2 replies to this topic

[glidrose]

I think it warrants its own thread as it's really a short story akin to Pearson's 1973 Bond bio novel.

 

http://www.theguardi...-bond-interview

 

Here's the companion Q&A

 

http://www.theguardi...-q-a-james-bond

Unfortunately Boyd misses an opportunity to have Bond utter his famous philosophy: "I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time."

 

I had to cringe when Bond says that he most admires M because he - M - knows Bond better than Bond knows himself. Ugh. Can't imagine Bond every saying that, let alone thinking it.

 

Also can't believe Bond's favorite perfume is that which his mother wore... Creepy, that.

[Dustin]

Great find, thanks for sharing!

Splendid idea. I once toyed with interviewing Bond myself at his retirement home. My request must have been lost on some MoD desk, never got the permission. Boyd has of course far better connections than I do.

On the answers I feel Boyd is actually quite good at times. Ok, that admiring M seems off; I can only imagine Bond saying this with a sardonic grin at the thought of the old man's anger for being even mentioned in such a prominent place and the unwelcome attention it will entail for him.

But finding other's snobbery disagreeable while being blissfully ignorant to his own is actually quite clever. Very Bond and very ordinary at the same time.

What disturbs me, or rather: what doesn't ring true to me is Bond being the happiest with Tiffany. And not having learned anything from his parents. Hell, even completely ignorant and uncaring parents would have some kind of impact on a kid during 11 years.

[Flash1087]

I can't recall 100% where I read this, but didn't one of the later Flemings mention he was happiest with Tiffany, or at least saddest to see her go? It may have come up in passing in OHMSS, but I could be wrong. It's happened.

 

Anyway, this article was a lot of fun. I felt like most of it was in character, even if the time travel aspect was sort of goofy (but in a fun way). I especially liked the line about eating well allowing you the illusion that all is right in the world - that's exactly what Bond would think there.

 

Since I've recently learned I'm of Scottish ancestry, I'm going to have to say 'slàinte mhath' more often.