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Comments
:))
Yes, and that's my fourth version of the novel I've bought. I think I've done my bit for Horowitz and IFP! ;)
last year. :D
Stand-ip comedian Stewart Lee on supermarkets selling books in 2009: "Why not get a multi-pack of books. Stick the other two in the freezer." :))
I was suprised by how much it reads like a Fleming novel. I would never demand of any other writer to write like Fleming, all the more so I find Horowitz´ achievement impressive. That said, the novel felt as if Horowitz writing as Horowitz and not as someone else flows better.
As with Fleming´s novels, I enjoyed the action more than the more contemplative parts. In fact, I found the discrepancy even bigger than in Fleming´s novels. The action was written brilliantly. The more quiet bits dragged several times, mainly because they seemed to be more busy having Bond think than having a good flow. The references to other Bond novels felt at the same time annoying and very clever in the way they were used in the context. In any case, they were too many. Horowitz writes so well he doesn´t need those references to make me recognize I´m reading a Bond novel. It seems to be a fashion at the moment to shove such references down the customer´s throat, given that the films also don´t refrain from doing it. I would be happier without.
OH! That's why Bond was wearing a diaper on page 1! :-??
Yes it was a very excellent first effort.
I would like to ideally see Horowitz drop the period-Bond approach. I don't like him shoehorning new sensational stories amidst the Fleming continuity.
I'd prefer the 1953-1964 period be left to Fleming. Fleming chronicled that period.
That's his space IMO.
Even post-Fleming leaves only so much room, before one is into the 70s' and then what's the point? Amis, Faulks and Boyd have already worked the 67-69 period.
It's done I think and Pearson brought Bond up to 1973.
I would like to see Horowitz pick-up where Deaver left off with Carte Blanche. He could re-work Deaver's Bond environment as he saw fit.
Deaver at least gave Bond a fresh 2011 literary context.
The key here I think is that Horowitz writes Bond, the character, much better than Deaver did.
Deaver's Bond is the most foreign to Fleming I think in all of Bond lit.
Deaver had to go.
Horowitz has a much better measure of the man, the agent etc.
Well, the Paris WH Smith is under renovation right now, and guess which section was closed to the pubic ? Right, the Crime TPB section. And given that the trains to Paris have stopped service right after tuesday because of the flood (and a strike), I won't be able to get it before next week, at best.
from JB Jr,
:D
corrected :-D
First off, I love the US paperback cover. It has a great pulp feel and is recognisably Bond.
With regards to the timeline for future books - I think it's essential that the continuation novels remain consistent with the originals.
I say this because literary Bond is essentially a product of post war 1950s Britain and all that it entailed. Those values simply don't translate to modern times. Furthermore, that epoch allows the authors much more scope in terms of plot as Horowitz demonstrated with what is, hopefully his debut.
Of course, this debate will rage but I would go as fare as to say I just wouldn't buy a Bond novel set in modern times. "Carte Blanche' has put me off for life !
Thing is, Fleming himself noted Bond should always be a man of his times, and in his novels, as with Colonel Sun which I finished 5 minutes ago, was. Carte Banche wasn't good, but that was, to my mind, because of the writing. While I was reading CB I could see everything coming. Reading Fleming or Amis, I was wondering how it would end, not having a clue at all..
All in all I don't think CB should be held as an example of 'modern' Bond.
I quite like the cover. I love the Pulpy look. :)
Shouldn't it be a DBIII?!
And I love that US cover too. :)