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Casino Royale

Book 1 in the series:James Bond

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Casino Royale is the first book in the James Bond series by Ian Fleming, published in 1953. The story follows James Bond on a mission to defeat the communist Le Chiffre at a high-stakes Baccarat game. The book introduces Bond as a flawed and dark character, different from his portrayal in the movies, with a dangerous quality under a veneer of smooth civility. The plot unfolds in a casino setting, with elements of espionage, double agents, and ruthless villains, all set against the backdrop of the Cold War era.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Bond shown as emotionally conflicted, and Vesper serving as a pivotal influence on his development.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is descriptive and detailed, offering deep insights into characters and settings while at times slowing the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Bond's mission to bankrupt Le Chiffre at a casino, revealing emotional layers and a deeper conflict.

Setting:

The setting is a sophisticated casino in France during the Cold War, marking a contrast between elegance and espionage.

Pacing:

Pacing varies greatly, with detailed buildup in the first half leading to a faster-paced, chaotic resolution.
THE SCENT and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. Then the soul-erosion produced by high gambling – a compost of greed and fear and nervous tension – becomes unbearable...

Notes:

Casino Royale was first published in 1953, marking the beginning of the James Bond series by Ian Fleming.
The novel is divided into three distinct sections: the high-stakes baccarat game, Bond's brutal torture, and the fallout of his love for Vesper Lynd.
Ian Fleming's Bond character is markedly different from the film adaptations; he's often depicted as cold, calculating, and flawed rather than charming and suave.
Bond's misogynistic attitudes are evident throughout the novel, reflecting the societal norms of the 1950s.
The baccarat game is a critical plot point, with Fleming's detailed descriptions making the game both intense and suspenseful.
Vesper Lynd is introduced as Bond's love interest, but her character is often criticized for being two-dimensional and ultimately a conduit for Bond's emotional struggles.
The torture scene in the novel is graphic and disturbing, significantly impacting Bond's character development and emotional state.
Fleming's writing features lavish details about food, drinks, and fashion, showcasing Bond's sophisticated lifestyle as part of his appeal.
The novel explores themes of morality, loyalty, and the complexities of good versus evil, particularly in the context of the Cold War.
Casino Royale has been adapted into multiple films, but the movie starring Daniel Craig in 2006 is most noted for capturing the essence of the book.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content warnings for sexual violence, torture, and misogynistic language.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate presence of romance in the story, primarily between Bond and Vesper Lynd.

From The Publisher:

There is only one Bond.

Discover the nation's favourite spy in the addictive first novel in Ian Fleming's James Bond series. Catch up on this classic adventure before the release of No Time to Die.

Le Chiffre is a businessman with expensive tastes, and SMERSH's chief operative in France. But as his dissolute lifestyle threatens to ruin him, his only hope is to risk his paymasters' money at the card table.

James Bond, the finest gambler in the service, has a deadly new mission: to outplay Le Chiffre and shatter his Soviet cell.

Amidst the opulence of Casino Royale, the two men face each other for a game with the highest stakes of all.

'Bond is a hero for all time' Jeffrey Deaver

Ratings (23)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (8)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (55):

Read It (24)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (18)
Not Interested (12)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
2 weeks

I never seen a James Bond more just parts of it but I have passionately pointed out that I cannot stand any of the James Bond movies m, however when an audiobook version came out on my book app my curiosity got the best of me. I thought to my self that if I don't give it a fair chance then I can't say I don't like it either. But I was very very surprised when I actually ended up liking this a lot, the plot was very engaging and entertaining, had some serious bit too it to give it more depth an overall a very good story. I liked James Bond enough to continue the movie. Ofc the book has some flaws and such but it didn't take away my enjoyment. However I will not watch the movies

 

About the Author:

Ian Lancaster Fleming was born in London in 1908. His first job was at Reuters news agency after which he worked briefly as a stockbroker before working in Naval Intelligence during the Second World War. His first novel, Casino Royale, was published in 1953 and was an instant success. Fleming went on to write twelve other Bond books as well as two works of non-fiction and the children's classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Bond books have sold over sixty million copies and earned praise from figures such as Raymond Chandler who called Fleming 'the most forceful and driving writer of thrillers in England' and President Kennedy who named From Russia with Love as one of his favourite books. The books inspired a hugely successful series of film adaptations which began in 1961 with the release of Dr No, starring Sean Connery as 007. Fleming was married to Anne Rothermere with whom he had a son, Caspar. He died in 1964.

 
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