This is the ninth classic James Bond novel, and the first to be written with the films specifically in mind. The result is an odd mixture of character justification and franchise rebooting, both of which serve to present enough interesting material to overcome some of the typical sexism.
The first third of the novel is dominated by Bond’s forced vacation at a natural health spa. This entire section appears to be a long-winded response to criticism leveled at the Bond character’s many vices: chain smoking, excessive alcohol, womanizing, and so forth. While his attitude towards women remains intact (and archaic), Bond finds himself suddenly energetic, happy, and productive after his detoxification.
Of course, his colleagues quickly tire of the new Bond, and it’s immediately implied that this healthier and better-adjusted man is hardly fit for his profession. Just as the modern Jack Bauer is fueled by his many demons, the iconic Bond must be psychological damaged and self-destructive to operate as he does. This is something that was often overlooked in the films, to their detriment. (The recent “Casino Royale”, in contrast, was superior for bringing the character back to his roots.)
The rest of the book introduces the terrorist organization SPECTRE. The story was originally conceived as a film, so it’s likely that SPECTRE (and by extension, the mastermind Blofeld) was meant to serve as Bond’s ever-present nemesis. This leads to one of the more intriguing aspects of the book: Bond never encounters the man behind the terrorism. He foils the plot, but the enemy is effectively untouched. It’s a neat and unusual twist for such an oddly substantial installment in the franchise.
Rating: 7/10
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