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tomaz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
catherine_t's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The book that launched a genre and a film franchise, Casino Royale introduces James Bond, British secret agent and a man of large appetites for cigarettes, alcohol, and women. In this first installment, Bond is detailed to gamble against Le Chiffre, a known Communist and suspected member of SMERSH, at the titular French casino. If Bond wins, Le Chiffre will be in serious trouble with his superiors. But Bond begins to realize, as he sits at the baccarat table, that his winning may mean losing...
Honestly, if Casino Royale had been adapted for the big screen exactly, it wouldn't have been a hit. At least a third of the book takes place at the baccarat table. It might be a high-stakes game, but visually, it's a big yawn. There are no gadgets, no sardonic one-liners, and Bond doesn't quite get the girl.
But that's not what's good about the book. What's good is Fleming's utter economy with words. Fleming can set the scene, draw a picture, or sketch a character in a sentence or two. Most people only know the flashy Bond films. You need to go back to the gritty originals, the novels, and see who James Bond really is.
Honestly, if Casino Royale had been adapted for the big screen exactly, it wouldn't have been a hit. At least a third of the book takes place at the baccarat table. It might be a high-stakes game, but visually, it's a big yawn. There are no gadgets, no sardonic one-liners, and Bond doesn't quite get the girl.
But that's not what's good about the book. What's good is Fleming's utter economy with words. Fleming can set the scene, draw a picture, or sketch a character in a sentence or two. Most people only know the flashy Bond films. You need to go back to the gritty originals, the novels, and see who James Bond really is.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Car accident, and Torture
Minor: Rape
codygard's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
notunremarkable's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
I grew up on the movies and this is the first Bond novel I've read. Once you get past the "this was written in the 1950s" aspect behind you to get to the really good stuff. The reader is treated to Bond's internal monologue and we get to see that Bond isn't just a ruthless 00 agent. We see him as a human and suffer with him through **spoiler** torture.
It was a quick, fun read. I don't know that I *need* to read any more Bond novels as I prefer the movie adaptation of the character. But it was still a good read.
It was a quick, fun read. I don't know that I *need* to read any more Bond novels as I prefer the movie adaptation of the character. But it was still a good read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Sexism
deanstranding's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
easytocrash's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jake_alexander's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
katykelly's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not a Bond fan but was hoping to see the source material and enjoy it after seeing it on the WBN 2013 list.
It was not at all what I expected, in both a good and not so good way. Bond still isn't very sympathetic. Still contains the same ingredients I dislike about the films - treatment of women, lack of likeable hero.
There wasn't much to the story - card game, torture, mushy love/twist part. Not even much of a sense of humour to enjoy.
Glad I have now read one but it hasn't changed my opinion of the franchise.
It was not at all what I expected, in both a good and not so good way. Bond still isn't very sympathetic. Still contains the same ingredients I dislike about the films - treatment of women, lack of likeable hero.
There wasn't much to the story - card game, torture, mushy love/twist part. Not even much of a sense of humour to enjoy.
Glad I have now read one but it hasn't changed my opinion of the franchise.
lurker_stalker's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it was a fairly fun book to read. I've never read a Bond book before and think I've only seen one or two movies and remember nothing about them. If it weren't for the horrible, absolutely terrible sexism, I would have likely loved it. Yes, I completely understand that it must be taken in context of the time and the sort of man Bond is and his profession. I get all of that but it still took away from my enjoyment of the book.
I don't think I'd read another but I'm glad I read this one. I don't know. Maybe I would read another. Maybe.
I don't think I'd read another but I'm glad I read this one. I don't know. Maybe I would read another. Maybe.