Blogger Reading Group - round one

I read Casino Royale by Ian Fleming, Bond's first mission. Although for me it was more like Bond's 101st mission. Having so much previous knowledge and existing ideas about a character did make for a different reading experience. Once I got into the story I managed to focus on the written characterisation rather than the film versions, although I continued to picture Bond as Sean Connery many years ago. On a few occasions Bond actually had my face, I tend to really get into stories and my imagination likes to keep the main role for itself.

The writing style did lend itself to taking the lead role yourself, but with Bond's at times sterotypically dated attitudes (especially to women) it jarred at times. I did wonder how much Ian Fleming was reflecting the general attitudes of the time, how much it reflected his personal opinions or whether he was exaggerating it a little to suit the character - Mr Bigshotspyman.

It's the usual adventure spy fare, possibly made famous by Ian Fleming - my knowledge of the genre is weak and I'm sorry to say I haven't done any background research for this 'review'. Bond is sent on a mission to bring down a mid-level badguy by out-gambling him (can't see that being a method of choice in these newly austere times, but Bond convinces M, M convinces the treasury and they hand over multiple millions of francs for him to play with). The plot gets a little bit complicated when badguy's bosses try to kill Bond first (dash unfair I say), and there are some explosions and the CIA pretending to be radio salesmen. Along the way Bond manages to fall in lust with a lovely lady, although this time he thinks it may actually be love. He still doesn't understand why women must get themselves involved in complicated international man-type things though and despairs of her on a regular basis before being blinded by her stunning beauty again.

Then comes the kidnap, double crossing, car chases and a touch of torture, topped off with a visit from a top-secret communist anti-spy agency, who also want to kill Bond. All this Bond of course survives, with his suave air intact, even if his heart (and some other body parts) are a bit bruised.

It was enjoyable light reading, but a plot it's hard to talk about without giving too much away. A plot that is different to the Daniel Craig Bond film as well. One of the interesting thigns about reading was noticing the differences between literary Bond, in his original (and very first) form, and the fleshed out version, developed by 40+ years of film franchise and re-writes. He has been softened up, at least in some respects (I think he now keeps his opinions about womens' capabilities a bit quieter, and seems to have realised their great potential thanks mainly to Judy Dench). The core 'Bond-ness' remains though; I recognised the Bond(s) of film fame in the man in this book, and enjoyed reading his adventure.

Make sure you check out the rest of the reading group too, they'll be listed over at go placidly.