Interesting and worth reading. Has some pacing issues, and some grammatical idiosyncrasies that make the audiobook flow better than the text (i started in print and switched to audio halfway through), but overall decent ( )

The bonus book for Oct/Nov 2023's Pulp/Noir theme for Biere Library Storytime Book Club!

I've previously done a Bondathon series of potlucks through the movies with grad school friends, but had never actually read any of the novels which is why I suggested it- a short, breezy read that's mostly action (though there's this odd good vs evil discussion between Bond and Mathis when the former is recuperating from torture. I'm surprised that I remember the beats from the 2006 adaptation (which by adapting Bond's introductory novel worked as a soft reset for the new Daniel Craig era), but wooooooof that movie went a long way in modernizing James Bond.

I'd have to read more, but like another of my friends' review said, I can't tell if the misogyny and racism is "of the era" for the 1950s or if this is a Bond/Ian Fleming issue. Vesper is far more on equal footing in the film, and Bond is rough but not as much of a dick if I recall. ("sweet tang of rape" really huh)

also! My bartender husband says the ratios Fleming gives for the Vesper are unbalanced, "no need for vodka, increase the lillet" ( )

it was to my expectations and more loved this book would love to read it again ( )

The first one or two of the Bond novels were new and exciting. The plot and characters seemed real to me, so I liked this one. When they became a series, they lost their appeal, became kinda trite. ( )

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming was a truly marvelous classic.

I can totally understand why this book is considered one of the classic and first spy novels. It felt exactly like what I would expect a James Bond book to be - full of thrills, surprise twists and turns, double agents, alcohol, gambling and pretty women.

My favourite part of this book is that it wasn't exactly like a James Bond film - this James Bond made errors along the way and wasn't the perfect spy. He was headstrong and did what he thought was best (even if it wasn't the best plan). It made Bond feel like a real person.

I also really enjoyed the writing style. Mr. Fleming's writing felt elegant and perfectly placed for a spy thriller. I was enchanted along the ride and loved the word choice. It felt more royal, like the English Secret Service should be. On top of that, the heroes, heroine and villain all feel like actual people instead of characters. It was the way and tone of Ian Fleming's words that made it feel so real instead of just written words.

That being said, it was a lovely read. I would highly recommend these books to those who love thrillers and want to see the history of the genre. I found the book really intriguing. I might not continue reading the series but I did really like it book. It was a nice change from my normal read.

Three out of five stars.

( )