Dear Bernard,
the other day I learned that one of my current favourite authors, Ian M Banks, had fallen seriously ill. I followed his progress avidly and the outpouring of public emotion has been incredible. reflecting upon it I came to realise that though we might enjoy an author’s work and buy his books year after year, our love and appreciation for his work will remain unknown to him. And therefore I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to you. Your books are extraordinary. Your love for and reflections of historical events has been truly inspirational to me, and since the age of 10 I have read and re-read the vast majority of your books. So I sit here today, a 21 year old recently graduated Archaeology student who is truly in your debt for a childhood of dreams and a love nurtured.
I wish you the best of health and a long life
sincerely,
Harry