Project X

A few days ago American Author Jeffery Deaver was announced as the new Bond author. In a time where the cinematic Bond seems to be hanging in the balance, this is exceptionally welcome news. More Bond - New Bond! Ever since reading the original Fleming novels, I have considered the books to be my favourite version of the character and of course the definative one.

Whilst the continuation novels (in general) have never lived up to the original books, I consider them to be interesting. Even if the are terrible, it's still interesting to read them - as they reflect the changing attitudes and perceptions of Bond as time has passed. They are certainly worth owning. The main exception would be Kingsley Amis' effort, Colonel Sun. A book which I think lives up to the Fleming novels.

The last continuation novel, Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks, ignored all previous continuation novels, being a direct sequel to Ian Fleming's The Man With The Golden Gun. To be honest, I didn't think much of it. It returned Bond to a Cold War Period setting, which I had previously thought to be his rightful place. A concentrated attempt was made to make the book feel like a 'Lost Fleming' novel.

However, I think the experiment failed. Faulks was an inspired choice, but the decision made to write the novel in therpersona of Ian Fleming left the book feeling like a cheap imitation. And so I'm quite releaved to see that Deaver will be doing his own thing with Bond, whilst promising to remain true to what makes the original novels work so well. Of course, it could all go wrong - but I'm encouraged by what he's saying.

Now, we don't know many details yet. Not the title, not the story... nothing. Except that it's out next year and will follow the pattern of previous continuation novels (bar Devil May Care) of bringing the literary Bond into the modern day.

Personally, I've never been overly bothered by whether the continuation-Bond novels were period pieces or not, because in my eyes only the Fleming novels count. Sure, I have each of the other novels sitting proudly on my bookshelf - but I see them as ultimately disposable 'bonus feature' books, whilst Fleming is the main attraction. As I said, I would exclude Kingsley Amis from that though - Colonel Sun is an excellent entry into the franchise.

There are several rumors going around that this book will be a full 'literary reboot' - ignoring all novels that have gone before it. I have to say, I'm in favour of the idea. The movie version of Casino Royale did exactly this, and was able to built its own world from the ground up. The Fleming novels would still be there for anyone to read - but the new books would not be bound by the continuity - it really opens up the playground. However, if it's not a reboot I'm just as excited. I want to see where Deaver takes Bond, and how he works with the established continuity. Basically, if the book is good... I'll be happy. If not, then I won't be. Couldn't be any simpler.