Interact: Discussions: Excited about Devil May Care

I seriously enjoyed Engleby. I've never really got into Faulks before - but I just couldn't put Engleby down. I saw that figuratively, as I listed to the audio CD version.

What is the news about Devil May Care? Is it tipped to be good?

Will Jones

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I don't know, to be honest, but I can't wait to read it. I've never read Faulks before, but am a very big Bond fan... I hope it lives up to expectations.

Katie Johnson

Currently reading: What is the What
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I was just reading the blurb etc on amazon, clever the whole 'manuscript is currently being guarded in a top secret location'. It's sure to be huge what with Daniel Craig doing this thing again this autum. I've only read Faulk's Charlotte Grey and no Fleming - would anyone say that they are similar?

Lesley Brown

Currently reading: The Great Gatsby
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There have been mixed reviews of "Devil May Care", some are questioning Faulks as the choice of author. Most critics seemed to have missed the point though. They've largely criticised Faulks for overly humanising Bond, but personally I think they're buying into the movie Bond. As a literary character Bond was more sympathetic, he had a vulnerable edge that doesn't come over at all in the films. I read several of the Fleming Bonds (of which "From Russia with Love" is the best) and a couple of Faulks own creations, as well as a couple of chapters of Devil... I think whilst he hasn't quite nailed it, Faulks has done a pretty decent job of continuing the Bond Saga. ( I can't read the whole thing as I snagged a signed copy and must guard it with my life ).

Mark Hatton

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Can't say i'm bothered by Devil may Care to be honest, well, at least not bothered about anything except the price i sell my signed one for on e-bay ;)

All about the benjamins. Giggity.

Dylan Baker

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I have just finished Devil May Care - and I thought it was drivel. I'm a huge fan of Faulks, and having heard all is guff on the radio about how he'd produced a book that was "75 per cent" Fleming, I was hoping for a great read.

It's hard to know where to begin about how bad this book was. Faulks had certainly read all the Bond books, and ticked all the necessary boxes that were required for a 007 thriller. But half the time I just found it clunkingly boring and predictable. Faulks might fancy that his book is close to Fleming's originals, but it misses by a mile. There's certainly no tension and the dialogue is particularly flaky.

To me, Fleming's books did at least have an authenticity about them - though they're a much better read for teenagers. Faulks' book just feels like somebody who's playing at being a Bond writer.

 

William Coles

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Cutting words indeed. I havent read it yet. I have a horrible feeling I won't enjoy it, which will be a great shame.

I gave a copy to my father as a birthday present. I wonder if I'll be written out of his will.

Will Jones

Currently reading: On Green Dolphin...
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I enjoyed it!

It was a bit predictable but then so were lots of Fleming's books. I really did think Faulks got the tone right, especially considering he had to deal with hippies and stuff, it being '67, and if it veered a little towards the overly camp occasionally it didn't spoil my enjoyment of it.

By no means perfect, but not horrible either.

Jennifer Mullen

Currently reading: Labyrinth
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I ended up getting it for my other half - I think generally he enjoyed it, but he did say he had to get through a clunky scene-setting stage where loads of past Bond baddies were name-checked etc. Is Faulks already down to do another, does anyone know?

Lesley Brown

Currently reading: The Great Gatsby
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