William Boyd's book on Ian Fleming's famous character should be read with 'conditions applied'.
The name is Boyd, William Boyd. The Ghana-born English writer can proudly mouth this iconic statement in his own style, authorisation granted. It was but inevitable that Boyd would have to bear heavy criticisms when he took upon himself to write a new official James Bond novel.
However, the fans of Ian Fleming’s hero would enjoy the book more if they do not compare the character and events to the James Bond movies.
The movies, as we know, are a style statement of the much legendary character known for his suits, cigars, cars, women and of course humour. The book, however, smells more of the character Bond is — created by Fleming — brave, sexy and dangerously intelligent.
Combining all the glamour and excitement of Fleming’s original novels with the storytelling of Boyd, Solo is a stylish, period novel featuring 007 as a veteran agent at 45. Spanning three continents, Bond’s new mission takes an unexpected turn whilst in Africa, forcing him to go solo on a trip to America.
As the book opens, Bond is recovering from birthday celebrations at the Dorchester. He has just turned 45, and is feeling his age. In Boyd’s words, “Bond is mature. He’s seasoned. He’s lived a lot, he’s a man of experience. He may not run quite as fast as he could when he was 25, but he’s seen how life has changed and times have changed. It’s a good age for him to be.”
The agent is summoned to headquarters to receive an unusual assignment in Africa. A seasoned veteran of the service, the agent is sent to single-handedly stop a civil war in the small West African nation of Zanzarim. In Solo, Boyd returns to classic, literary Bond: James Bond the human being, not James Bond the superagent. Whilst naturally there are cocktails, cars and women, Boyd reveals the man behind the icon, from his emotions, quirks and flaws, to his sartorial taste.
Aided by a beautiful accomplice and hindered by the local militia, he undergoes a scarring experience which compels him to ignore M’s orders in pursuit of this own brand of justice.
It is in Africa that Boyd shows his true literary colours. His writing is free from Fleming’s influence yet the character and quintessential style of the senior writer is not lost on the reader.
Pick this book, if not for the stylish hero then for the human Bond.
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