Goldeneye: Where Bond was Born: Ian Fleming's Jamaica by Matthew Parker.

edited August 2014 in Literary 007 Posts: 802
I've just finished reading Parker's book and I can't recommend it highly enough.
As the title suggests, it's focus is on Fleming's life in and love affair with Jamaica. It succeeds in not only being a riveting account of the creation of 007 and the evolution of each adventure but it also serves as a fabulous book about Jamaica and Ian's relationship with it's inhabitants.
Unlike Andrew Lycett's biography, which I found to be comprehensive on Fleming but light on the creation of Bond and dull to read, Parker's book moves at a pace and is a delight. As a frequent visitor to Jamaica and Goldeneye, I can testify to the authenticity of Parker's descriptions. You can smell the sea on the pages - a thoroughly enjoyable summer read and a must for any fan of the literary Bond.
Read and enjoy!

Comments

  • edited August 2014 Posts: 4,622
    As a frequent visitor to Jamaica and Goldeneye, I can testify to the authenticity of Parker's descriptions.
    Well done. Trips to GE. Good for you!

    Based on your recommendation, I will pick this up. I also like the bit about discussing the evolution of each adventure.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,730
    I've ordered this one from Amazon - it looks a fascinating read!
  • 007InVT007InVT Classified
    Posts: 893
    I can't wait to read it. Will order soon.
  • edited August 2014 Posts: 2,887
    The reviews have been unanimously positive, a very good sign.

    Sinclair McKay praised it in The Telegraph

    Other reviews from The Spectator

    The Guardian

    The Independent

    The Financial Times

    And no less an authority than Andrew Lycett gave his approval in The Literary Review

    There's also an interview with the author, Andrew Taylor, on youtube.

    Lastly, The Spectator also ran an article by Fleming's stepdaughter, titled "Was Ian Fleming as cool as his brother?"
  • 007InVT007InVT Classified
    Posts: 893
    The Spectator article is fun since it was written by Fleming's step-daughter (Ann's daughter) Fionn Morgan.
  • 007InVT007InVT Classified
    edited September 2014 Posts: 893
    Interview with the author Matthew Parker coming soon to literary007.com
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