Casino Royale by Ian Fleming (Book Review)

Casino Royale

by Ian Fleming

188 pages

Thomas & Mercer, 2012 (re-print)

suspense

Did No Finish

Rating: n/a

Amazon | BN

 

"The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning."

 

Review: First let me begin by saying I was reading this book back in the beginning of November and was supposed to have written this review on WHY I couldn't finish the book then. It's been almost four weeks later now, I've sweated over a 50K in 30 days novel of my own (NaNoWriMo), so please excuse me if I may not remember 100% the reason.

Let me begin by stating I absolutely loved every movie starring Sean Connery and Roger Moore as 007. There were other actors, including current Daniel Craig, but for me they'll never really count.

I decided to read all of the Bond books now, more than a decade after discovering the movies. And if you know me at all, I have to start at the beginning of any series I read (or re-read) and so I was excited that Casino Royale was under 200 pages. That size book I can usually finish in two days if it's during the week, one day if it's the weekend. So when I was not even halfway through the book by day three I knew I wouldn't finish it.

Here are my reasons and you may disagree with them but for me personally it was VERY slow moving. Also, I don't take to a book that doesn't explain certain scenarios and mannerisms well. It was as if I was expected to already be a native of France, know certain words, terms, behaviors, and I don't. For me, the mark of a great book is one that I can easily slip my feet into the shoes of the main character, ANY character, or ALL of them, interchangeably. But, I constantly felt like I was on the outside only getting a peek in at what was going on from time to time.

Then there's the story, which I must admit sounds great in theory. Bond is sent to a casino to follow some dude who's a heavy gambler and they want him to bankrupt him. I'm sure the whole thing is much more complicated and in depth than that but I only got so far in the book. The "woman" of this book is, from what I read, someone who works on his side but he's not pleased with the idea of having a woman along to help him. He's 007 damn it! Since when has 007 needed supervision or help.

M is introduced but after the idea of making him into a her for the last few movies I was thrown a bit. I LOVE Judy Dench as an actress and thought putting her in the role was brilliant. Of course I haven't seen any of the Daniel Craig Bong movies so I can't say how it works. I just like the idea. 

I also think it's telling that of the two Casino Royale movies made, the first was a spoof (1967) and the second, based on the actual book, starring Daniel Craig wasn't till 2006. Perhaps because of all the books written this one wasn't considered one of his best? 

In any case, it will remain on my book shelf as I collect the other Ian Fleming Bond Books that Thomas & Mercer have been reprinting with fancy covers like the one shown above. I'm a sucker for a fancy printed collection of books! Hopefully I will enjoy Live and Let Die better...

 

Summary: In the novel that introduced James Bond to the world, Ian Fleming’s agent 007 is dispatched to a French casino in Royale-les-Eaux. His mission? Bankrupt a ruthless Russian agent who’s been on a bad luck streak at the baccarat table.

One of SMERSH’s most deadly operatives, the man known only as “Le Chiffre,” has been a prime target of the British Secret Service for years. If Bond can wipe out his bankroll, Le Chiffre will likely be “retired” by his paymasters in Moscow. But what if the cards won’t cooperate? After a brutal night at the gaming tables, Bond soon finds himself dodging would-be assassins, fighting off brutal torturers, and going all-in to save the life of his beautiful female counterpart, Vesper Lynd.

Taut, tense, and effortlessly stylish, Ian Fleming’s inaugural James Bond adventure has all the hallmarks that made the series a touchstone for a generation of readers.

To learn more about Ian Fleming visit his official website here.