stapsreads

Not, sadly, a story where James Bond visits New York with an octopus, and high jinks ensue; rather, two separate stories. One is Octopussy, which, as I had heard elsewhere, is not very like the film (or rather the film's not very like the book... you know what I mean). Diverting enough, but nothing special. Actually contains very little James Bond, which was something of a relief, as (shameful confession!) I find book!Bond rather tedious and liable to pontificate in his head. Keeping the point of view with Major Smythe works very well, and keeps the suspense going well.

If, however, you like Bond pontificating about the best way to spend an evening, prepare a martini, cook scrambled eggs (no, really) you will not be deprived, for in 007 in New York this is all he does, to the detriment of the mission. It seems to have been a vehicle for Fleming to express unpopular opinions about New York without everybody knowing it was him, or something like that. An interesting curiosity, I guess.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9948214