Gold-bond

Goldfinger was Ian Fleming's 9th James Bond novel and admitedly, it is not one of the stronger entries. Indeed, Goldfinger is one of those rare cases where the film made from the book is actually better than the book itself. The book's plot finds James Bond investigating the gold-obsessed Auric Goldfinger. The case starts largely as a lark for Bond but eventually involves Bond in a bizarre plot to rob Fort Knox. As opposed to Fleming's best works, Goldfinger's plot often feels as if Fleming made it up as he went along and the book's final set piece and conclusion comes across as rushed and just a little bit lazy. In fact, upon reflection, it becomes apparent that most of the book's twists and turns come less from any cunning on Goldfinger's part and more from James Bond simply making a series of stupid mistakes.

That said, it should also be remembered that Ian Fleming was, even at his most uninspired, a far better writer than most of his contemporaries. As such, even subpar Fleming is usually more entertaining than the best of what other writers are capable of. Especially in its opening chapters, Goldfinger has its moments of true wit and it certainly is enjoyable to follow Bond as he subtly manipulates the man's vanity. While this book doesn't feature Fleming's usual strong cast of quirky supporting characters, both Bond and Goldfinger are strong and memorable enemies. While Bond himself comes across as a bit more ruthless than usual (at times seeming to be an almost borderline sociopath), Auric Goldfinger stands as one of Fleming's strongest creations. Incredibly childish at times while still being fully (and credibly) capable of amassing the world's largest fortune, Goldfinger is indeed a worthy villian and, even if his plan disappoints, the man never does. The book is worth a read just for the chance to appreciate the skill with which Fleming creates a villian who, otherwise, could have been a harmless cartoon. As well, any book that features a character named Pussy Galore can't be all bad.

In the end, Goldfinger is lesser Bond but it is a Bond book nonetheless and those who are familiar with Fleming's work will find much to enjoy. (Those with the right sense of humor will certainly find some amusement in Fleming's theory that lesbianism is the result of women getting the right to vote.) Goldfinger is not the type of book that should serve as anyone's introduction to Ian Fleming's Bond. Certainly, both were capable of more than Goldfinger would (at first) indicate. But with its flaws come several pleasures and it is a must for fans of the literary Bond.

Someone has been smuggling tons of gold out of Britain and into secret vaults in Switzerland. But how? The Treasury calls on James Bond of the British Secret Service to investigate Auric Goldfinger, a former pawnbroker who travels with a chauffeur-and human weapon-named Oddjob. Tracking Goldfinger across two continents, Bond stumbles onto the crime of the century, as well as a luscious female crime boss, Ms. Pussy Galore. Ride shotgun with Bond as he drives along a golden chain of danger to the explosive conclusion! Buy this book when it is back in stock! Great 007 book to read! Also, the review I just wrote comes from the hardcover book!

"Goldfinger" has always been one of my favorite James Bond novels from the pen of Ian Fleming. I have read it several times through the years and I still return to it. It is just so well written with Fleming's unique style that the words linger in your mind forever. Good book.