There is perhaps nothing more gratifying than when a novel exceeds your expectations; when you turn that last page, close the book, and smile contentedly. That is exactly the experience that I have just had with the third book in Ian Fleming’s James Bond canon, Moonraker.
After the roller coaster ride of enjoying Casino Royale and despising Live and Let Die, I was holding out hope that Moonraker would emulate the former and not the later. Those hopes were realized, Moonraker is a first rate thriller.
I know that some of you are reading these books now so I do not want to reveal too much about the plot. What I will do is tell you what Moonraker is not. Here is the description found on Amazon.com of the Roger Moore film of the same name:
“This time around Bond must investigate the theft of a space shuttle with help from beautiful CIA agent Dr. Holly Goodhead and sexy Euro supermodel Corrine. Agent 007 discovers that genocidal maniac-millionaire Hugo Drax plans to poison all of humanity from outer space and repopulate earth with only the most perfectly bred humans. A variety of traps and villains awaits Bond, including the recurring character Jaws. Filmed in such exotic locations as Southern California, Venice, and the Amazon, Gilbert delivers the formula Bond packet of girls, gadgets, and guns. However, he also goes further, sending Agent 007 into space.”
There are two and only two true statements in that description as it relates to Fleming’s original novel: there is a character named James Bond and a character named Hugo Drax. Had Ian Fleming not passed away long before this film was released this travesty of his story would have surely killed him.
So what does Moonraker the novel contain? One female character with a slightly silly name for which an interesting explanation is later put forth. A villian with much more sinister and much less theatrical plans. A slow building, tightly intense plot that hits all the right notes as it comes to its climactic, satisfying conclusion.
Moonraker is the ultimate post-WWII novel, capitalizing on the paranoia remaining between enemy nations so soon after the war’s end and showcasing the beginning of the Cold War era. The 50’s pulp sensibility of the cover (my favorite thus far) belies the realistically terrifying premise of the story. This novel, more than the other two Bond stories I have read thus far, maintains a relevance in this era of modern terrorism. Like Casino Royale, Moonraker begins with a very lengthy examination of gambling. Despite not knowing anything about the card games that were described, I found myself masterfully drawn into the suspicions surrounding one of the central characters. M’s role in this book was expanded and his relationship with Bond was much more fatherly on some levels and provided an interesting glimpse into Bond’s role in the service. Fleming then smoothly transitions out of this part of the story into the more serious and deadly events surrounding the Moonraker project.
Moonraker has restored my faith in the talent of Ian Fleming and reinforces the idea of why his books are still popular today. The description of the film Moonraker is something that I have no desire to see. I would love to see Fleming’s version of Moonraker on the big screen. It would be a fantastic heart-stopping thriller with just enough action and romance to make it the perfect Bond film. Lets hope we can see that someday. In the meantime I highly recommend this novel. If you are thinking about reading the Bond series, have seen Casino Royale, and are looking for a place to start this is the book for you.
I agree with you about the cover art — it’s wonderful. So evocative of the period.
You’re making me want to read Ian Fleming. I grew up with the JB movies and have seen each one more times than I can count. I’m sure you know that after awhile, the movie producers were basically just using Fleming’s titles and came up with vastly different stories. The movie Moonraker was largely made because of the popularity of Star Wars and Hollywood’s desire to cash in on that trend.
I’ve only read The Spy Who Loved Me. Probably should pick it up and read it again. As I recall, it’s about something that happens to Bond while he’s on vacation in America — and has nothing even remotely in common with the movie!
I think you’d enjoy them (at least Casino Royale and Moonraker). Diamonds are Forever is next on the list…looking forward to that one!
I’m so glad it wasn’t as offensive as the last!
You know, I’ve never read any of the James Bond books because I didn’t think that I’d enjoy that genre very much, but I think I may have to give them a try. I keep hearing really good things about them.
Though I’ve said this before, this would be a really good one to begin with Chris. So would Casino Royale actually. It is different enough from the film that it is quite enjoyable all on its own.
I’m glad of that as well Angela!!!
This is kind of off topic, but whenever I hear the word “moonraker” I think of two things:
1) Pirates!
and
2) That episode of Doctor Who with the huge boat race through space. No, really. 🙂 Winner got something really crazy, like dominion over time, or something.
Thinking of pirates is never a bad thing!
Haven’t seen that episode of Dr. Who, that I can recall, but the shows with Tom Baker are terrific.
I can’t wait to read this one after enjoying Casino Royale so much.
I started it tonight…haven’t read enough to even have a grasp of the story thus far.
I have never read any of Ian Fleming’s novels, but I do like mysteries and suspense novels. Maybe I will add Moonraker to my to-read list.
am half way through book 2 will let u know what i think and come back after the third which is patiently waiting for me
Glad you enjoyed this one more than the last, might have to give these a go at some stage.
I like nothing better than a glowing book review.
I was so glad to hear this was not racist. I think,when I get around to reading them, I’ll just skip the second. When I hear about an intriguing book I’ve been racing out to buy it. However, I moved all of my unread books to one spot in the bookcase and I can’t believe how many there are. I didn’t think I bought them only in order to possess them.
For my first ever Bond, I’ve been reading Goldfinger lately and I must say I’m surprised at how well written it is.
By the way, I really like the cover art you’ve shown for this edition of Moonraker. I’ve been collecting UK Pan editions which are still easy to pick up second hand and have a certain charm to them.
I finished Moonraker last night and loved it. I’m amazed again how the Fleming books are so different than the movies and are so much better than movies. Bond has it so much tougher in the books and many times things don’t go his way. He also really takes a pounding in the novels you feel his pain and respect his drive. The thing I enjoyed the most about Moonraker is a few scenes in which Fleming describes the cars. Cars used to be so much more important in our culture 50 years ago it seems and he captures this feeling to me. I can’t recommend this series enough. I have added Diamonds are Forever to my Xmas list and I can assure you I can’t wait for the 25th to arrive soon enough. I want to read more of 007’s adventures soon. Loved the last scene in this book a lot as well.
So glad you enjoyed it. I love everything about this book. I find the cover enticing in that Good Girl art way, love the colors and look of it. And the story is just great. You’re catching up, I better get to reading Goldfinger soon! Ha!
I agree about the cars and also really enjoy the Cold War aspects of these books. It is funny how easy it is to romanticize the past, any past, and decide that they were simpler times. Isn’t it funny how the Cold War era seems somewhat romanticized, when you knew who your enemy was, in theory. I prefer peacetime and the breakdown of communism, of course, but it seems to be a scarier world today.
I read the Bond novels a long time ago, in the early 1990s; but I discovered this site only today. Moonraker was actually one of my most favorite Bond novels. I am rather surprised that nobody mentioned about the final parting exchange between Bond and Gala Brand. Those last few pages break your heart; and make Bond very human…someone one can easily identify himself/herself with.
This:
“After the roller coaster ride of enjoying Casino Royale and despising Live and Let Die, I was holding out hope that Moonraker would emulate the former and not the later. Those hopes were realized, Moonraker is a first rate thriller.”
Eased all my fears. I felt the same way about these two books and was trying to take the plunge and get the audio of Moonraker but not really wanting to after Live and Let Die. With that, I am downloading! Thanks so much for a great review.
Happy to oblige! Before reading From Russia With Love, Moonraker was my favorite of the Bond books. It is still one that I like very much.