A review by darwinista
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

3.0

All the misogyny, racism, and odd national stereotyping you'd expect, but one huge difference: the Bond in this first book is more fallible, more vulnerable, and altogether more human character than the Bond of the movies (and perhaps of the later books, too). He is as likely to escape death or dismemberment through outside help as through his own skill. He persists in not recognizing danger.

Spoiler

When the villains nab him, his escape attempt fails and he gives up and waits for death.

He seems very young and naive. Because I've seen many of the Bond movies over the years, this vulnerability was surprising and interesting. Note: the film version has substantial plot differences.