The Short Stories

Just finished rereading The Living Daylights.

Absolutely riveting. Maybe I am biased because of my Dalton-craze (I always envision a harded-edged Gregory Peck when I read the Fleming books, though Peck could have been Dalton's uncle). But the whole setup, the practice before the shoot, the flat, the ambience in Berlin, the interaction with his colleagues (very cordial and friendly, even wanted to buy the shooting coach whom he met for the first time a drink, something Dalton Bond would do). I liked his attitude of being happy that he is the instrument than the hand that wields it (hand meaning M who has to do the ordering, a great burden).

Second favourite, Octopussy. Not much of Bond, but Smyth's story is intriguing, plus his interaction with his "people", only Fleming can write like that. More later, waiting for you guys' response.

Having just read all the shorts, I will say Bond works really well in that format. But LIVING DAYLIGHTS is my absolute favourite one. It's pretty topnotch.

Make it numero tres for Daylights. Some of Fleming's most masterful writing.

The Hildebrand Rarity

Milton Krest is one of Fleming's greatest creations. The Maldives setting is classic Bond. And Krest's zoocide via Rotenone is some of Fleming's best writing. The story is a minor masterpiece.

The Living Daylights is my favourite

Quantum of Solace is probably my favourite!