In "Diamonds Are Forever" by Ian Fleming, James Bond is assigned to infiltrate a diamond smuggling ring from London to the USA. He goes undercover, posing as a gang employee, to discover the source of the illegal diamonds. Bond's mission takes him through New York, Saratoga, and Vegas, encountering methodical American mobsters and unique villains along the way. The plot is filled with action, intrigue, some sex appeal, and showcases Bond's more tender side, portraying him as a man who can allow the right woman close to him.

The book captures the essence of a classic Bond novel, with beautiful girls, smooth agents, eccentric villains, and detailed descriptions that immerse the reader in the world of espionage and crime. Fleming's writing style is noted for its attention to detail, making the reader feel present in the scenes and emphasizing Bond's observant nature. The audiobook version is also praised for its excellent narration by David Rintoul, who brings the characters to life with his 'Bond-ish' English accent.

Characters:

The characters are varied, with Bond's complexity increasing, Tiffany being strong and layered, and the villains, while less impressive, still leave an impact.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by rich, atmospheric descriptions and a tension-filled narrative that reflects the era's norms and attitudes.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around Bond's mission to penetrate a diamond smuggling ring, navigating through various American locales while encountering mob participants.

Setting:

Settings play a crucial role, particularly the transition from Europe to key American cities that highlight the cultural contrasts.

Pacing:

Pacing varies throughout, beginning slowly before escalating to more intense action, especially later in the story.

There was a small patch of hard flat earth outside the hole and the scorpion stood in the centre of this on the tips of its four pairs of legs, its nerves and muscles braced for a quick retreat and it...

Notes:

Diamonds Are Forever is the fourth James Bond novel written by Ian Fleming and was published in 1956.

In this novel, Bond is tasked with infiltrating a diamond smuggling operation from Sierra Leone to the United States.

Bond goes undercover as a character named Peter Franks, a burglar turned diamond smuggler.

The main villains are the Spang brothers, who lead an American mob called The Spangled Mob.

The book marks the first significant character development for James Bond, showing him more human and relatable than in previous novels.

Tiffany Case, Bond's love interest, has a troubled past, having been gang raped as a teenager, which influences her character.

The homosexual hitmen in the book, Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd, are described as somewhat grotesque, reflecting Fleming's somewhat dated views.

The action takes Bond from London to New York and Las Vegas, with a subplot involving fixed horse races.

The book provides a vivid description of Las Vegas, capturing its glitz and sleaze.

Critics note that the villains in this novel are less threatening compared to previous installments, reflecting a shift in the series.

Bond's interactions with Felix Leiter add depth to his character, showing a strong bond between them.

The portrayal of women, particularly Tiffany Case, is more nuanced than in earlier writings, showing growth in Fleming's depiction of female characters.

Diamonds Are Forever has a mix of excitement, historical references, and cultural commentary, making it a unique entry in the Bond series.

The novel explores themes of wealth and crime, depicting how the rich employ violence to protect their interests.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include racism, homophobia, and sexism as reflections of the time in which it was written.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present in the novel, as Bond's relationship with Tiffany Case develops throughout the story.

From The Publisher:

There is only one Bond.

Catch up on this classic adventure before the release of No Time to Die.

The Spangled Mob are no ordinary American gangsters. They prey on the addictions of the wealthy and treat the poor as collateral. Their ruthless desire for power and fierce brotherly loyalty make them deadly and invincible.

James Bond must go deep undercover in his urgent new assignment: to destroy their millionaire masterminds, Jack and Seraffimo Spang.

But the Spangs' cruel influence is everywhere, from dusty African diamond mines to the frenzied gambling dens of Las Vegas. Can Bond find his men before his cover is blown?

'Bond is a hero for all time' Jeffrey Deaver

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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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Diamonds Are Forever

Ian Fleming

Book 4 in the series:James Bond