"Surface Detail" is a science fiction novel by Iain M. Banks, part of his Culture series. The story dives into complex themes surrounding death, justice, and the nature of existence. Central to the plot is the concept of a virtual afterlife where souls are punished for their transgressions. This setting raises philosophical questions about morality and the implications of living in a digital realm after death.
The narrative follows multiple characters, including a young woman determined to avenge her father's suffering in the afterlife and a Culture ship that becomes inadvertently involved in her quest. The interplay between these characters and the larger societal structures of the Culture is intriguing, highlighting the contrasts between different approaches to morality and consequence.