jenga" or "Uno"

I got this book:  winning an intergalactic poker game, in a pot with two spaceships and the deed to a black hole.  I lost everything but the book on the next hand going all-in with a pair

This book is now:  Going back on the shelf until I see the Hauths again, because Jim would like it