by Jeffrey Deaver
Simon & SchusterBantam 2011
Like many of you, I grew up reading Ian Fleming’s wonderful James Bond books. As I think about it, the image of 007 has been an interesting element of my thinking about writing and trying to find my own path as a thriller writer. What is your image of James Bond? Sean Connery in Goldfinger, which was such a stunning evolution in movies? To me, it was rather like the first Star Wars, something new and different. And intriguing. The 007 movie franchise has been a huge success, probably vacillating a bit depending on the actors playing the hero. Sean Connery was one image, some of the others have been way different and far less interesting (at least to this male).
Ian Fleming died long ago. Now, along comes Jeffrey Deaver, an appropriately famous thriller writer. When I picked up this new James Bond adventure, I had mixed emotions. In other contexts, when I have read sequels written by successors to authors I enjoyed, or when such authors changed direction in their writing, I have been sorely disappointed. So, I began reading with a jaundiced mind, trying to recall some 30-35 years ago reading the Bond books as a young man. I felt myself being critical. “This is not like before.”
Thankfully, Deaver has done an excellent job. This new James Bond, adjusted for the interesting issue of time span in a clever way, comes alive beautifully. Carte Blanche has the elements that we associate with Bond – crisis in the world that seems insoluble, lovemaking with a beautiful woman who turns out to have other roles in the story as well, fast cars, exciting locales, M, Moneypenny, and new potential loves in London (cleverly named Maidenstone – think about that one; she will doubtlessly return in the future) and South Africa, where the story is largely set. There is an impossible-to-discern plot afoot to wreak havoc in the world to suit the interests of an interesting assortment of rogues. Bond has an idea, which is backed by his superior against the views of the rest of the intelligence world. Can Bond get out of this mess?
The story is set in today’s world with a background of current issues, including environmental problems that the world faces.
The joy of James Bond is that he is a creature of the imagination, both his suave good looks, lifestyle, easy bedding of beautiful women, intriguing criminal plots, page turning excitement as the third leg of the story opens in full glory (I believe there are four stages to these books, like an exciting basketball game), and a triumphal denouement against impossible odds. As Bond sails of into the sunset, we wonder what his next scores and adventures will hold for us.
Professor Deaver – you have done a wonderful job of recreating this fascinating franchise. I am hooked once again. Perhaps in a future Bond escapade he can take up another current theme – economic terrorism practiced by state agencies, perhaps by an ally of the U.K. What will proper England let him do – right or stand down for political correctness?
Warms, Cym
Jeffery Deaver
Amazon
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