New James Bond novel

The new James Bond novel, Devil May Care, written by British literary novelist Sebastian Faulks, is being released today. I haven't read it -- haven't seen a copy and don't know if I will. But I've been reading a few of the reviews.

I was never much of a fan of the Bond novels, although that opinion is based on an admittedly small sample. Some years ago, having seen and enjoyed the films, I tried reading a couple of the books, but found them tepid and not very interesting. I've meant in recent years to revisit them, but haven't ever gotten around to it.

I remain, however, an ardent fan of the films and the character. They've always been a bit silly, but still a lot of thrills and fun. So I'd like to try the new novel at some point.

In the meantime, check out Patrick Anderson's review. It's on the harsh side, but I suspect it will echo the reaction of many. (Janet Maslin is similarly unkind.)

Comments

[Fiona]

I'm loving all this "for the first time since Fleming's death in 1964, a new Bond novel" (etc), when people have been writing new Bond novels for years and years. And, indeed, getting Faulks to write a Bond novel is a bit like the reverse of casting pearls before swine...

As for the originals, I read them when very young and completely didn't get them. I persuaded myself I liked them but i didn't. i might now if i tried one, but i doubt it. ironically, the only one i *did* enjoy at the time, and im still sure is the best, was The Spy Who Loved Me, which most fans of the books, and fleming himself, hated, as it is told from the woman's point of view and bond himself doesn't feature until a good way through the book. I thought it was brilliant - the only one among them that had any real literary merit, looking at the whole thing as it did from the opposite side of the duvet, as it were.though even then it was only of interest in terms of the larger series. i still recommend it though.

[Cosmo Vittelli]

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was his best work.

The Bond novel where he told the story from the girl's 1st person was quite odd. I think it was THE SPY WHO LOVED ME.

The short stories were fun to read. Quick, witty and not much depth to mine.

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, which is maybe the weakest of the Connery films, is perhaps one of the strongest of the novels. But then again, I'm not wearing any pants.