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  • PussyNoMorePussyNoMore
    Posts: 520
    thelivingroyale wrote: »
    OHMSS is a weird one for me because it's brilliant, one of the best books if not the best, and yet I do also think it's one of the ones that the film version manages to improve on...........

    An interesting perspective but PussyNoMore belongs to the school that thinks the movies never improved anything.

  • PussyNoMorePussyNoMore
    Posts: 520
    PussyNoMore wrote: »
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    @Lancaster007
    It's taken me a lot longer to put this next review together, but I hope you'll enjoy reading it. ;)
    DD's 2018 book reading

    BOOK 11

    ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE
    by Ian Fleming

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    What builds the quintessential Bond story? To some, it is the card table tension of CASINO ROYALE. To others, it is the thrilling Cold War politics of FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. Others still may nominate the fantastical wilds of THUNDERBALL. The book that usually springs to my mind is ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE. Combining delicate romance, electrifying action, nail-biting suspense and an unconventional villainous masterplan, this story is, at least in my opinion, what Bond is all about. Perhaps I’m drawn to it even more because of the much talked about 1969 film of the same name. A rather faithful adaptation, “the one with George Lazenby” continues to polarise Bond fans of all generations but has since its release assembled a very loyal following. Commanding respect, among many things, is the somewhat atypical plot, lifted straight from the pages of the book. After the absurdly larger-than-life film adaptation of YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and CASINO ROYALE’s unique spoof debacle, ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE submitted the cinematic Bond to a soft reboot in terms of style and class. Even the book presented something of a tone shift from its immediate predecessors, i.e. the global nuclear threat of THUNDERBALL and the doggedly bizarre experiment of THE SPY WHO LOVED ME. Ian Fleming returned Bond to his former form, but with a few unexpected twists. Possibly his last great novel, ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE is a book I’m always pleased to revisit. I’ve got Barry’s ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE and Newman’s SKYFALL playing in the background, and a warm blanket within reach for when the cold, snowy mountain tops of Switzerland welcome Sir Hillary Bray Baronet.................

    ..........So, the quintessential Bond then? To me at least, it is. Featuring Blofeld, an isolated lair, an outrageous threat, a problematic girl and a burdened Bond, the mix feels complete. Fleming’s prose is, as usual, fast and very matter-of-fact, a delight to read. The novel taps new depths in Bond’s inner universe and gives him a few tense instances of high-speed action. Whatever condition Fleming was in, he wrote a phenomenal book with this one, sharp and edgy, full of highlights and captivating moments. Leaving the awkward experiment of THE SPY WHO LOVED ME very far behind him, he not only returned to the style of the first couple of books but added spice, gravity and meaning to the world of Bond. The book is one of the most unforgettable entries in the series, a high peak and no less gratifying than its film adaptation. I rank it amongst the very best of the Bond books, between CASINO ROYALE and MOONRAKER in fact. It’s also one that always leaves me emotionally drained afterwards, even more so now than when I was first confronted with the upsetting ending. Knowing very well how things will wrap up, I’m constantly in a state of desolation, wanting to warn Bond for what’s coming but knowing full well that I can’t. I want him to be happy in the arms of an interesting woman, but then again, isn’t Bond the eternal bachelor? And on that note, I put down one of my favourite Bond books, satisfied but also bushed. My eyes start to feel heavy and so my journey to Japan will have to wait at least a day. Three more novels in Fleming's series -- but hey, we’ve got all the time in the world.

    9.5/10

    DD's 2018 book ranking
    1) Casino Royale - 10/10
    2) On Her Majesty's Secret Service - 9.5/10
    3) Moonraker - 9.5/10
    4) From Russia With Love - 9/10
    5) Dr No - 8.5/10
    6) The Spy Who Loved Me - 8/10
    7) Live And Let Die - 8/10
    8) Diamonds Are Forever - 7.5/10
    9) Goldfinger - 7/10
    10) For Your Eyes Only - 7/10
    11) Thunderball - 6.5/10

    PussyNoMore finds this review of OHMSS by DarthDimi to be quite extraordinary.
    It is so insightful and a delight to read.
    Pussy first read this literary pearl in 1963, at the tender age of ten, and has re-visited it on multiple occasions since then.
    Of course, one can always question what a ten year old could possibly get out of Fleming?
    The answer is, actually quite a lot. It was really the Bond books that got him reading for pleasure and for that, amongst many other things, Pussy owes Fleming a huge debt.
    PussyNoMore mentions this because the thing that struck him about OHMSS back then, although he wouldn’t have been able to articulate it, but which holds true to this day, when he can - is that the book has great ‘balance’ - this is something that shines through in DarthDimi’s review without him actually saying it.
    All Bond books have extremely strong sections but, when a discerning aficionado, narrows it down, comparatively few maintain the absolute highest of ‘Fleming’ quality throughout.
    Exceptionally OHMSS has. It has a phenomenal beginning, an extremely strong mid section and an explosive and unexpected end. This is what makes it quintessential Bond.
    The others that can boast this ‘balance’ are FRWL, MR and CR but, even if it can be argued that even these gems don’t have the absolute consistency of OHMSS, it probably explains why many fans put them at the top of their favourites list.
    As a blanket statement, PussyNoMore has always derived the most satisfaction from the first third of the Bond novels. The part that can probably be referred to as the set up.
    Pussy used to think it was because he didn’t engage with the fantasy Fleming elements as much as he did with the straight spy stuff that typically dominated the first third of his novels.
    On reflection, after fifty five years of reading them, he isn’t sure this is correct.
    The truth maybe, as the actress said to the bishop, that Fleming just had problems keeping it up.
    This could have been down to his writing style.
    The fact that he wrote from the gut, sitting down behind his type writer and spontaneously writing without reviewing until his return to London, is doubtless what gave him his page turning pace. It also must have been incredibly exhausting and particularly given his failing health, may explain his sometime lack of consistency.
    It also could explain why his writing style is so suited to the novella and why FYEO and O&TLD are so enjoyable.
    That said, for OHMSS, this longest of Bond books, Fleming found literary viagra and gave us something that was truly consistent and that had real balance.
    PussyNoMore congratulates DarthDimi on his review and thanks him for making the Pussy think about this. Hopefully we’ve got “All The Time In The World” to reflect and discuss.

    On reflection, PussyNoMore thinks it a great shame that DarthDimi's piece is not posted under the literary section.
    More of the book aficionados would be able to enjoy it.
    Perhaps somebody with the required technical wizardry could make the change ?
  • CraterGunsCraterGuns
    Posts: 618
    methode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2Ff5f858a6-0c17-11e8-9ed2-93cf9d74a2fe.jpg?crop=384%2C579%2C0%2C0
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,183
    @PussyNoMore
    I profoundly appreciate the compliments, sir. This thread is the one I use as a personal record if you like of my reading activities. After I've gone through all the Fleming books, I will try to polish them and then post them in the literary section. That may take some time though since I'm otherwise occupied most of the time and also because English isn't my first language. ;)
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    cover.jpg
    (1916)
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    title.jpg
    (1918)
  • RevelatorRevelator
    Posts: 2,918
    Thunderfinger, do you happen to be a dabbler in the black arts?
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    Not at all.
  • Agent_99Agent_99 enjoys a spirited ride as much as the next girl
    Posts: 3,176
    Just started this. Helen MacInnes always gets stuck with dreadful covers for some reason.

    51OewzJzKuL._SX373_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
  • SaintMarkSaintMark
    Posts: 7,653
    Agent_99 wrote: »
    Just started this. Helen MacInnes always gets stuck with dreadful covers for some reason.

    51OewzJzKuL._SX373_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

    Good book anyhow.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,976
    I've been trying my absolute hardest to get back into reading lately. I might not be reading at the pace I'd like (only a few pages a day, it seems), but it's been sorely missed. Still continuing on with my Stephen King marathon I stopped a couple of years back and am giving Joyland a shot.
  • LudovicoLudovico
    Posts: 15,124
    Agent_99 wrote: »
    Just started this. Helen MacInnes always gets stuck with dreadful covers for some reason.

    51OewzJzKuL._SX373_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

    I don't know, I kind of like its look.
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    cover.jpg
    1919 edition, originally written in the 1860s.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 18,281
    Thunderfinger wrote: »
    cover.jpg
    1919 edition, originally written in the 1860s.

    Another one for @CrazyIndianWriter!
  • Fire_and_Ice_ReturnsFire_and_Ice_Returns I am trying to get away from this mountan!
    Posts: 25,133
    51TkWXppQiL._SX326_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
  • SaintMarkSaintMark
    Posts: 7,653
  • Agent_99Agent_99 enjoys a spirited ride as much as the next girl
    Posts: 3,176
    Fire_and_Ice_Returns wrote: »
    51TkWXppQiL._SX326_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

    I read this recently and thought it was incredible. I discussed it with my mum, who read it when it first came out, and she could remember whole chunks of dialogue after 30+ years, it's that good.
  • PussyNoMorePussyNoMore
    Posts: 520
    SaintMark wrote: »

    PussyNoMore was mortified by Philips passing.
    His creation, Bernie Gunther, is one of the most memorable and enduring characters in modern fiction.
    The research and love that Philip put into his work knows few equals and when it comes to creating atmosphere he remains peerless.
    Happily, 'Greeks Bearing Gifts' is not his last novel. He finished another just before he passed which will be released next year.
    The Pussy's thoughts are with Philip's family at this difficult time but he will remain forever in our hearts and on our book shelves.
    Philip - thanks a million for all of those fabulous stories and RIP.


  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    Oh man, I didn't know Kerr had died! Read his Berlin noir books and a few others. Really enjoyed them. Only 62.
  • SaintMarkSaintMark
    Posts: 7,653
    Philip Kerr delivered the final draft of the last Bernie Gunther novel "Metropolis" a weel before his demise. So While I am currently reading "Greek bearing gifts" I know that there is at least one more book to come form this more than exciting writer.

    I did order this latest Gunther book online on the early evening of the 23rd of March, which I found out later was the day of his passing,

    His Bernie Gunter novels were blind purchases, I bought them at their release.

    May He rest in peace.
  • Fire_and_Ice_ReturnsFire_and_Ice_Returns I am trying to get away from this mountan!
    Posts: 25,133
    Agent_99 wrote: »
    Fire_and_Ice_Returns wrote: »
    51TkWXppQiL._SX326_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

    I read this recently and thought it was incredible. I discussed it with my mum, who read it when it first came out, and she could remember whole chunks of dialogue after 30+ years, it's that good.

    Its quite a unique book I read it initially in 1999 when I was at college it was included in a science fiction module I did. I am a few chapters in now and I was surprised how easily I found reading it, it did not take long adapting to the phonetic speech, it's a very profound book it demands the reader become connected to Riddley and his world and journey.
  • SaintMarkSaintMark
    Posts: 7,653
    Just received my monthly comics;
    Casino Royale (dynamite)
    The Shadow magazine #127 (Sanctum books)
    jessica Jones the legacy #17 & #18
    Witchblade #4
    The Crow - memento mori #1
    The shadow / Batman #6
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    SaintMark wrote: »
    Just received my monthly comics;
    Casino Royale (dynamite)
    The Shadow magazine #127 (Sanctum books)
    jessica Jones the legacy #17 & #18
    Witchblade #4
    The Crow - memento mori #1
    The shadow / Batman #6

    I haven't read comic books in years. As a youngster I loved Marvel, but never got into DC.

    Do the two have any kind of a rivalry these days? Is one better than the other?
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    NicNac wrote: »
    SaintMark wrote: »
    Just received my monthly comics;
    Casino Royale (dynamite)
    The Shadow magazine #127 (Sanctum books)
    jessica Jones the legacy #17 & #18
    Witchblade #4
    The Crow - memento mori #1
    The shadow / Batman #6

    I haven't read comic books in years. As a youngster I loved Marvel, but never got into DC.

    Do the two have any kind of a rivalry these days? Is one better than the other?

    Ask @doubleoego .
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    They do have a strong rivalry, yes.

    DC's Comics are definitely better than Marvel's temporary ones, which is further messed up than DC's New 52. But, that's not saying much. So, it's not worth picking up either of them. Not the mainstream timelines, anyway.
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    I grew up with DC, and discovered Marvel when I approached my teens. I enjoyed both.
  • SaintMarkSaintMark
    Posts: 7,653
    I do not care about DC or Marvel, I pick what I like to read, anytime a so-called "real" fan bothers me about that I quit listening.

    I returned somewhat to comics because of the likes of Spawn, Witchblade, Fathom and the Darkness. liked the Batman trade-pockets with complete stories.

    Then The Shadow returned once more to the comics and I really prefer those comics, found out about the Dresden flies being a comic so got dragged in (big fan of Harry Dresden by Jim Butcher).

    Generally prefer Asterix, Mortimer & Blake and quite a few French comics to the US comics.

    Comics are fun and even my daughters do enjoy them occasionally a lot more than they wish to admit. (Dad cannot be right or have a semblance of taste)
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    Asterix was fantastic when Goscinny was alive.
  • SaintMarkSaintMark
    edited April 2018 Posts: 7,653
    It was but I still enjoy the new installments they are not as good but better than decent still.

    It is like the 007 novels I love Fleming but are everytime excited when a new one comes along, I'd only wish that they had the quality they still have with the new Asterix comics. They remains good. The literary defenders of Fleming should look into that for a change.
  • LudovicoLudovico
    Posts: 15,124
    Astérix really took a nose dive when Uderzo did them alone. He did ok with La rose et le glaive but then completely jumped the shark. Characters becoming caricatures and Obélix turning into a bully.

    I'm reading The Gutter and the Grave by Ed McBain. Strangely not an 87th Precinct novel. Really solid though.
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