Live and Let Die (James Bond Novels)
by Ian Fleming
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Book Summary Information
Author: Ian FlemingEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-05-27
ISBN: 0142003239
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Book Reviews of Live and Let Die (James Bond Novels)
Book Review: An Exciting, Entertaining Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
Although the story of Live and Let Die was adapted to the silver screen as the seventh Bond movie (the first starring Roger Moore as the secret agent), Live and Let Die is actually the second book in Ian Fleming's series. It takes place some undisclosed amount of time after the events of Casino Royale, the first book in the series. Bond, eager to exact revenge on SMERSH, the Soviet version of the CIA or MI6, which was responsible for torturing him in Casino Royale, jumps on a mission to engage an American gangster turned Soviet agent codenamed Mr Big. Mr Big apparently uncovered a vast horde of pirate treasure and is illegally spreading the money throughout the United States to fund SMERSH activities. Mr Big is ruthless, cunning and brilliant and, perhaps more importantly, has absolute control over many of the black people in the United States (particularly Harlem) and Jamaica, through his manipulation of the Voodoo culture. As such, Mr Big is as cruel and dangerous an enemy as Bond will ever face.
The story of Live and Let Die (which, by the way, is vastly different from that of the movie) is much quicker paced and action-packed than that of Casino Royale, whose climax occurred at a baccarat table. And, while Casino Royale was certainly an enjoyable novel, Live and Let Die is a much more entertaining read.
Fleming is a strong writer who is capable of spinning a great tale. He does not waste a lot of time with description or unnecessary banter. Instead, he includes as much as he thinks is necessary to adequately advance the plot, allowing the reader to flesh out the descriptions in his mind. Fleming does, at times, devote a few pages to description, particularly that of Mr Big. His descriptions are beautifully written, telling the reader everything they need to know concisely, clearly and elegantly. Fleming's dialog, too, is pretty strong though he shies away from dialog much like he shies away from description. Often, he turns dialog into a third-person narrative in order to make it more concise. Although his dialog is snappy and realistic, it can, at times, be confusing. It is not always clear who is saying what which can cause the reader to have to re-read a passage to clarify the situation. However, this only happens once or twice and is not a big issue.
Perhaps the biggest complaint one could have with Live and Let Die is that it has become formulaic. The cruel and wicked villain, the smart and beautiful girl who somehow continues to fall into the clutches of the villain, the impossible situations that Bond manages to sidestep, and the general ineptitude of every agent or officer that is not Bond. But it is important to note that, as one of the earliest novels, this formula is not yet as cliche as it becomes over the next few books.
It is important to briefly note what many call a racist mentality present throughout the novel. Certainly, black people are usually portrayed as superstitious, poorly spoken folk, many of whom are working for a terrible black gangster. The use of the word "negro" and "nigger," which are now considered politically incorrect run rampant throughout this book. But those were the words commonly used when the book was written in the 1950s and had no racist connotations at the time. For Fleming, a British writer, telling a story about black people in America is rather difficult and it is surprising and impressive that he manages to avoid many of the typical stereotypes.
Live and Let Die is an exciting espionage thriller, with an admirable protagonist, a wicked villain, a strong plot, good storytelling and snappy dialog. The novel is vastly different from the later film adaptation and so is worth reading even if you did not like the movie. It is definitely one of the best books and a worthy addition to the Bond saga.
Summary of Live and Let Die (James Bond Novels)
"Her hair was black and fell to her shoulders. She had high cheekbones and a sensual mouth, and wore a dress of white silk. Her eyes were blue, alight and disdainful, but, as they gazed into his with a touch of humour, Bond realized that they contained a message.
Solitaire watched his eyes on her and nonchalantly drew her forearms together so that the valley between her breasts deepened. The message was unmistakable."
Beautiful, fortune-telling Solitaire is the prisoner (and tool) of Mr Big?master of fear, artist in crime and Voodoo Baron of Death. James Bond has no time for superstition?he knows that this criminal heavy hitter is also a top SMERSH operative and a real threat. More than that, after tracking him through the jazz joints of Harlem, to the everglades and on to the Caribbean, 007 has realized that Big is one of the most dangerous men that he has ever faced. And no-one, not even the mysterious Solitaire, can be sure how their battle of wills is going to end?
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