Right then... what Fleming titles?

Christmas Tounes

The only Bond book I've read is Dr.No, about 6 years ago and I thought it was great, one of the best books I've ever read (I haven't read many books though ).

I'm now looking to get back into it, so I need recommendations of the best Fleming titles to pick next (I'm not really interested in Non-Fleming titles). It'd be ideal if they were exiting, and not too long. Many thanks, Christmas Tounes

chrisno1

I wrote a whole series of reviews in this section (link attached) so you can maybe decide yourself.
I always recommend FRWL as it is very similar to the movie and you will get a great sense of location, flavour of the time and fantastic characterisations.
However, you can't go far wrong with re-reading DrNo or the first Jamaica novel LALD, which are both exciting tales.
For a quick read, CR is very taut, it's a solid introduction to Bond and doesn't dwell much on anyone's psyche.
Not everyone likes them, but the short stories in FYEO and a lesser extent OP are interesting and also a very easy read, though none of them IMO have the true "007" feel.
Good luck reading,let us know what you think.

http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/33508/bond-novel-reviews/

Napoleon Plural

Read Live and Let Die next, but make sure it has a nice exotic cover! Go on to eBay. Even the film tie-in is a classic, but don't get any paperback after that.

FRWL immediately precedes Dr No.

I'm a sucker for a good cover, it makes all the difference.

Cuish

-Casino Royale - where it all started.

-Moonraker - the card game alone makes it worth reading.

-From Russia with Love

-For Your Eyes Only

-On Her Majesty's Secret Service

But I'll suggest that you read them in strict release order.

j.blades

Cuish wrote:

But I'll suggest that you read them in strict release order.

I second that, amongst popular belief the books do continue both in a follow up/ recognition of the previous mission/ story and in bonds character development.

it is the only way to read them effectively inmo, and the fourteen novels may be daunting but really savour them because you can only read them once with all of flemings brilliant twist, turns and suspense that just aren't present the second time-round.

but, i do suggest that you do re-read them to pick up on little tidbits you may have missed and to really have a relaxed read, that is timeless. -{

The Domino Effect

I third that. I started reading them in chronological order off and on about 2-3 years ago and have just finished TSWLM. Several I had read earlier when I was in school and am therefore re-reading, but it's first-time for the majority. Reading them in order definitely adds to the experience and you get a familiarity with Bond that you don't get by just dipping in and out. As Fleming wrote relatively few books, I'm already growing sad that I only have a couple left to enjoy and one of those I have already read years ago.

When I read Andrew Lycett's superb biography of Fleming "The Man Behind James Bond", I was interested to learn that the response to TSWLM was lukewarm at best when it was first published. However, although it is unquestionably different and actually unique in its style and I can understand why some were disappointed, I thoroughly enjoyed it for what it was. I very much doubt I would have appreciated it as much if I had just randomly read it or started my Fleming exploration with it.

So yes, go for the lot. Casino Royale really is the best place to start any way and is excellent in its own right, so start there and then keep going...in proper order!

j.blades

The Domino Effect, I too enjoyed TSWLM {[] , especially half way threw when bond showed up, which was one of the most exciting action sequences I've ever read, really well done, not as good as from Russia with love but, far from rubbish.

Ask Dr No

TSWLM will be the last Fleming Bond novel I read. After DAF and FRWL

thesecretagent

Start at the beggining and go through to the end. Bond grows and develops along the way and I think you'll appreciate them in chronological order.

Scribe74

No matter how many times I re-read the Fleming books, MOONRAKER always remains my favorite . . . Be sure to check it out!

ghost1

If you're not going in the series order , then FRWL or OHMSS.