[s_Hogg]

Thanks for writing this. I remember getting into Banks only a couple of years before his passing, so I'm really grateful for the people who have kept going with critical thought regarding his work and who he was.

[kurtschiller]

Thanks for reading! He's far and away my favorite author, and I'm happy so many people on here love his writing as much as I do.

(And I agree with people's comments that how much of a utopia it really is is up for debate, especially if you don't agree with Banks's views on economics & society. But to me his own personal intent was very clear.)