And with Bond books, there’s certainly a lot to love. But we can love something AND have an informed, critical opinion at the same time. They’re fantastic! Yes, there are elements that are undeniably ‘problematic’ nearly seventy years since their first publication. Like Zaritsky, I really think you’re missing out if you haven’t read the Bond books. Above all, I hope my questions help you to capture what Zaritsky calls the 'essence” of James Bond. Whether you’ve been around the block with Casino Royale (like me) or this if your first time (I promise to be gentle) I hope you enjoy them. So this time, I actually wrote down the questions that go through my mind as I read. Even though I have read it at least half a dozen times, there are still things that make me think. The #FlemingReadingChallenge inaugurated by David Zaritsky presented me with an excuse for me to re-read one of my favourite novels: Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale.
