Sebastian Faulks - Devil May Care, anyone read it? any views?

Quantum of DaisyQuantum of Daisy TorontoPosts: 10MI6 Agent
in James Bond Literature
Sorry if there is already this topic out there, i had a look and couldn't find it. could anyone link me to it if there is?

I recently read Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks and i was wondering if anyone else read it and wasn't quite sure what to make of it? It seemed a good idea for Roger Moore but generally seemed to lack all of the other qualities needed for Bond. overall i wasn't that impressed by it and wondered if anyone else felt similar or greatly opposed?
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Comments

  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,485MI6 Agent
    I've read it a few times. Still not too sure what to make of it. It all seems too forced and unnatural. It's not a good Bond novel and the plot is just awful, as are the characters.
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • ixtoreixtore NYCPosts: 111MI6 Agent
    The selling line was "In the style of Ian Fleming" (or words to that effect). I thought, oh boy, this should be fun. But little if none of Fleming was present.
    The scent 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 and the senses awake and revolt from it.
  • Quantum of DaisyQuantum of Daisy TorontoPosts: 10MI6 Agent
    i felt the end of the book seemed more les miserables less james bond, i mean what villian commits suicide? and the whole plot seemed to end with Bond falling in love. :#

    who would you guys say the best bond continuation writer is?
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,276Chief of Staff
    Kingsley Amis (aka Robert Markham)
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    +1 and C Wood would be my second choice.
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • Quantum of DaisyQuantum of Daisy TorontoPosts: 10MI6 Agent
    i tried colonel sun, and after only being able to find it as a audio book i just couldn't get into it. what about the Gardener books any views on them?
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,276Chief of Staff
    They vary: the worst are towards the end of his tenure, generally. My favourite was "Nobody Lives Forever".
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    IMHO, Gardner's Novels are great fun. Although I do agree the quality
    does drop off towards the end. My favourite is For Special Services :D
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,061MI6 Agent
    Quantum of Daisy wrote:
    who would you guys say the best bond continuation writer is?
    Personally, I thought Amis' Colonel Sun was excellent, but pretty adult & brutal. I can see why some might not like it. Christopher Wood's The Spy Who Loved Me was phenomenal IMO. The first few chapters of Gardner's first novel feel different than Fleming to me, but not in a bad way. Gardner's a really good writer.
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • Charmed & DangerousCharmed & Dangerous Posts: 7,358MI6 Agent
    chrisisall wrote:
    Quantum of Daisy wrote:
    who would you guys say the best bond continuation writer is?
    Personally, I thought Amis' Colonel Sun was excellent, but pretty adult & brutal. I can see why some might not like it. Christopher Wood's The Spy Who Loved Me was phenomenal IMO. The first few chapters of Gardner's first novel feel different than Fleming to me, but not in a bad way. Gardner's a really good writer.

    +1.

    That's a great summary, Chrisisall. IMO Colonel Sun is the best of all the continuation novels but Christopher Wood and the first couple of Gardner's novels were highly enjoyable too.
    "How was your lamb?" "Skewered. One sympathises."
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,272MI6 Agent
    Faulks has damned himself, saying in interviews that Bond has no inner life, no introspection at all or anything to reflect about, so he said, okay I'll put in another explosion. No fan reading Fleming's books would think that, Bond usually has an angle on something or someone, otherwise the prose becomes literary sublime (if that's a genre, you know describing nature unfold in large paragraphs, then man - in the form of a killer - appears and intrudes on the scene).
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • PeppermillPeppermill DelftPosts: 2,860MI6 Agent
    I started the book twice before finally finishing it the third time I picked it up. I think Bond should be a contemporary character because most period pieces do not work as good. That is not to say that I like CB better, haven’t finished that either.
    1. Ohmss 2. Frwl 3. Op 4. Tswlm 5. Tld 6. Ge 7. Yolt 8. Lald 9. Cr 10. Ltk 11. Dn 12. Gf 13. Qos 14. Mr 15. Tmwtgg 16. Fyeo 17. Twine 18. Sf 19. Tb 20 Tnd 21. Spectre 22 Daf 23. Avtak 24. Dad
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,061MI6 Agent
    I just got DMC in the post today. I'm a notoriously slow reader, and it can sometimes take me a couple of weeks to finish a book once I start. But Wood's TSWLM grabbed me and I made short work of it. Either way it goes, I'll put up my review. -{
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    After reading Solo. DMC in my opinion isn't looking too bad now. :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,061MI6 Agent
    Thunderpussy wrote:
    After reading Solo. DMC in my opinion isn't looking too bad now. :))
    I'm not expecting to be amazed, so maybe I'll like it.
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,061MI6 Agent
    Just finished the tennis match (chapter 5). So far, it reads like the well novelised script of a pretty good 60's Bond movie with some Flemingesque influence, rather than an outright Fleming novel.
    Not that that's a BAD thing... so far... I am enjoying it. -{
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • David SchofieldDavid Schofield EnglandPosts: 1,528MI6 Agent
    Thunderpussy wrote:
    After reading Solo. DMC in my opinion isn't looking too bad now. :))

    Spot on.

    The whole DMC/SOLO vibe I get is a couple of writers with real highbrow opinions of their own literary skills, and conversely low opinions of Fleming, taking the very well paid piss out of the pearls-and-twin-set lasses at IFP by dashing off some hastily written tat. X-( ;)
  • MustonMuston Huncote, Leicestershire Posts: 228MI6 Agent
    David Schofield wrote:
    Thunderpussy wrote:
    After reading Solo. DMC in my opinion isn't looking too bad now. :))

    Spot on.

    The whole DMC/SOLO vibe I get is a couple of writers with real highbrow opinions of their own literary skills, and conversely low opinions of Fleming, taking the very well paid piss out of the pearls-and-twin-set lasses at IFP by dashing off some hastily written tat. X-( ;)

    Disagree with the idea that both Faulks and Boyd's Bond novels are tat. Even though Faulks wasn't a Bond fan and took the challenge on because he thought it would be interesting, I think it's plain to see Boyd is very much a Bond fan and he's given us a decent, if different take on Bond. Both are fine authors and that cannot be denied. I also can't see why you think that Boyd has a low opinion of Fleming? When he is clearly a fan (and even wrote Fleming into his novel Any Human Heart.)
    "Thank you very much. I was just out walking my RAT and seem to have lost my way... "
  • David SchofieldDavid Schofield EnglandPosts: 1,528MI6 Agent
    Muston wrote:
    David Schofield wrote:
    Thunderpussy wrote:
    After reading Solo. DMC in my opinion isn't looking too bad now. :))

    Spot on.

    The whole DMC/SOLO vibe I get is a couple of writers with real highbrow opinions of their own literary skills, and conversely low opinions of Fleming, taking the very well paid piss out of the pearls-and-twin-set lasses at IFP by dashing off some hastily written tat. X-( ;)

    Disagree with the idea that both Faulks and Boyd's Bond novels are tat. Even though Faulks wasn't a Bond fan and took the challenge on because he thought it would be interesting, I think it's plain to see Boyd is very much a Bond fan and he's given us a decent, if different take on Bond. Both are fine authors and that cannot be denied. I also can't see why you think that Boyd has a low opinion of Fleming? When he is clearly a fan (and even wrote Fleming into his novel Any Human Heart.)

    Well, whether you consider Boyd's writing to be tat depends on whether you rate SOLO. You do. I don't. ;)

    Also, you may recall from 2008, Faulks made all the right noises about being a Fleming fan which Boyd is copying now.

    Personally, I think in both cases it's just guff to get them the gig (and the well paid commission).
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,485MI6 Agent
    No, Boyd really is a huge literary Bond fan of vast proportions. That is one thing you can't take away from him.
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I too am a big literary Bond fan , I might knock one out this weekend. I might
    give writing a Bond novel a go as well. :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • David SchofieldDavid Schofield EnglandPosts: 1,528MI6 Agent
    Asp9mm wrote:
    No, Boyd really is a huge literary Bond fan of vast proportions. That is one thing you can't take away from him.

    Then I'll take your word for it. Personally, I was not aware of that prior to the SOLO publicity.

    Doesn't make much difference to what he wrote, though, nor the fact that he was making the most of the IFP offer.

    Best reaction to an IFP offer? Lee Child, who didn't doff the forlock, not come out as a huge, closet Fleming fan. Simply said he couldn't write the way the project demanded. Nor add anything new to it.

    Then again, Child is a hugely successful best-selling writer on his own merits.
  • MustonMuston Huncote, Leicestershire Posts: 228MI6 Agent
    David Schofield wrote:
    Muston wrote:
    David Schofield wrote:

    Spot on.

    The whole DMC/SOLO vibe I get is a couple of writers with real highbrow opinions of their own literary skills, and conversely low opinions of Fleming, taking the very well paid piss out of the pearls-and-twin-set lasses at IFP by dashing off some hastily written tat. X-( ;)

    Disagree with the idea that both Faulks and Boyd's Bond novels are tat. Even though Faulks wasn't a Bond fan and took the challenge on because he thought it would be interesting, I think it's plain to see Boyd is very much a Bond fan and he's given us a decent, if different take on Bond. Both are fine authors and that cannot be denied. I also can't see why you think that Boyd has a low opinion of Fleming? When he is clearly a fan (and even wrote Fleming into his novel Any Human Heart.)

    Well, whether you consider Boyd's writing to be tat depends on whether you rate SOLO. You do. I don't. ;)

    Also, you may recall from 2008, Faulks made all the right noises about being a Fleming fan which Boyd is copying now.

    Personally, I think in both cases it's just guff to get them the gig (and the well paid commission).

    The Fleming people approached Faulks to write a novel, which at first he turned down. He wasn't out to try and get the gig. And what's the problem with the 'well paid commission' you keep on about? I say good luck to any author who takes on a very difficult job. And if you're waiting for someone to come out with an Ian Fleming Bond you'll be waiting a very long time.
    "Thank you very much. I was just out walking my RAT and seem to have lost my way... "
  • David SchofieldDavid Schofield EnglandPosts: 1,528MI6 Agent
    Doesn't matter how much Faulks protested. He took the gig.

    The fact that he and Boyd took a commission for money reflects poorly on them, IMHO: their end product was lousy. I get the idea you rate them, particularly Boyd. I don't.

    The one with the clearest conscience is, oddly, the most financially successful. The one who turned IFP down regardless of the number of offers, Child. And no, I am not a Reacher/Child fan.

    And, if you've read my posts on the literature thread recently, you'll know I'm not waiting for Fleming's Bond..As I've stated, the continiutions are pointless.

    I just don't admire Bond being milked for dubious profit.
  • MustonMuston Huncote, Leicestershire Posts: 228MI6 Agent
    But if you see them as pointless, why read them and give profit to the people you think are milking Bond?
    "Thank you very much. I was just out walking my RAT and seem to have lost my way... "
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Sadly you do have to buy the book to read it and come up with an opinion. :))
    lucky for me I have enjoyed all the non Fleming novels, some more than others.
    None are as good as Fleming but still fun. :D
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • David SchofieldDavid Schofield EnglandPosts: 1,528MI6 Agent
    Muston wrote:
    But if you see them as pointless, why read them and give profit to the people you think are milking Bond?

    What Thunderpussy said = can't criticise without reading them 8-)

    When you've had a chance to read more of the continuations , then perhaps you'll agree with my view that the overall quality tends to suggest the project is futile
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,550Chief of Staff
    David Schofield wrote:
    The one with the clearest conscience is, oddly, the most financially successful. The one who turned IFP down regardless of the number of offers, Child. And no, I am not a Reacher/Child fan.

    Really ? You think IFP offer THAT much money ? They don't....simple as. If the money was right....he would write it.

    This is where Child has serious form...he made a pledge that Cruise WOULD NEVER get his hands on the Reacher novels, no matter how much money he offered...who made and starred in Jack Reacher ? Oh yea...Cruise...guess the money was enough ;)
    YNWA 97
  • David SchofieldDavid Schofield EnglandPosts: 1,528MI6 Agent
    Sir Miles wrote:
    David Schofield wrote:
    The one with the clearest conscience is, oddly, the most financially successful. The one who turned IFP down regardless of the number of offers, Child. And no, I am not a Reacher/Child fan.

    Really ? You think IFP offer THAT much money ? They don't....simple as. If the money was right....he would write it.

    This is where Child has serious form...he made a pledge that Cruise WOULD NEVER get his hands on the Reacher novels, no matter how much money he offered...who made and starred in Jack Reacher ? Oh yea...Cruise...guess the money was enough ;)

    You believe ALL that, Sir Miles? Internet speculation on all those points doesn't equal hard facts.

    Don't know a thing about the background to movie Reacher and web-rumours, but I think it's undisputed Child turned down IFP and, oddly, he's the continuation novelist who has an established best-seller career and as to how you are sure "if the money was right...he would write it..."? Inside knowledge? Otherwise it's pure speculation.
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,550Chief of Staff
    David Schofield wrote:
    You believe ALL that, Sir Miles? Internet speculation on all those points doesn't equal hard facts.

    Believe all what ? I'm lost as to what you are refering ? ?:)

    IFP don't offer LOTS of money - fact, not internet rumour.

    Child DID say that he would sell Reacher to Cruise...again fact, not internet rumour.
    YNWA 97
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