248 replies to this topic

[Jim]

I'll join the "have mentioned William Boyd in the past having read ANY HUMAN HEART" gang. Splendid book.

Have often wondered what a woman would do with Bond; the Ruth Rendells / PD Jameses of this world are folks whose take on it I'd be interested in reading.

Bret Easton Ellis is an inspired suggestion, though.

[Loomis]

Loomis, I'm positive you've suggested Martin Amis for this!

Oh, I have, but I think it was more in terms of "Which big names in 'literary fiction' might IFP approach?". He wouldn't be one of my top choices. Then again, as Marc Lambert of the Scottish Book Trust puts it in the Scostman article, "it's not going to be your literary gent, it will be a professional writer", an artisan rather than an artist, a journeyman hack rather than an auteur, which probably rules out the likes of Amis, Ballard and Boyd anyway. They're the Jackmans and Owens of literary Bond fandom, I guess - the challenge is to figure out who'll be the Cavills and Stewarts. Still, Lambert does mention a name as big as Forsyth as a serious possibility, so....

Of course, I, too, would love Stewart to be a Stewart (sorry, I just couldn't resist ), but he isn't "a big, established name". But might that change by 2008? Many much less talented writers have made it big, and, like many of us here, I am absolutely convinced that Jim could be a professional novelist, and a successful one, if he chose to be. Frankly, he's a brilliant writer, and there'd be no point in my saying that if I did not believe it to be true, since I don't know him and have no material benefits to gain by praising him. Similarly, I'm not trying to curry favour with Guy Hamilton, in case anyone's wondering why I keep raving about THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN. It's just a case of: if I like it, I praise it.

But regardless of who the next IFP-commissioned adult Bond novelist turns out to be, I wonder whether they'll choose to do something really dark, gritty, mould-breaking, etc., or whether it'll just be a case of "no invisible cars" and an adventure set in the '60s with a nod or two to things like Benzedrine but otherwise something pretty similar to a Benson.

[Skin 17]

This is wonderfull news. I'm really not a fan of the young Bond concept after Silverfin. I might read Blood Fever, but I don't know. Thank goodness we are returning to an adult James Bond.

[Trempo]

I do like the Young Bond idea. But it is wonderful to see a new adult Bond book. Hopefully they will put Bond back in the fifties or sixties.
And I think Robert Harris (Fatherland/Enigma/Aurora) would be a great author.

[Johnboy007]

Based purely on name recognition my top choices are Le Carre and Lee Child. I'm afraid I don't read much espionage outside James Bond, so my knowledge of authors is rather limited. I think either would call attention to the general public outside of fandom.

Perhaps we may see the rebirth of a series. I can't imagine IFP would pass up the chance to greenlight several if this proves to be a success.

[TortillaFactory]

Le Carre called Bond "Cultural pørnography". Scrub him from list.

Well, he's half right - Bond was never intended to be high-quality or thought-provoking stuff; in fact, it was merely meant to stimulate and tittilate the senses. It is a sort of cultural pørnography. Though, you know what they say: the difference between pørn and erotica is the lighting. Perhaps Fleming's high-class touch is what makes Bond what you might call "cultural erotica."

Clearly when Le Carre said those things he was immensely bitter. Remember he's the same guy who eventually allowed Brosnan to co-star in his beloved Tailor of Panama, so who knows? "Doth not the appetite alter?" Even more upsettingly, he changed the story to make it all fuzzy-wuzzy at the end. Yes, I think Le Carre is capable of doing a one-eighty on the whole Bond thing, and furthermore I think he's capable of writing a novel that everyone, except for the most snobby and humorless "purists", would enjoy. It's not hard to see traces of Bond in characters like Jim Prideaux (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) or Sam Collins (Smiley's People), and despite his vitriolic words, I bet Le Carre is secretly aching to get his hands on the genuine article.

I'm inclined to agree with an opinion stated above - Fleming's Bond isn't really all THAT dark, is he? Despite all this talk about grit and cold blood, I tend to see a rather soft and hot-blooded character who was formed into something harder by what happened to him. There's not an ounce of cold blood in his veins: he says so himself. It's a convenient label slapped onto him by people who fear him, not because of what he is, but because they don't want to believe they could be like him. Would a cold-blooded man let a sniper live merely because she was a beautiful woman about whom he had fantasized? Would he apologize to Domino after screwing her senseless? Would he risk his life for a Canadian girl in an abandoned motel? Would his heart be "full" after his best friend was mauled by a shark? No, no, no, and no.

He's been called cold for so long I think he's probably started to believe it himself. But really. He's not.

[spynovelfan]

Well-argued post, TF, but I still don't agree. I like le Carr

[spynovelfan]

Robert Harris would be the perfect candidate in many ways - British, was a journalist at the Sunday Times, writes literate, critically acclaimed and very well researched thrillers with a fantastic element that sell millions of copies all over the world, and is adaptable (from World War Two alternate history to Pompeii). Whether or not he'd want to do it would be another question.

Martin Amis I fear would try to be too clever. The only reason his father *didn't* do what Ann Fleming feared, and write a comic pastiche, is because he was the world's biggest Bond fan. That's what you need, really. I think Martin Amis would have something like Bond being a homeless man having to make it up through the underworld of London's gambling scene; the Bond girl would be a blind midget serial killer who drives taxis in her spare time. Etc.

Hugh Laurie might be a good bet - has written a well-thought-of spy thriller (THE GUN SELLER), is a big fan of the genre and is now pretty well known on both sides of the Atlantic, thanks to his role in HOUSE. Comedian, but then so is Higson. His pal Stephen Fry could also turn in something fantastic, if he wrote it straight. As it were.

[Triton]

Amy one think that Christopher Wood might be up to writing an original James Bond novel?

[Sam Fisher]

It's about damn time. However it's a shame it has to be released in 2008. But I can understand the wait for Fleming's 100th. With the exception of LeCarre, I really don've care who writes it as long as the person does a good job. LeCarre would just drabble on for 11,000 pages about the technicalities of MI6

Now if only IFP will scrap the Young Bond idea completly and get back to writing the adult Bond sooner.

[Simon]

Specatcular news, especially if it goes back to a Flemingesque feel, which it probably will.

Someone, someday, will have to define for me the Flemingesque feel!!

If by this we mean a period Bond with detailed but efficient writing, then great. I'm not sure anyone would have any better definition than that. (but happy to be proved wrong)

For me, this is indeed great news, and all I hope for is, "a good book". One that I wish to read out of enjoyment rather than obligation.

Good luck to all involved currently, and in the future.

[K1Bond007]

Amy one think that Christopher Wood might be up to writing an original James Bond novel?

I hope not.

[Seannery]

Robert Harris would be the perfect candidate in many ways - British, was a journalist at the Sunday Times, writes literate, critically acclaimed and very well researched thrillers with a fantastic element that sell millions of copies all over the world, and is adaptable (from World War Two alternate history to Pompeii). Whether or not he'd want to do it would be another question.

Martin Amis I fear would try to be too clever. The only reason his father *didn't* do what Ann Fleming feared, and write a comic pastiche, is because he was the world's biggest Bond fan. That's what you need, really. I think Martin Amis would have something like Bond being a homeless man having to make it up through the underworld of London's gambling scene; the Bond girl would be a blind midget serial killer who drives taxis in her spare time. Etc.

Hugh Laurie might be a good bet - has written a well-thought-of spy thriller (THE GUN SELLER), is a big fan of the genre and is now pretty well known on both sides of the Atlantic, thanks to his role in HOUSE. Comedian, but then so is Higson. His pal Stephen Fry could also turn in something fantastic, if he wrote it straight. As it were.

I agree on Harris, Laurie and Fry. You mentioned Furst in passing before and I think he could do a fine period piece. You are spot on with Amis getting too clever and Le Carre twisting Bond with his politics. I like Banks a lot also. There are a number of strong writers who could give it a go--lets hope they choose wisely.

[spynovelfan]

Someone, someday, will have to define for me the Flemingesque feel!!

If by this we mean a period Bond with detailed but efficient writing, then great.  I'm not sure anyone would have any better definition than that.  (but happy to be proved wrong)

Um... Well, I think COLONEL SUN is period Bond with detailed but efficient writing, but that it is lacking in some Flemingesque feel. It would also include an element of the fantastic and the harebrained, which only really comes in at the end of the book. 'Fleming had an observer's eye for the unusual, the superficially appealing characteristic, and a newspaper man's shrewd assessment of people.' This also applied to his fiction. I think it is more than detailed or efficient prose - it's stylish prose. Fluid prose. Sometimes digressive, but usually very entertaining. A certain attitude is also necessary: British and elitist and unapologetic about it. The writer should know other countries well and be able to bring them to life - perhaps the most marked thing about Fleming's writing was it was almost always tremendously vivid. Larger than life villains. Some knowledge of culture and art.

There's quite a lot, I think, that someone could get wrong. And that has happened.

[Seannery]

On a scale of 1 to 10(with 10 being the highest)--what rating would everyone give Fleming as a writer of popular fiction and thrillers? I'll give him a 6.5.

[Brisco]

Hugh Laurie might be a good bet - has written a well-thought-of spy thriller (THE GUN SELLER), is a big fan of the genre and is now pretty well known on both sides of the Atlantic, thanks to his role in HOUSE. Comedian, but then so is Higson. His pal Stephen Fry could also turn in something fantastic, if he wrote it straight. As it were.

Excellent suggestion! It's been years since I read The Gun Seller, but I remember really liking it. I was surprised at what a straight spy story it was. It was definitely very funny, but not a parody. It was a straight spy novel with humor, mainly derived from its Laurie-esque, Woosterish protagonist being dropped into this serious, high-tech world. I do remember it seeming a bit more Ludlum than Fleming, I think you're absolutely right that Laurie would write a good (and fun) Bond novel. I've always wanted him to write a follow-up to The Gun Seller! However, I doubt he has much time for writing anything these days now that House is such a hit.
Stephen Fry would be an interesting choice, too, but I really can't see him playing it straight.
Brisco

Edited by Brisco, 28 August 2005 - 10:04 PM.

[spynovelfan]

[quote name='Seannery' date='28 August 2005 - 21:41']I agree on Harris, Laurie and Fry.

[Loomis]

Shame Jerzy Kosinski's dead, innit?

Also Anthony Burgess and Roald Dahl (the latter would have been especially good at the "element of the bizarre" that runs through much of Fleming's work).

I suppose Burgess might have been tempted to be "too clever", a la your suspicions of what Martin Amis might unleash on the literary Bond, but then again he might have been content to write a pitch-perfect Fleming imitation. Which would have been nice, in the absence of the real thing.

As for Seannery's question, I'm not sure how I'd rate Fleming on a scale of 1 to 10. He's stood the test of time, sure, but maybe that's due largely to the success of the films. Some of his books I like (e.g. "Casino Royale", "Dr No"), some I love (e.g. "From Russia With Love", "You Only Live Twice"), and others I don't care for at all (e.g. "Moonraker", "Thunderball"). Aw, heck, I'll give him an 8.

[Seannery]

I'll throw out an American and an off beat choice at that for spynovelfan--James Ellroy. He'd write the balls off the novel and give it style to burn. Perhaps too hardboiled but it certainly would have energy and some great writing. He loves genre but can he get "British"--can he adapt his talent and vision to that spot. I'm not sure.

[spynovelfan]

Wild idea, Seannery. I think it would probably end up far too distinctive (and overblown, as is often his style), but I suppose if it's a one-off... Would also probably be a revisionist take, as most of his novels are revisionist pulp, ie pulp novels from the 50s but rewritten with the real 50s, so corrupt cops, etc. Ellroy loves incorporaing real characters, and real history, and conspiracies. As MI6 was thoroughly penetrated by the KGB for most of the period Fleming was writing, there's a lot he could do. Not sure I'd want that done, but it could work. I really like some of his earlier stuff, like CLANDESTINE. If he wrote something like that, it could be brilliant.

I suspect Loomis is right, though. We're talking Clive Owens, and we may well end up with Ewan Stewart.

Seems odd to announce it so far ahead without someone lined up - seems a bit like advertising/begging/they're desperately trying to drum up publicity but this may never even get off the ground. Or perhaps they're lying, and Jack Higgins has already written five.

Two more names. Ken Follett. George MacDonald Fraser. Any thoughts?

[Simon]

[quote name='spynovelfan' date='28 August 2005 - 22:45'][quote name='Simon' date='28 August 2005 - 20:41']Someone, someday, will have to define for me the Flemingesque feel!!

If by this we mean a period Bond with detailed but efficient writing, then great.

[Mister Asterix]

[mra]I heard Ewan Stewart is on the the IFP

[terminus]

My proposal ? Stella Rimmington, in conjunction with Charlie Higson. Why ? Rimmington was the Head of the SIS for several years, some say she was the basis of Dench's M and has already written and published one novel (At Risk, a very Bondian title) - with a second (Secret Asset) in the works for release in 2006.

Higson knows Bond and has a fairly detailed knowledge of Flemming and by the point this novel is released - will have released the final of the four Young Bond novels.

This potent combination could produce an excellent Bond novel in the mould of Flemming, set post-TMWTRT, down to Earth, realistic and gritty because of Rimmington with the Flemming-esque flair, tongue-in-cheek allusions and requisite Bondian touches -

Yup, a Rimmington/Higson combo would have me happy.

[Byron]

A period Bond novel by Frederick Forsyth or Robert Harris?

Now that would be something.

Never heard of William Boyd but if Loomis, Spynovelfan and Jim talk highly of him, i will seek him out and read some of his stuff.

Thank you gents!

[Byron]

Also as special treat to their loyal clientele IFP should simultaneously release:

JENKINS PER FINE OUNCE.

[zencat]

GREAT NEWS!!!!

I'm still in NYC at the BCW8...Greg from UNIVEX actually told me that this news was up on the CBn main page at the BCW Bond costume party. I almost had a heart attack. We had a computer set up there in the room and we all logged onto CBn. What fun to discover such huge Bond lit news this way.

Obviously, I'm thrilled! I'll have more to say on this when I get home. I haven't read any of this thread yet, but I'm sure people have already commented that this book will almost certainly be period.

2008 can't come quick enough.

[Qwerty]

Also as special treat to their loyal clientele IFP should simultaneously release:

JENKINS PER FINE OUNCE.

Wouldn't that be a surprise.

[Brisco]

My proposal ? Stella Rimmington, in conjunction with Charlie Higson. ...
This potent combination could produce an excellent Bond novel in the mould of Flemming, set post-TMWTRT, down to Earth, realistic and gritty because of Rimmington with the Flemming-esque flair, tongue-in-cheek allusions and requisite Bondian touches -
Yup, a Rimmington/Higson combo would have me happy.

Hm. I really liked Rimmington's At Risk. I thought it would just be good for getting some details on the inner workings of MI5, but she proved herself to be quite a good novelist. Despite her claims to the contrary in the afterward, I suspect that some of the same traits that make a good intelligence officer also make a good writer. (See also: Ian Fleming!) Still, I don't really see her writing Bond. For one thing, her knowledge is of MI5, and like many "Box" people she seems to somewhat disparage MI6. (In At Risk she does, anyway.) Higson, on the other hand, I think would probably do an excellent adult Bond novel, but he's said that he probably wouldn't have time while he's immersed in Young Bond.

As for a modern, "post-TMWTRT" setting, I wouldn't get my hopes up. Higson's definitely said that IFP want to keep Bond set in Fleming's period, and all of their actions so far (setting Young Bond in the '30s, Moneypenny Diaries in the Sixties) suggest that. Personally, I agree with them. (So did Raymond Benson, who at one time petitioned to set his books then, but was shot down by the previous regime at IFP.) The video from EA's FRWL video game looks so amazing, I'm starting to wish that the movies would take that course too!

Brisco

[Brisco]

[quote name='spynovelfan' date='28 August 2005 - 07:08']For what it's worth, I think le Carr

Edited by Brisco, 29 August 2005 - 06:00 AM.

[K1Bond007]

Also as special treat to their loyal clientele IFP should simultaneously release:

JENKINS PER FINE OUNCE.

Wouldn't that be a surprise.

Throw in the Benson short story collection too. Might as well add The Heart of Erzulie while they're at it.