 | |
| Author | Iain M. Banks |
|---|---|
| Audio read by | Peter Kenny |
| Language | English |
| Series | Culture |
| Genre | Science fiction novel |
| Publisher | Orbit |
Publication date | 4 October 2012 (UK) 9 October 2012 (USA) |
| Publication place | Scotland |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 528 (hardcover) |
| ISBN | 978-0356501505 |
| Preceded by | Surface Detail |
The Hydrogen Sonata is a science fiction novel by Scottish author Iain M. Banks, set in his techno-utopian Culture universe.[1] The hardcover edition was released on 4 October 2012 in the United Kingdom, and on 9 October in the United States. The book's release marked 25 years since the publication of Banks' first Culture novel.[2] A paperback edition of the book was released on 5 September 2013 in the United Kingdom, and on 10 September in the United States.[3] The Hydrogen Sonata was Banks' last science fiction novel, as he died of gall bladder cancer in June 2013.[4]
The Hydrogen Sonata of the title is a fictional work of music, a highly complex composition, which is woven into the plot. It is played on a stringed instrument which requires the player to sit in it like a chair. One of the novel’s protagonists, Vyr Cossont, has undergone body enhancement to grow the two extra arms needed, ideally, to play it.
- ^ "New Iain M Banks Culture novel coming out!" Upcoming4.me. 29 February 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
- ^ "The Hydrogen Sonata by Iain M Banks - review". The Guardian. 10 October 2012. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
- ^ "Iain M Banks - The Hydrogen Sonata paperback release date unveiled". Upcoming4.me. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
- ^ "Iain Banks dies of cancer aged 59". BBC. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2013.