Yesterday it was publicly announced for the first time that, as Iain says, he is “Very Poorly”. In a personal statement published on a number of websites, he announced that he has terminal cancer, and that his next novel, The Quarry, will be his last. There is an official ‘guestbook’ to sign to leave messages, thoughts and wishes too.
It may seem a selfish reaction but I was devastated when I read the statement, because I felt that this was a writer I had grown to know and who had shaped my reading and writing through his own. Of course, it is an appalling tragedy for his family and friends – that goes without saying – but as the day went on, it seemed I wasn’t the only one to feel this personal, if premature, sensation of loss. Iain and his works have meant a huge amount to a vast number of people and it seemed right to make the most of the time we still have with him in the world to revisit and celebrate his work. Continue reading “Iain (M) Banks – “I am Very Poorly””