After developing character in the Bond character in "Casino Royale", Ian Fleming wrote Live and Let Die, in my opinion one of the best novels in the series. This was a much better book than Casino Royale, only for the simple fact that Bond had already been introduced which allowed for more story and action.
Bond is sent to Harlem to investigate Mr.Big, a senior partner in S.M.E.R.S.H., who is using pirate valuables to fiance his organization. Along the way, Bond meets up with many memorable characters including Solitare, A prisoner of sorts that he rescues from Mr.Big and enters into a relationship with, only complicating mattersbetween himself and Mr.Big. The mission becomes much more than just a mission to James, after Mr.Bigs' slugs decapitate Felix Lighter, Bonds' CIA friend, using what is believed to be a fish of some sort, posibly a shark.
"...an animal or a big fish. Somethings been tearing at him!"
The action and suspense in LALD is top notch with Fleming creating exciting situations like the train ride in Pennsylvania, and the midnight swim Bond embarks on in barracuda infested water. Another thing to note is the relationship between Bond and Solitare. Well developed and meaningful, this relationship lasts throughout the novel and proves to be one of the classic Bond\Bond Girl relationships in all of Flemings Novels.
With intriguing locales, suspense, passion, and danger, Live and Let Die
is definitley one of Ian Flemings' better novels, not that any are really that
bad! The speed of the story, along with the authors' ability to keep the
pages turning is what I admire the most about this novel. If you are a
Bond fan and the movies just aren't enough for you, then pick up a copy
of Live and Let Die. You'll be surprised at how easily those gaps are
filled!
**** out of *****
© 1997 amonte007@hotmail.com
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