Literary Significance & Criticism
The book was not generally well received by critics. While Banks' story-telling skills were acknowledged, some felt that this was less satisfying, in contrast to Look to Windward, his previous book (under the Iain M Banks guise). Like The Business, Dead Air is very topical, with much detailed background on technology and contemporary political issues.
"Major rethink on format after the events of September the eleventh," Phil says, about a delay to a television show they are planning. "What a brilliant excuse that's turned out to be, for so many things." The cover of the novel conjures images of the attack as it shows an old picture of two of the chimneys of London's Battersea Power Station with an aeroplane above them. Critics charged that Banks used the dramatic events of 9/11, and other features of the early 21st century, more as wallpaper than in any meaningful or resonant way.
Critics also felt that Banks did not successfully establish a distance between his own voice and that of the protagonist. Nott's rants are often passionate and articulate; this book was written at the time Banks was building up to cutting up his passport and taking part in the campaign to impeach Tony Blair. Some of these political ideas are developed further in Raw Spirit.
Ken Nott resembles a happier version of Cameron Colley, the main character in Banks' earlier novel Complicity.
Read more about this topic: Dead Air
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