Reviews

Goldfinger by Ian Fleming

jcpdiesel21's review against another edition

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3.0

One of the better books in the series so far thanks to a memorable villain who matches wits well with Bond and a lethal henchman with special talents. I like how the characters here are directly tied to events and individuals from previous novels as well as the clever way that the story is divided into three sections based on Goldfinger's fateful encounters with Bond. I could have done without the lengthy portion devoted to meticulously detailing Goldfinger and Bond's golf game, but the pace of everything else moves along at a nice clip. The humor in this book is quite enjoyable, whether intentional (Bond believing that he has died and wondering how he will introduce all of his girlfriends to each other in heaven) or not (Bond magically turning lesbian and self-proclaimed "immune" Pussy Galore to gain a much-needed ally in the eleventh hour).

I've now read half of this series. These are not the greatest books in the world and have definitely not aged well, but are fun enough to pass the time via audiobook. I am committed to finishing!

idk____'s review

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1.0

I hate it here

lheto's review

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2.0

This was the first Bond novel I read. I liked the story and how it is narrated but I didn't care for all the sexist comments. Yes, I know this was written in the 50s and it's a Bond but still...it was too much for my taste.

gkjpublishing's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

It was a lot of fun and a lot of intrigue. 

beardedbarista's review

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5.0

My favorite Bond book yet! Super suspensful. I knew everything would work out but damn Fleming had me on the edge of my seat all the way up to the last 10% of the story.
SPOILER ALERT... Oddjobs death is brutal!! shit!
Excited to re watch all of these movies but this one in particular. Luckily I don't remember the movies well so it's almost like watching them for the first time.
ThunderBall is bought and next in line!!

boom,
Justin

marlisenicole's review

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

wickerparkgirl's review

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3.0

Lots of casual sexism and racism.

davidcole's review against another edition

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4.0

Other than a chapter detailing every single stroke of an 18-hole golf match, this was a great Bond adventure. Possibly better than the film?

matt4hire's review

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5.0

You know how Goldfinger's the best Bond movie? It's also the best Bond book. It's enjoyable to see Bond take a more active role in things, and the plot doesn't let up from the start. Loved it.

benwebster28's review

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1.0

Horrific in many ways. Tedious for about 95% of it with any interesting action massively rushed. Bond is portrayed as much less like the character in the films and more as a boring, pretentious, condescending, discriminatory drunk. He is so utterly unlikeable that it makes this book a difficult read. There are no proper character developments and no-one likeable enough to root for. Only way to get through it is the intrigue of how it all pans out, which is terrible in itself.