Use of Weapons
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature, Science fiction |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Iain M. Banks |
| Products | Science fiction novel |
Use of Weapons is a science fiction novel authored by Scottish writer Iain M. Banks, initially released in 1990. It represents the third entry within the Culture series.
The plot centers on Cheradenine Zakalwe, who is enlisted by Diziet Sma, an agent of Special Circumstances in the Culture, to undertake operations within less developed societies. The narrative delves into his assignments as well as the turmoil stemming from his history.
Plot summary
The story unfolds through two intertwined narrative strands: one progresses in chronological order, labeled with words (One, Two, etc.), while the other moves backward using Roman numerals (XIII, XII, etc.), recounting earlier episodes from Zakalwe’s life. A prologue and epilogue bookend the tale, supplemented by various flashbacks throughout.
The forward-moving storyline follows Sma and a drone named Skaffen-Amtiskaw as they seek to persuade Zakalwe to accept a mission aimed at convincing the politician Beychae to avert a regional conflict. Zakalwe demands information about a woman called Livueta in exchange for his cooperation. Meanwhile, the reverse chronological thread revisits Zakalwe’s previous missions and his upbringing alongside his sisters Livueta and Darckense, as well as Elethiomel, whose father was incarcerated for treason.
These narratives disclose that Elethiomel and Zakalwe are adversaries commanding opposing forces in a violent civil war. Elethiomel captures Darckense before arranging her execution and sending her remains to Zakalwe, who subsequently attempts suicide upon receiving this grim message.
Following the mission’s completion, a severely wounded Zakalwe returns to Livueta, who rejects him and reveals that "Cheradenine Zakalwe" is actually Elethiomel assuming the identity after the genuine Zakalwe ended his life during the conflict. Elethiomel then suffers an aneurysm; Skaffen-Amtiskaw carries out emergency surgery with uncertain outcomes.
The prologue and epilogue illustrate ongoing events: Sma enlists another war-affected operative for the Culture while Zakalwe resumes his military engagements.
History
Banks initially composed an extensive version of this novel in 1974 prior to any published works. This early draft featured a complex structure and introduced the Culture as the setting for Cheradenine Zakalwe’s tale. Identifying structural issues—specifically that the climax appeared prematurely halfway through—Banks shifted his focus to write Against a Dark Background instead. The acknowledgements credit fellow author Ken MacLeod for proposing the novel’s restructuring method known as "the fitness programme," which MacLeod also employs in novels such as The Stone Canal.
Reception
Use of Weapons earned a nomination for the BSFA Award in 1990. It was shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1991 and secured the Kurd-Laßwitz-Preis for Foreign Novel in 1993. In 2017, Tor.com lauded it as "beautiful and inevitable," emphasizing its gripping tension. The Pequod awarded it a 9.5 out of 10 rating, praising its examination of ethics, political interference, and decision-making amid uncertainty. In 2012, it was featured in Damien Broderick’s Science Fiction: The 101 Best Novels 1985-2010. Additionally, readers of The Register voted it the Best sci-fi film never made in 2011.
See also
- Banks' Surface Detail, which includes the character Zakalwe under a different name.
- Banks' The State of the Art, featuring prominent roles for Diziet Sma and the drone Skaffen-Amtiskaw.
Bibliography
- Use of Weapons, by Iain M. Banks, published in London by Orbit in 1990, ISBN 0-356-19160-5 (UK edition), ISBN 0-553-29224-2 (US edition)