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Who's Your Bond in DMC?


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#1 Andrew

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Posted 28 May 2008 - 10:58 PM

We've had discussions on here before as to which Bond readers picture while reading the novels so I'm curious as to who you all are picturing in DEVIL MAY CARE.

Is it Connery? An older Lazenby? Moore? Dalton? Brosnan? An older Craig? Perhaps it's none of the above and it's someone like Cary Grant, Hoagy Carmichael, or David Niven. Is it a Bond that you created in your head?

I'm about eight chapters in and the Bond I'm seeing is a more fit version of the DAF Connery, who seems to be about the right age for the Bond of this novel. I also see some grey in his hair, although I'm not sure if Faulks mentioned anything about that. There were some sections in the first few chapters where an older Craig crept into my mind but that just might be because he's my ideal Bond at this moment in time.

So who are you picturing?

As a side note, I'm enjoying the novel immensely. It's a fun read so far and it does strike me as Fleming-esq. I was worried that I would be disappointed after the extracts were released and everyone seemed to be negative about them but I'm pretty content so far!

#2 Emma

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Posted 28 May 2008 - 11:53 PM

I actually see George Lazenby.

#3 ImTheMoneypenny

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 11:46 AM

It's funny, no matter how much I'd like to picture a Bond actor as Bond when I'm reading, I can't.

I end up picturing a rather non-discript, though dashing well-built and well-dressed, 50's style man.

#4 David Schofield

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 12:32 PM

The Horak guy, though with plenty of white/grey at the temples and at the front.

Or a 47 year old version of Lazenby.

Which is the same, really. :tup:

#5 BoogieBond

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 12:36 PM

It's funny, no matter how much I'd like to picture a Bond actor as Bond when I'm reading, I can't.

I end up picturing a rather non-discript, though dashing well-built and well-dressed, 50's style man.

I feel the same. I always picture a Tall, Slim man at about 6' with Dark hair and Blue eyes, looks sort of like my dad. :tup:
But I don't picture any Movie Bond. Dalton comes closest, but he's not the Bond I picture in my head.

#6 Loomis

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 12:41 PM

Well, I'm six chapters into the book, and given that Bond has so far done little but deliver quips and puns, I'd have to say Moore circa MOONRAKER.

#7 ImTheMoneypenny

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 12:45 PM

It's funny, no matter how much I'd like to picture a Bond actor as Bond when I'm reading, I can't.

I end up picturing a rather non-discript, though dashing well-built and well-dressed, 50's style man.

I feel the same. I always picture a Tall, Slim man at about 6' with Dark hair and Blue eyes, looks sort of like my dad. :tup:
But I don't picture any Movie Bond. Dalton comes closest, but he's not the Bond I picture in my head.


Sometimes I try really hard to imagine a Bond actor, it depends on which sort of Bond adventure I'm reading as to who pops into my head. However, once I get lost in the action, it never lasts and he dissolves into the sort of man you describe as well. A bit broad shouldered. Sort of like a man on a 50's pulp book cover.

#8 David Schofield

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 12:47 PM

Well, I'm six chapters into the book, and given that Bond has so far done little but deliver quips and puns, I'd have to say Moore circa MOONRAKER.


About that far myself, Loom.

Faulks hasn't impressed me at all yet.

The novel would have been better sold as "Sebastian Faulks writing as Raymond Benson" :tup:

#9 BoogieBond

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 01:00 PM

Sometimes I try really hard to imagine a Bond actor, it depends on which sort of Bond adventure I'm reading as to who pops into my head. However, once I get lost in the action, it never lasts and he dissolves into the sort of man you describe as well. A bit broad shouldered. Sort of like a man on a 50's pulp book cover.

Sort of like Rog in his knitting modelling days :tup:
No, I know what you mean.

#10 Loomis

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 01:13 PM

Well, I'm six chapters into the book, and given that Bond has so far done little but deliver quips and puns, I'd have to say Moore circa MOONRAKER.


About that far myself, Loom.

Faulks hasn't impressed me at all yet.

The novel would have been better sold as "Sebastian Faulks writing as Raymond Benson" :tup:


Yeah, the vibe I'm getting so far is of a slightly better-written LICENCE RENEWED meeting a rehash of the plot (and villain) of Fleming's MOONRAKER overlaid with the jokey tone of Eon's MOONRAKER.

The writing style has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Fleming, and it isn't the Faulks I know and love, either. Not that Faulks really has a signature style, as such - indeed, he's notable for his versatility.

But the Faulks I know and love - whatever he's writing about and whatever "voice" he's writing in - is always brilliant. And brilliant DEVIL MAY CARE most certainly ain't. So far, it's mildly diverting, but little more than that.

Far from a dead loss - heaven knows, there are many continuation novels that are much, much worse.... but so far this must rank as a disappointment. Who knows? Once I've actually finished the book, my opinion may be much more favourable, but right now I suspect we're looking at the KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL of Bond novels.

#11 David Schofield

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 01:20 PM

Well, I'm six chapters into the book, and given that Bond has so far done little but deliver quips and puns, I'd have to say Moore circa MOONRAKER.


About that far myself, Loom.

Faulks hasn't impressed me at all yet.

The novel would have been better sold as "Sebastian Faulks writing as Raymond Benson" :tup:


Yeah, the vibe I'm getting so far is of a slightly better-written LICENCE RENEWED meeting a rehash of the plot (and villain) of Fleming's MOONRAKER overlaid with the jokey tone of Eon's MOONRAKER.

The writing style has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Fleming, and it isn't the Faulks I know and love, either. Not that Faulks really has a signature style, as such - indeed, he's notable for his versatility.

But the Faulks I know and love - whatever he's writing about and whatever "voice" he's writing in - is always brilliant. And brilliant DEVIL MAY CARE most certainly ain't. So far, it's mildly diverting, but little more than that.

Far from a dead loss - heaven knows, there are many continuation novels that are much, much worse.... but so far this must rank as a disappointment. Who knows? Once I've actually finished the book, my opinion may be much more favourable, but right now I suspect we're looking at the KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL of Bond novels.


What with all the "writing as Fleming" stuff, as I sat down last evening with my Martini, I thought I would expect to wade through pages knee-deep in Flemingisms. Sort of Christopher Wood-style, but turbo.

Er, no.

Faulks starts with the classic continuation author trick of having an event happen in chapter one that does not involve Bond. Now how often did Fleming have that happen? Bang, chapter one, what's Bond up to? Ah, hear he is. In an airport, a casino, a bathroom, wherever, but he's bloody well there!

Should have known, though, that no real attempt at Fleming would be made. Surely, a genuine attempt at Fleming would have insisted on a Chopping-esque cover?

CAN wait to tackle the rest. Bond's just arrived in Tehran. And ordered room service. With booze. And sat down to another bloody, effing meal.

Ian, we're sorry.

#12 Loomis

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 01:36 PM

What with all the "writing as Fleming" stuff, as I sat down last evening with my Martini, I thought I would expect to wade through pages knee-deep in Flemingisms. Sort of Christopher Wood-style, but turbo.


I'd hoped that Faulks' prose would be Pearsonesque, and it is. Unfortunately, though, it's the Pearson of the jokey, caricatured, verging-on-Austin-Powers (actually, make that Nigel Powers), older and semi-retired Bond of THE AUTHORISED BIOGRAPHY, rather than the Pearson of the flashbacks to Bond's early missions that fair crackle and pop with Flemingian flavour.

For me (although I do say this without having read Wood, and indeed without having read many of the continuation novels*), THE AUTHORISED BIOGRAPHY comes closer than any other book, even COLONEL SUN, to capturing some of that Fleming feel. However, it's a book of two halves, as it were, and DEVIL MAY CARE unexpectedly and unfortunately chimes with the wrong half.

However, I'll shut up about DMC until I've finished it, for it's possible that I've yet to delve deeply enough into its treasures. :tup:

*There are some I tried and failed to read - failed because they're just so bloody awful. At least DMC isn't in that category.

#13 Jim

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 01:37 PM

Faulks starts with the classic continuation author trick of having an event happen in chapter one that does not involve Bond. Now how often did Fleming have that happen? Bang, chapter one, what's Bond up to? Ah, hear he is. In an airport, a casino, a bathroom, wherever, but he's bloody well there!


True, it does happen a lot with the other continuers, but Fleming did do it in Diamonds are Forever, From Russia with Love (half a book, admittedly), Dr No, From a View to a Kill (ish), For Your Eyes Only (ish) and Octopussy (ish).

He writes, showing off completely useless "knowledge".

In answer to the question, Richard Burton. In Wild Geese mode.

#14 David Schofield

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 01:45 PM

Faulks starts with the classic continuation author trick of having an event happen in chapter one that does not involve Bond. Now how often did Fleming have that happen? Bang, chapter one, what's Bond up to? Ah, hear he is. In an airport, a casino, a bathroom, wherever, but he's bloody well there!


True, it does happen a lot with the other continuers, but Fleming did do it in Diamonds are Forever, From Russia with Love (half a book, admittedly), Dr No, From a View to a Kill (ish), For Your Eyes Only (ish) and Octopussy (ish).

He writes, showing off completely useless "knowledge".

In answer to the question, Richard Burton. In Wild Geese mode.


And of course, TSWLM. But Fleming in TSWLM and FRWL was experimenting with his prototype Bond novel's structure.

Faulks has no prototype Bond novel structure to follow bar the first chapter one; here's Bond, what's he experiencing? Straight into Bond world. But no. (Anyone feel this is because, basically, he is uncomfortable with Bond's world? I note he has NOT NAMED a single hotel Bond hs stayed in - Mr Brandname Fleming would not have missed the opportunity!).

Sadly, at this point, though, this seems to be one of the least of Faulks' sins. :tup:

#15 Jim

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 01:46 PM

Faulks starts with the classic continuation author trick of having an event happen in chapter one that does not involve Bond. Now how often did Fleming have that happen? Bang, chapter one, what's Bond up to? Ah, hear he is. In an airport, a casino, a bathroom, wherever, but he's bloody well there!


True, it does happen a lot with the other continuers, but Fleming did do it in Diamonds are Forever, From Russia with Love (half a book, admittedly), Dr No, From a View to a Kill (ish), For Your Eyes Only (ish) and Octopussy (ish).

He writes, showing off completely useless "knowledge".

In answer to the question, Richard Burton. In Wild Geese mode.


And of course, TSWLM. But Fleming in TSWLM and FRWL was experimenting with his prototype Bond novel's structure.


Ah, yes. The Spy who Loved Me. How could I have forgotten that?

Pretty bloody easily, really.

#16 iexpectu2die

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 02:00 PM

We're the stereotypical, mildly humorous "hardcore" fans, reacting in just the way the average person would expect us to. To be honest, I'm not blown away so far. But although the book isn't particularly life-affirming, it holds a nice atmosphere. I've only read a few chapters, but I enjoyed Faulks' writing of Bond's sabbatical 'holiday', there was an interestingly idyllic glimpse of Bond in retirement. The novel, for me, is not disrespectful to the originals. Reading it feels the perfect celebration of Fleming's centenary.

#17 ImTheMoneypenny

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 02:10 PM

What with all the "writing as Fleming" stuff, as I sat down last evening with my Martini, I thought I would expect to wade through pages knee-deep in Flemingisms. Sort of Christopher Wood-style, but turbo.


I'd hoped that Faulks' prose would be Pearsonesque, and it is. Unfortunately, though, it's the Pearson of the jokey, caricatured, verging-on-Austin-Powers (actually, make that Nigel Powers), older and semi-retired Bond of THE AUTHORISED BIOGRAPHY, rather than the Pearson of the flashbacks to Bond's early missions that fair crackle and pop with Flemingian flavour.

For me (although I do say this without having read Wood, and indeed without having read many of the continuation novels*), THE AUTHORISED BIOGRAPHY comes closer than any other book, even COLONEL SUN, to capturing some of that Fleming feel. However, it's a book of two halves, as it were, and DEVIL MAY CARE unexpectedly and unfortunately chimes with the wrong half.

However, I'll shut up about DMC until I've finished it, for it's possible that I've yet to delve deeply enough into its treasures. :tup:

*There are some I tried and failed to read - failed because they're just so bloody awful. At least DMC isn't in that category.


I pitched Benson's Zero Minus Ten across the room after maybe three chapters, I hated it so much. I've only finished one Gardner book, Role of Honor, I've tried to get through more but just couldn't. I didn't care for ROH either though not as violently as I disliked ZMT. :tup: I'm enjoying DMC, I have a couple teeny tiny complaints, but at least the book is well written. That said, DMC will never rank among my favourite Bond books.

#18 TheREAL008

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 04:10 PM

Should have known, though, that no real attempt at Fleming would be made. Surely, a genuine attempt at Fleming would have insisted on a Chopping-esque cover?

Ian, we're sorry.



I agree, perfectly missed opportunity and I always wondered why IFP didn't insist on it? License Renewed even had a Chopping'esque cover. I know it sounds incredibly shallow of me to judge the cover instead of the book, but that's not my intention.

Guess I'll wait till Friday when I get paid to read it.

#19 ImTheMoneypenny

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 04:59 PM

Sometimes I try really hard to imagine a Bond actor, it depends on which sort of Bond adventure I'm reading as to who pops into my head. However, once I get lost in the action, it never lasts and he dissolves into the sort of man you describe as well. A bit broad shouldered. Sort of like a man on a 50's pulp book cover.

Sort of like Rog in his knitting modelling days :(
No, I know what you mean.


:tup: Were his shoulders broad enough? Hmm could be. He wasn't half bad to look at in The Saint either. :tup:

#20 SecretAgent007

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 05:54 PM

The Chopping-esque cover on Licence Renewed was painted by Chopping. The next 3-4 were not, but were Chopping-esque. This book along with LR does not deserve a Chopping style cover IMO.

Edited by SecretAgent007, 29 May 2008 - 05:57 PM.


#21 spynovelfan

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 06:14 PM

A few chapters in, Jeremy Northam.

#22 MarkA

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 06:18 PM

The novel would have been better sold as "Sebastian Faulks writing as Raymond Benson"



So far I'm in the middle ground here. Nothing could be as bad as Benson, at least Faulks can write, and I too liked the introspective Bond at the beginning. Not sure Bond would play tennis. It reminds me very much of early John Gardner. But out of all the continuation novels the real undiscovered gems are The Moneypenny Diaries.

#23 Safari Suit

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 06:24 PM

So far I've found it rather enjoyable, but I personally wasn't expecting a classic or the second coming of Fleming (which IMO wouldn't necessarily be... now's not the time). Anyone expecting that (and they have every right to, given the hype), will probably be disappointed. Anyway, less generic than Gardner, far better than anything by Benson and as much fun as the former at his best. If we are to consider it in such a context I would also consider it an improvement over TMWTGG.

With regards to the question, Connery, though that is mainly an era thing.

#24 terminus

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 06:25 PM

It's a very Connery-esque feel to the whole thing, I think, so I seem to be picturing him in the role.

#25 K1Bond007

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 08:03 PM

It's a very Connery-esque feel to the whole thing, I think, so I seem to be picturing him in the role.


This is really my vibe on the whole thing at this point. It feels like a Connery movie (early, like Goldfinger or Thunderball), which is to say it's rooted in Fleming, expanded on for a movie audience and with a little extra dash of comedy (quips and so forth).

#26 FlemingIanFleming

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Posted 29 May 2008 - 08:15 PM

David Niven.

#27 Emma

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Posted 31 May 2008 - 07:37 PM

I disagree with most of the posters here. I'm a hundred pages in and I really love it tremendously. Then again I've never been able to get through any of Flemmings' books, I just find them a tedious chore to read, and they don't seem to hold up in modern times.

I agree with people who have said that it's far better than Benson. The style does remind me a lot of Pearson's bio (which I did not find funny, so I don't get why people are saying it is).

In short I like this book very much, and would hightly recommend it to anyone who wants to get into Bond.

#28 Danishdude118118

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Posted 31 May 2008 - 08:46 PM

The bond i've allways imagined when reading the books is somewhere in looks between craig and Ewan McGregor but with black hair

#29 Johnboy007

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Posted 31 May 2008 - 10:16 PM

I've been seeing the fictional Bond I always see: I dark, shadowy figure that doesn't resemble any of the actors.

A really mean looking Hoagy Carmichael, I suppose.

#30 Orion

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Posted 31 May 2008 - 10:27 PM

I saw an older Craig, simply because of the very early on appearances of Mathis and Leiter which reminded me of CR film, the only film to have Felix in years and the only film to have Mathis ever.