A review by sweekune
Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming

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

2.5

2.5/5

Audiobook narrated by Rory Kinnear.

The second book in the original Bond series and honestly a disappointment compared to Casino Royale. Some good camaraderie and atmosphere but otherwise a fairly dull story.

- The atmosphere created during certain sections of the book was excellent and really captured the fear and ambience. The scenes in the Boneyard and at the fish warehouse were particularly excellent. 

- The actual plot was pretty uninspiring and boring. At no point did I feel like the situation was dire or inescapable and it made the narrative uninteresting a lot.

- The racism. This book is spectacularly racist. It uses terms that are completely unacceptable in current times. There's also a reasonable dose of sexism and misogyny. 

Overall a below average Bond novel with limited appeal. Casino Royale had a better plot, narrative and intruige and I hope that Moonraker is more in this vein than Live and Let Die.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings