Forgive the break from R.I.P. reviews if you will, but the mood for Bond, James Bond settled upon me the other day and I decided to finish a book I had started some time ago, From Russia With Love.
You may recall that Casino Royale, the film, was my inspiration for reading a set of books that I had never had a desire to read previously, the original 007 tales of Ian Fleming. You may also recall just how surprised I have been with the originality, depth, and quality of writing of Flemings’ work. Gone are the crazed gadgets and the tongue-in-cheek humor. These are brooding, gritty, suspenseful tales of adventure whose Cold War setting evokes a nostalgic remembrance of my own childhood, when the Cold War and the threat of attack from Russia were very real concerns.
My goal, which seems as if it will not be achieved, was to read all 13 Ian Fleming novels this year. Thus far I have read and reviewed:
Casino Royale
Live and Let Die
Moonraker
Diamonds Are Forever
With the exception of the racism present in Live and Let Die, I have thoroughly enjoyed all the previous Bond books and From Russia With Love is no exception. In fact, From Russia With Love is the best yet and one of the most interesting books of this kind that I have ever read. With each novel, Fleming seems to adopt a slightly different narrative structure, making each read unique and not just a carbon copy of the previous Bond adventure. What is fascinating about reading From Russia With Love is that James Bond is not even mentioned until several chapters into the book, and he doesn’t make an appearance until page 92 of a 257 page novel.
Normally one would think that a book in which the hero doesn’t show up until a third of the way into the story would be boring or in some way annoying to read. That is far from the case with this novel. The first third of the novel is used to introduce the Russian assassination agency’s (SMERSH) executioner Red Grant and how he came to be the cold and calculating killing machine that he is. This section also introduces the very deadly Colonel Rosa Klebb. With a desire to kill James Bond in a way that will bring shame and dishonor to the British Intelligence Agency, a multi-layered plan is put in place that the reader only sees bits and pieces of. This plan involves a girl, of course, who has to act the part of falling in love with 007. What they didn’t count on, of course, was agent Tatiana Romanova actually falling in love with Mr. Bond. All these events set in motion a series of plots and counterplots which unwind in such a way that the reader is left with a building sense of dread but no sure clue as to how things are going to fall out until the very shocking end.
One of the things I have loved about many of the 007 novels is the close relationships that James Bond has with various other men he meets in his line of work. Whether it is American agent Felix Leiter who is introduced in Casino Royale, or, in the case of From Russia With Love, British agent Darko Kerim Bey, Bond forms…er, bonds…of friendship with these gentlemen that I find very refreshing in this type of book. There is a real comradeship between Bond and Bey in this book that reaffirms the very close and satisfying relationships that I have with some of the male friends whom I have the privilege of knowing. It was an unexpected pleasure to see this aspect of Fleming’s writing and one that makes these books more than just your average spy novel.
From Russia With Love is a suspenseful, well-written tale that carries with it a sense of foreboding that builds as the pages are turned. Though the end of some events can certainly be guessed at, there is never a sense of the novel being formulaic. And the ending! All I can say is that I am fortunate to be reading this now, when I know there are several other Fleming Bond books to read. Had I been one of those people reading these as they were published I would have been on pins and needles waiting for the next installment, Dr. No.
I’ve highly recommended the first four Ian Fleming novels, and you can kick that recommendation up a notch for From Russia With Love. This is a spy novel as they ought to be written. I’m looking forward to my next adventure with James Bond.
and which Bond’s voice to you hear while reading? Connery would be the one I’d hear! lol
I see and hear Craig, mostly because that is the most recent movie I’ve seen, and I have not seen a Connery 007 film in forever. And the fact that since the writers actually tried to bring the novel to the screen vs. some approximation of the novel makes Craig my favorite of the Bonds. I know that is blasphemy, and I might feel different about it if I threw in a classic Connery film, but that is my current take on James Bond.
Speaking of, if you haven’t had a chance to watch the extras on Casino Royale, they are great.
There are a couple about Daniel Craig being chosen for Bond and some behind the scenes stuff from the movie, and there is an excellent documentary called Bond Girls are Forever in which a bunch of former Bond girls are interviewed. It is great.
I watched all the extras on Casino Royale.. very cool. Especially the stuff on how they did the stunt work!
Yes, that was great, Angela. It was cool seeing Sébastien Foucan doing some of his free running stuff “live” and seeing some of the excerpts from those other videos. I would love to watch more of that.
I’ve never read anything by Flemming – never really felt compelled to. Maybe I should broaden that horizon?
I’ve always enjoyed the movies and I’m eagerly awaiting the day Robbie Williams gets the casting call!
All I can say about the books in regards to whether or not you should read them is that they were…are…nothing at all what I expected after years of watching the films.
The brutality, the stark realism of the loneliness of that life, Fleming’s unique style of writing…all make these very interesting books.
I’ve never been a big Bond fan to be honest. My dad LOVED all the movies,
so I actually watched most of them. BUT Casino Royale may have changed
all that. Craig was FANTASTIC!! I’ll definitely be watching for any more Bond
movies!!
I never actually thought about reading the books though!
Casino Royale was my first James Bond movie, and I utterly adored it (I’ve watched all the special features). I refuse to watch any of the non-Craig movies, because people tell me they’re nothing like Casino Royale.
However, perhaps I’ll have to give the books a try. That way I can ‘see’ Craig running around and saving the day. Hmmm…
Oh, I definitely see Craig.
There was so much of him to see, wasn’t there? *swoon*
I never did care for the other Bond movies, but I liked Casino Royale.
I must agree with Colleen. Craig does look mighty nice.
I am going to have to read one of the books…
Hey Carl!! Just wanted to let you know, I’m doing a book giveaway for my
first RIP challenge book, Marked: A House of Night Novel. If anyone
wants to be added to the drawing they can sing up here:
http://stephaniesbooks.blogspot.com/2007/09/book-giveaway-and-rip-challenge.html
Thanks!
I’m up to book 3 in this series but I have to echo Carl’s comments. The orignal books by Ian Fleming are nothing liked I expected and are wonderful. If you only read one and you loved the new Casino Royale movie I really recommend that one. The book is different but it ways you will appreciate after seeing the movie and I think you will like the movie even more after reading the depth Fleming writes into how Bond feels under the surface. Great book.
I just skimmed the review Carl because I didn’t want any spoilers because I know I will read this book but I promise a full read of the review after I read the book. 🙂
I read all of the Bond books as a kid…which is probably why I never cared for the movies. I was already spoiled.
cool review. i was quite surprised the first time i learnt that his books had literary merit and were a bit more complicated than the films. your review(s) has just confirmed that these books are worth reading!
I’ve never been a huge Bond fan, but now I’m wondering if I should try reading one of the books to get a real feel for the character.
I recommend Casino Royale, the book, for anyone who hasn’t previously read Bond. It is the introduction to Bond, of course, and is a great introduction to the book series. They are not long stories and are certainly worth reading (though, as I’ve said before, Live and Let Die was uncomfortable in its ‘true to that time period’ racism).
Ah, Mr. Bond, we meet again…
I first read the 007 books when I was in High School. I remember being so sad when all that was left was Octopussy and the Living Daylights – which is a collection of average short stories.
I tried reading the Kingsley Amis 007 stories and while OK were not Fleming.
At the time I was an avid Avengers (Mrs Peel and Steed) and loved the spy stuff…
I recently purchased the complete set of Fleming novels at BJ’s Wholesalers with the goal to re-read them all. In fact I loved Casino Royale movie as it reminded me of so many elements of the original book.
Good reviews… so many books so little time… I just purchased KOP and hope to get to it soon.
(I enjoy your site… always)
I’ve wanted to read these, except for the second one, ever since your first review. I’ve been looking for them at used book storesand haven’t found a one. I guess I’ll have to break down and buy Casino Royale. I wonder why Borders, instead of the library is always my first choice?!