Book No. 2: Live and Let Die
Live and Let Die is the second James Bond novel published. Ian Fleming had it published in 1954. It is considered the most controversial Bond novel. Due to the depiction of blacks. No, not just African-Americans, but also Jamaicans. Of course, this story takes place in the early fifties, before the civil rights movement of the sixties. Only recently, in 2002, was the book published in the United states with the original title of chapter 5: "Nigger Heaven" For almost 50 years, chapter 5 to US citezens was known as "Seventh Avenue" Another term used at the time, but would not be acceptable today, "niggerheads" which are the cauliflower looking coral.
This story takes place in New York, New Orleans, and Old Jamaica. Well, I should say "original" Jamaica. Lets just keep it simple, it takes place in Jamaica.
James, after getting brand new skin on the back of his hand, is sent to New York City to investigate a certain Mr Big. Mi Big, as it turns out, happens to be selling 17 century gold doubloons to finance SMERSH, the Soviet organization who has vowed to kill spies, the same evil organization who the former Le Chiffre worked for. As it turns out, Mr Big is also working out of New Orleans. So he goes down there along with his CIA buddy, Felix Leiter, for further investigation. On the trail of Mr Big, he then goes to Jamaica and discovers Mr Big's main gold doubloon operation. While in Jamaica Bond meets allies Quarrel, a native Jamaican, and Strangways. Head of Section in Jamaica. Bond also meets Solataire, the psychic who's being used by Mr Big for his own evil purposes. Before Bond could bring Mr Big down, Felix is fed to some sharks and loses a leg and an arm.
This book wasn't as greatly fantastic as its predecessor, Casino Royale. In the most exciting part, Bond had to go snorkeling, to secretly sneak up to the island hideout of Mr Big. It was very suspenseful, and well written. It just wasn't the best story of al time. I give it a 6.5/10.
The events in the novel take place between January 2 to 27, 1952.
posted by Tim @ 2:19 PM
2 Comments:
I remember Live and Let Die being one of my favorites because it was while Roger Moore was still young, right? Except it does hold the... what was it, second worst Bond Girl? Man, she was horrible. I think she was a man...
Almost world worst. That belongs to Halle Berry as Jinx. The person you are talking about is Rosie Carver is the 2nd worst, although they could have been twin sister cuz they're both unbearable.
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