The surprising, unexpected affection for the James Bond franchise that arose with Daniel Craig’s portrayal of England’s formidable secret agent in Casino Royale stirred within me a desire to read the Ian Fleming novel that started it all. At a mere 181 pages (in the Penguin trade paperback version) there was only a slight risk of not enjoying the experience. I am happy to say that the gamble paid off and Casino Royale, the book, has won me over.
Unsurprisingly the book differs in many ways from the film. Casino Royale was published in 1953 in a political climate much different than the one we live in today. The era of communism and enemies defined as much by country as by political leanings was one of the draws for me to read this book so soon after seeing the film. I assumed that despite the similarities in some plot points I would in reality be getting an entirely different story. I was right. I give the screenwriters credit for really getting the spirit of the book right in this latest film. By chosing to film it in the present, concessions had to be made for it to fit the world of the 21st century. The size of the story also doesn’t lend itself to a great deal of filming. The main plot points including the torture scene and James Bond’s musings on the morality of his profession are there, however, and having just put the book down I am even more satisfied with the film.
Casino Royale is a fast read and one that drew me into the intrigue quickly and held my attention so well that I couldn’t put it down. I carried it with me everywhere over the past day and devoured it. If you’ve seen any of the James Bond films you know what to expect. Raymond Chandler’s quote that “Bond is what every man would like to be and what every woman would like to have between her sheets” is an apt description of Fleming’s trademark character. But while that is the case I was pleasantly surprised with the restraint used in bringing James Bond to life. Perhaps it is a reflection of the time period in which it was written. James Bond’s chauvanistic attitude towards the fairer sex and the objectification of women as sex objects is present but it is done in a way that is seductive and suggestive, not in the blatant pornographical way that I imagine these novels would be written today. In reading the first few chapters I was glad that I had seen the film because some of the descriptions of the gambling scene along with untranslated French phrases would have confused me otherwise. After the initial awkwardness, however, Fleming’s debut novel really starts to flow and becomes a highly enjoyable read. Despite knowing what was going to happen, I couldn’t help but feel the tension build in each chapter. What works for me in the book is the same thing that I took away from the film, an understanding of how James Bond’s attitude towards women developed. Though executed differently from the film the result is the same and I found the last line of the book both interesting and telling.
I look forward to reading more of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels over the coming year. Before I close this review I must mention that I am very happy with these Penguin releases of the Ian Fleming books. The covers are fantastic paintings that remind me of the great pulp works of Robert McGinnis and the mini-trade size are perfect for reading. I must add more to my collection!
Though it is not quite January, this is my first book completed off my list for the Winter Classics Challenge.
I actually read this book, and also Dr. No and Moonraker quite some time ago.
One of the things that really struck me about the books versus the movies was the dimensionality of Bond in the books.
He wasn’t rich, he expected to have a very short career, and there were times when he just didn’t want to go on another mission–knowing it could be his last.
I think Casino Royale with Daniel Craig was closer to the book Bond than some of the others.
But maybe I’ll have to watch it again. And again. And again. Before I can be sure. 😉
No penalties incurred for jumping the gun. It’s great after so many years of enjoying an icon to go back to its beginnings and read the genesis. I did that recently with Perry Mason. When traveling in Oregon we stopped at a little, used books bookstore with a poster near the front door announcing it was Earl Stanley Gardners birthday. So I bought two well-used books. I was amazed at the thinly veiled nudity displayed on one of the covers. I mean, these were published a hundred years ago! Well, not quite.
I’m hoping to get 3 books read and finish the one I’m on right now before I start the challenge. I see from your sidebar that you are reading Colleen’s new book. That’s one of the 3 I want to finish before Jan. Looking forward to your thoughts about it.
My wife tore through Colleen’s book in a couple of days and really, really enjoyed it. I am barely into it and am having fun. Hope to get alot more read this week despite all the holiday festivities.
I really want to buy Casino Royale when it comes out Colleen. I enjoyed that movie so much.
I need to read a Bond book. It is such a “movie” reference for me that I forget there were books before – the shame.
That is easy to do, Anne, considering how long ago the books were written and the fact that it has been a movie franchise for decades.
Every woman wants to be a Bond girl! At least with James I can say, “Oh, James. . .” and he doesn’t know the difference. Hehe!
Hilarious Julie!!!
You crack me up, Julie!
Can’t wait to read Casino Royale, after seeing the movie several times.. ahem..
I’m in the middle of “The Spy Who Loved Me” and am loving it so far.
So – did you read the new edition, with the new cover? I like the new line of covers – looks pre-enjoyed –
Yes, I read this version (only this is the mass market cover…the trade cover looks the same except for the ‘now a major motion picture’ looks different). I want to collect these editions because they look fantastic.
I’m a third of the way into the book now and I’m really enjoying it. I, as others commented above, really enjoyed the latest Bond film and it stirred my interest in the original material. I have to say that Dainle Craig’s performance really comes closest of all the actors who’ve played Bond on film. I also plan on buying the DVD when it comes out. I will also echo Carl’s love of the penguin trade covers . The are great.
Live and Let Die is on its way to my home as I type this.
What?!! The Bond books count as classics? Damn, I wish I had thought of that when making my challenge list. 😛
I also enjoyed the latest Bond outing. Good story and good production, a time well spent in the theatre.
I read the Bond books as a teen from the local library… what was the librarian thinking!
Anyway I have just purchased the complete set of reissued books in a giant box. Now to find the time to fit in the reading…
I just bought “Lady in the Water” so that is next on my list.
Have a great holiday. I always enjoy you blog!
Hmm, I’d pretty much decided that I was going to read “Casino Royale” because of how much I enjoyed the movie (I didn’t think I’d like it nearly as much as I did.), but now it seems that I’m going to have to read it, if only to find out what that last line is!
I think you’d like it because you enjoyed the movie. It is different enough to hold interest eventhough you know the main crux of the story (and its a pretty short book) but is well worth reading mostly to see deeper into the relationship between Bond and Vesper.
I’ve never considered reading any of the James Bond series. Like Anne, I watched the movies and forgot there were books behind them. Your review makes “Casino Royale” sound so intriguing and I did love the movie, so this is going on my TBR list.
Glad to hear it. I will be doing a review next week on the second in the series, Live and Let Die.
Cool blog, great pictures and I really enjoyed your creativity in choosing books for the Classics challenge.
Thanks, I appreciate it!!!
Ordered my copy of casino royale yesterday , been waiting and waiting and waiting won’t get it till thursday guessin .
Great reviews & cheers !
Finished watchin Dr. No (1962 ) and thought it was pretty good , halfway threw from russia with love ( a personal favorite ) Havent got to goldfinger .
I agree that they did an excellent job capturing the spirit of the book in the film even though they were set in very different times and political atmospheres. I also liked that although the Casino game was different (I assume because of poker’s resurgence in popularity) the tension and the way the game played out was very similar. I’ve added a link to your review on my blog.
I figured the game was changed to fit the times as well. And you are correct, the tension was very much the same. I highly recommend you check out the other Bond books. My favorite so far is From Russia With Love, a book that Bond doesn’t really show up in until half way through. It is very good.