Live and Let Die (James Bond 007) (Paperback)

As with all the original Bond novels, certain elements haven't aged well. In places it does have a somewhat racist tone and everyone knows about how our hero treats the fairer sex. It's hard to forget that these books are around fifty years old. Though having said that, the depiction of James Bond with his frustrations, fears and morale doubts is still compelling reading.

"Live and Let Die" is amazing piece of work. It is not a novel that is rich in symbolism or meaning but is its focus is something more visceral. Live and Let Die is escapism, thrusting the reader from one narrow escape to the next, from one shock to the next. It contains passages of pure excitement and an amazing sense of danger. Not as far fetched as some of his later works, Live and Let Die has a very well balanced tone. "Midnight among the worms" is one of the most memorable and exciting chapters I have ever read.

If you want to get to know the literary or just want to get your heart pounding then read "Live and Let Die".

I was a little disappointed with Bond’s exploits in Casino Royale, as he seemed to plod along (mainly in the actual Casino, seeming hesitant to venture outside-let alone to far flung foreign locations), but Live and Let Die has restored and strengthened my interest in the series.

As in Casino Royale we see James Bond as a man with romantic intentions (as opposed to the more animal instincts he displays in the films), that conflict with his professional and –very- serious attitudes to life, death and work. Bond’s relationship with Solitaire is much more fleshed out than any of his romantic encounters in any of the films, and it is interesting to see Bond as a man with inner turmoil.

The action is fast paced and the descriptions of the action is colourful. A scene later seen in the film ‘Licence to Kill’ is of particular interest. It is well written and of such a gory nature that it will linger in the mind long after the final page has been turned.

The end of the book is somewhat of a disappointment, though I think this has more to do with the expectations set by the films. I was expecting Bond to finish in a triumphant and heroic manner…..whereas he………he simply seems to be lucky.

An excellent read!!!! It is dated and is of particular interest for Flemming’s unashamed attitudes that seem very much out of touch with today. Though such attitudes and the way they are expressed do give the book a certain innocent charm that amuses rather than offend.

I’m looking forward to reading Moonraker and seeing how the character develops.