Every reader must judge every book by their own subjective criteria, and then everyone who reads the review must in turn decide whether or not to readEvery reader must judge every book by their own subjective criteria, and then everyone who reads the review must in turn decide whether or not to read The Man with the Golden Gun according to whether or not they choose to accept or reject said information. This is the last of the Bond novels written by Fleming. It was published posthumously with the author acknowledging that a rewrite was needed to bump the novel up to the usual standards of the prototypical Bond book. Fleming died of a heart attack before that could happen. A ghost writer was paid to inject more story into the novel, but very few changes were made to complete it. I like the novel just fine the way it is, but some may be more critical.
Bond has been gone from the service for almost a year; Missing In Action, presumed dead. He's actually in Japan playing house with the Bond girl from his last assignment: You Only Live Twice, because he is suffering from amnesia. The newest assignment takes him to Jamaica, for a gangster-type killer named Paco Scaramanga, who has a golden colt 45. I love the story, because it puts Bond in a situation that is morally gray. This is not perfect, but worthy. Let this serve as my book number 42 of 50 from my Over 5 Yrs TBR for my 2023 reading goal....more
I have to admit that On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Book #11 and my second favorite Bond movie next to Dr. No, nearly did me in. It emotionally evisI have to admit that On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Book #11 and my second favorite Bond movie next to Dr. No, nearly did me in. It emotionally eviscerated me in a way I didn't think Fleming was capable of doing. I didn't know that You Only Live Twice was the follow-up and that I read this as a kid. When I was younger, I just read books as I acquired them. There was no manic need to read them in order. Here, I've had this book on my shelf along with the entire Fleming run of 007 for years. I will keep them on my Kindle, especially since I heard that a publishing company intends to sanitize the books. Listen, when I read expletives, misogynistic terms, and even racial slurs, I call them out, but that's because I aspire to being an enlightened member of society. However, I have no problem with the antiquated metaphors of a bygone era when I recognize that the writer is using said language as the accepted vernacular of a specific milieu, or a character quirk like in Huck Finn. In You Only Live Twice there are specific idiosyncrasies of Japanese culture that one might find offensive, but the writing is wonderful and Bond as an emotionally wrecked agent demonstrates resiliency. There is a lot to love here especially the climax and denouement. You Only Live Twice is my book #41 of 50 books for my Over 5 Yrs TBR goal for 2023....more
IMHO, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the best of the Ian Fleming James Bond novels. Published in 1963, it fits with my three-tiered definition of IMHO, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the best of the Ian Fleming James Bond novels. Published in 1963, it fits with my three-tiered definition of Classic: Longevity (published more than 50 years ago), in this case, Deconstructive of a Paradigm or Paradigm Shifting, and Exceptionalism. Bond initiates the novel, angry about the red tape protocols that almost hampered him in The Spy Who Loved Me and Ernst Blofeld's escape in Thunderball. He is so irate that he is seriously contemplating his sudden retirement enough to write a letter to M. Then he meets Tracy who seems to exist on a razor's edge of adrenaline and bipolar depression. Because Bond finds himself in a similar life-crisis, he appears both attracted to her and repelled by her disinterest. After spending some time together, their attitudes warm, and Bond resolves to return to redouble his efforts, with the focus of culminating his career with Blofeld's capture. The writing in many places is lyrical, almost transcendent. The ruminating thoughts of Bond are revealing of what the writer himself might feel about middle age, retiring, calling it quits. Blofeld is especially evil in this novel and Bond is especially sympathetic. The most haunting words I've ever read are, "We've got all the time in the world." This is my #37 of 50 from my Over 5 Yrs TBR. This gets my 5 Star, High-Recommend stamp of Must-Read!...more
I feel like an apologist for Ian Fleming since I have reviewed all nine of the previous James Bond books, and every time I have begun with caveats genI feel like an apologist for Ian Fleming since I have reviewed all nine of the previous James Bond books, and every time I have begun with caveats gently reminding the readers of these reviews that Fleming wrote these novels starting in the 1950s. Consequently, the mindset of the period dictated societal mores, language, and cultural ideas less-enlightened than the current milieu. Trigger Warnings for the misogynistic and racially insensitive verbiage which may seem offensive to a postmodern sensibility. One of the most startling things that I found was that this novel was written in first person POV in the voice of a woman, Vivienne Michel, a French Canadian main character of this 007 book. She relates a backstory involving her sexual history that would be unnecessary these days, but Fleming felt it to be important. She is working the desk at a hotel that is closing for the season, but becomes the target of some gangsters. Agent 007 is the deus ex-machina used to resolve the situation. I want to say a few things that may be unpopular. I loved that Fleming was attempting to grow as a writer by writing a first-person story in the voice of a woman. I know that he mostly fails, but you have to give him credit for trying. He could have continued writing Bond stories the old way and been very successful. (They were successful anyway.) Clearly, I give credit for attempting to be innovative. I'm not certain that 4 stars is right, but 3 stars is too low a rating, probably more like 3 and 3/4ths or just 4 stars....more
It is often said that a character’s strength can only be judged by the menace of his enemies. Ernst Stavro Blofeld is introduced here in the ninth JamIt is often said that a character’s strength can only be judged by the menace of his enemies. Ernst Stavro Blofeld is introduced here in the ninth James Bond novel along with the organization of SPECTRE. Can you believe that it has taken 9 full books to get us to Bond's most iconic villain, and his henchman?
Here, Emilio Largo has managed to steal two atomic missiles and sequestered them beneath the sea. It is James Bond’s responsibility along with CIA agent Felix Leiter to find the missiles and prevent them from being launched, threatening to cast the worlds super powers in yet another world war. The characters are all strong. The mission is sufficiently urgent to cause suspense. This is really one of the stronger more suspenseful and urgent novels....more
For Your Eyes Only is the 8th book of the James Bond series written by Ian Fleming. Whereas all the previous books were novels, this one is a compilatFor Your Eyes Only is the 8th book of the James Bond series written by Ian Fleming. Whereas all the previous books were novels, this one is a compilation of five novella-length stories. The first story is From a View to a Kill which involves a plot that occurs in the forest to replace a courier with an alternate plan, but Bond figures out the plot and shows mercy. He tries not to kill the villains. In For Your Eyes Only, M asks Bond to investigate the assassination of personal friends and take revenge on the killer. In Quantum of Solace there is more of an ambassadorial feel to Bond’s responsibilities, and he listens to a story about love. In Risico, Bond is really involved in a drug smuggling operation where he is supposed to assassinate one of the ringleaders. The Hildebrand Rarity is just that because, Bond is not on assignment. He is asked to help find a rare fish off the Seychelles coast. This is more of an adventure type story, but not really a good secret agent story. The collection as a whole is pretty unique because the stories seek to demonstrate and highlight distinct aspects of Bond’s character that readers rarely get to see....more
I have been thoroughly enjoying the Ian Fleming, James Bond books. I make specific the caveats that I would with any book written in the late 1950s anI have been thoroughly enjoying the Ian Fleming, James Bond books. I make specific the caveats that I would with any book written in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Noting the time period is important. The culture was very different. Things that were unremarkable back then will cause discomfort and even anger to an audience situated in the present. I would give a trigger warning for misogyny and racism, as I have with every single one of these Bond novels. If either of these things are completely unacceptable to you even when read within the cultural milieu of the past, then you should not read these early Bond books.
Goldfinger is book seven with Auric Goldfinger as a memorable villain, Oddjob is a memorable henchman, and Pussy Galore is a memorable Bond “girl.” Project Grandslam is the epitome of a ballsy heist; Goldfinger attempting to steal the gold from Fort Knox. This book is without a doubt in my mind one of the better, more memorable books in the series....more
Dr. No happens to be one of my favorite James Bond movies, because it was the first; the Bond villain is Killer-Great. I did not realize that the moviDr. No happens to be one of my favorite James Bond movies, because it was the first; the Bond villain is Killer-Great. I did not realize that the movies were not in the same order as the books, but here as I read the sixth book, I was startled at some of the similarities and more importantly the differences in the book. I generally favor the book and here too, I find myself impressed with Fleming’s writing of this iconic character. There are of course triggers here. This story transpires in the cultural milieu of the 1950s where certain cultural sensitivities had not yet matured, especially regarding gender and race. If you believe that you might not be capable of reading something of this caliber, do not. There are many other things you might enjoy. Quarrel is a beloved character, but he is not always treated as such. A famous quote from the movie has Bond tell Quarrel, "Fetch my shoes." Good Lord! How freaking ridiculous, but I judge books within their historical milieu. So, I do not allow myself to get angry about it. Honeychile Rider is a great name for a Bond “girl,” and Bond clearly has a soft spot for her, but she too is not held up as a paragon of intellect. Still, I really like this book....more
From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming is the 5th James Bond novel, considered to be JFK’s favorite and I can see why. The first third of the book is alFrom Russia with Love by Ian Fleming is the 5th James Bond novel, considered to be JFK’s favorite and I can see why. The first third of the book is all about setting up this elaborate Russian plot designed to disgrace the British Secret Service by assassinating James Bond while smearing him with illicit scandal which presupposes that the "secret agent," Bond is no longer secret, so then how effective can he be? The details, Fleming used to create the players both good and bad that are so significant in this novel are perfect despite the glaring plot hole that 007 is no longer a secret agent. Karem Bey, Tatiana, Colonel Klebb, Grant, and even Kronsteen are all memorable characters. Again, not trying to be an apologist for this series, but written in the 1950s, the novels are blatantly misogynistic and even racist. If these are triggers for you then stay away. The prose is smoothly lyrical and extremely insightful (as if it was written by a former intelligence officer.) This is definitely a top tier novel....more
The Ian Fleming James Bond books are just one of the series that I undertook to start and finish in this calendar year. Diamonds are Forever is the foThe Ian Fleming James Bond books are just one of the series that I undertook to start and finish in this calendar year. Diamonds are Forever is the fourth of the series published in 1956. The year is relevant because it can not be judged (IMHO) with a modern eye nor a modern ear. These books must be judged in the context of their historical milieu. It is more than 65 years old. Are these books misogynistic and racially insensitive? To a modern reader, quite possibly, but bear in mind it was published in Great Britain circa 1956. Tiffany Case is an okay Bond girl / Bond woman. Felix Leiter returning is a highlight. Yay! I love the character! Bond versus the mob, infiltrating a diamond cartel with a mostly not-present leader. What's that about? How can you have a superior Bond book without a memorable villain? After reading the novel, I would have settled for any villain, never mind memorable. Good, but not great, more middle-of-the-road....more
Moonraker by Ian Fleming is the third James Bond novel. Before reading this, anyone should take note that this was written in the 1950s with the sensiMoonraker by Ian Fleming is the third James Bond novel. Before reading this, anyone should take note that this was written in the 1950s with the sensibility of the day, where misogyny and strict gender roles were just beginning to change, as well as the increase of cold war era disdain for the Russians. If these concepts trigger you, then avoid reading Bond books. In some ways, there is an antiquated mindset pervasive throughout the books, but again if this is going to make you uncomfortable: avoid the book. There are some really magnificent touches in this novel. Agent 007 communicates that he is one of only three 00s currently active and double O eleven is one of his pals. After spending his morning on the gun range, he goes to the office to interact with the secretary of the 00s, review files, read and sign a file of new policies and procedures, and meet with M. The beginning is a view of pre-secret agenting that is so mundane that it provided a great deal of food for thought that I devoured. Then the major part of the story revolves on a wealthy British patriot looking to get a rocket into space and his suspicious ways. Hugo Drax is an intriguing and memorable character....more
Live and Let Die is the second James Bond novel; to my mind a classic despite the modern contrary opinion. It checks all of my criteria boxes for a clLive and Let Die is the second James Bond novel; to my mind a classic despite the modern contrary opinion. It checks all of my criteria boxes for a classic. It has over 50 years of exceptionalism, paradigm creating, and longevity. It was written by Ian Fleming in 1954 and amazingly it has a 1970s blaxploitation feel probably because of the predominance of black characters (not all African American). The novel moves from Harlem, to Florida, then Jamaica. The movie that uses this book as its source material transpires in the 1970s with a similar backdrop but instead of Florida it substitutes New Orleans. The villainous Mr. Big is worthy of being called a Bond villain. The lovely Solitaire is worthy of being a Bond “girl.” It is heavy on the misogyny and the “n-word.” So trigger warning for all that would find it offensive. Just recognize that the book was written in a different era. Much of what was acceptable back then is not acceptable now. I rate the book as a relic to be enjoyed. Quarrel is a very likeable black protagonist supporting character that is supposed to serve as an offset to the other stereotypical ethnic characters. He teaches 007 some important things about marine biology. I made my caveats, so if you read this novel, you have been warned. Still and all, a very entertaining read. ...more
So, I received an Amazon voucher/coupon which stated that the Ian Fleming James Bond books were on sale: 14 books (Fleming’s entire run) for .98 centsSo, I received an Amazon voucher/coupon which stated that the Ian Fleming James Bond books were on sale: 14 books (Fleming’s entire run) for .98 cents each. I grabbed them and decided to include them as one of the series I intend to start and complete in the same year (2021). Casino Royale is the first of the series, introducing the readers to a James Bond, distinct from the cinematic version. Sure, he is arrogant, but he is also debonair. Misogynistic? OK, but he is noble, too. Ultimately, he is tortured and requires assistance which demonstrates how drastically the cinematic version distinguishes itself from the literary version. In this oddly paced novel, there are chapters where 007 is enrapt in a strategic card game. I can see the genesis of our intrepid hero in this historic, ground-breaking work published circa 1953. SMERSH? What, no SPECTRE? Aww! Still, my nostalgia goggles were fogging crazily, going nuts, so I have to temper my joy with a middle of the road rating. Yeah, folks not the same guy we are used to, but it was intriguing to observe the relic in historical context and resolve him with the emotional Daniel Craig 007....more
Louie the Mustache
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