prcardi answers “Is it important to read the first 4 books...”

Daniel Astacio asked this question about Excession (Culture #5):

Is it important to read the first 4 books in the culture series before reading Excession ? I've never read any Iain M. Banks books before but would like to read this one.

prcardi I agree with Billy and Alexander and their nuanced answer. It isn't necessary to read the first four, but it would be better. Like Felix Simcock menti…moreI agree with Billy and Alexander and their nuanced answer. It isn't necessary to read the first four, but it would be better. Like Felix Simcock mentions, neither the characters nor storylines are tied together. But a lot of the enjoyment in Excession derives from the contrast with and the background knowledge of the first books. For maximum enjoyment, read all four previous books first. If not four, then at least one. Every previous installment you read will make Excession more rewarding.(less)

flag

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more