"Surface Detail" is a science fiction novel by author Iain M. Banks, part of the Culture series. The story explores themes of morality, justice, and the afterlife, set in a universe where advanced technology allows for the manipulation of consciousness. The narrative follows multiple characters, including a woman named Zakalwe and a sentient AI, as they navigate complex political and philosophical landscapes. The plot centers around a virtual hell created by a powerful civilization, where souls are punished after death. As characters confront their pasts and the implications of their choices, the novel raises questions about the nature of existence and the consequences of one's actions in both life and the afterlife.