"Clarity. That would have been good."
With an opening line like that, coupled with the first glance of the murky Scottish town of Stonemouth emerging from the mists, "clarity" is precisely what the reader seeks from the outset. And sure enough it arrives, little by little, creeping from the midst of the chaos that Banks unfolds, as protagonist Stewart Gilmour reluctantly makes his way back to his hometown.
Five years previously, Stewart had left Stonemouth for a fresh start in London and this would have all been fine if it hadn't been for The Girl He Left Behind. With a funeral bringing Stewart back to town, he decides it's finally time to explore what went wrong between him and Ellie Murston. The trouble is that the rest of the Murstons - the town's de facto criminal family - aren't as keen on reconciliation as he is.
It's only in the hands of a supreme talent like Iain Banks that a story this captivating could arise from such a comparatively mundane framework. Witty and reflective, Stonemouth can be counted as another solid addition to Banks' already stellar portfolio.
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
The biog
Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages
Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”
Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”
Favourite film: “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”
Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”
The biog
Name: Samar Frost
Born: Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends
Favourite singer: Adele
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
