I thought the same thing the first time I read Consider Phlebas. Having now read it over 20 times, it's safe to say I changed my mind. My key to the novel: it'

I thought the same thing the first time I read Consider Phlebas. Having now read it over 20 times, it's safe to say I changed my mind. My key to the novel: it's all about the nature of identity. The very first line is something of deep personal significance, but he's forgotten why. He steals identities. It ends with the mind taking his name. It's a keeper.