A short novel by Iain Banks. Hisako Onoda won't fly to America for her cello performance, so the only choice is a passage on a tanker through the Panama Canal. Unfortunately, there's a bit of unstability in that region... and by the end, it's as violent and forceful as anything put out by Quentin Tarantino.

This is not one of Banks' best books. While Hisako is a mildly interesting character, and the plot isn't horrible, it lacks the impact and wit of Banks' other fiction. Maybe a book to pick up used or on a deep sale, but I feel upset at having paid full price.