Reviews

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

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bexlrose's review

4.0

Well. That lovey-stuff came from nowhere didn't it? Really nowhere. Quite unbelievable in fact, lost half a star for that. However, a good book nonetheless, a great introduction to the misogyny and philosophy of Bond, makes him seem both more and less flawed than the films. More woman-hating but less psychopathic. A thoroughly enjoyable novel, thrilling. 3.5 stars.

dutchkiwi_reads's review

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

phedrebelle's review

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3.0

A product of its time for sure.

evanwilson's review

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adventurous dark emotional lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bperl's review

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2.0

Fleming is a chauvinist, and it comes across heavily in this book. The novel is very clearly a product of its time, and so must be judged accordingly. His pacing is gripping, and his handle of complex foreign and state issues is firm. Bond's character is left mostly to the imagination of Fleming's mostly post-nuclear readers, which actually works fairly well in this case.

A fun read, but there's enough degradation of women (ALL women) that I'm probably going to skip the rest of the series.

lauraborkpower's review

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5.0

This first Bond novel is terrific. It gives a great character sketch of the most famous spy in literature before he became the playboy we now know and love. It's relatively low on action and high on character development, which I really enjoyed. Also, it's the book my husband and I listened to in the car up to Door County the weekend he proposed. (awwwwwwww. blech.)