The Fleming Estate asked Shakespeare to write this biography. He had unfettered access to previously unseen papers and the promise of no interference from the Estate. The result is an exquisitely compiled biography, both laudatory – as expected – but critical when deemed necessary.

Fleming’s life is chronologically detailed, beginning with the lives of his forebears.

His paternal grandfather, Robert, was born into poverty in Scotland, but by his canny acumen, became one of the richest men in Europe. Fleming’s father, Val, died in World War I. This left Fleming with his mother, Eve, and his three brothers. His chaotic relationship with her influenced his relationships with women. He was second brother to the oldest, Peter. This sibling competition was the catalyst for his eventual success.

The book is extensive. Forensically long. It may seem silly then to focus on what might be missing in those 800 plus pages. Shakespeare squeezed as much as he possibly could from Fleming’s service in WWII, however, since Fleming worked for Naval Intelligence and signed the Official Secrets Act, there is much which cannot be known. What is obvious, though, is that those experiences formed the framework for Bond.

Fleming died too young. Many will think his legacy is contained within the pages of his books, but Shakespeare’s extremely well-written biography will ensure that Fleming’s service to his country in Naval Intelligence during wartime is not only not forgotten, but commemorated.

Reviewed by Bob Moore

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicholas Shakespeare was born in 1957. The son of a diplomat, much of his youth was spent in the Far East and South America. His novels have been translated into twenty languages. They include The Vision Of Elena Silves, winner of the Somerset Maugham Award, Snowleg and The Dancer Upstairs, which wahttps://literature.britishcouncil.org/assets/Uploads/writers/_resampled/FillWyI2ODAiLCI2ODAiXQ/Shakespeare-Nicholas-Credit-Caroline-Forbes-website.jpgs chosen by the American Libraries Association in 1997 as the year’s best novel.

In 2001 it was made into a film of the same name by John Malkovich. Recent books include Secrets of the Sea and Priscilla.

He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He is married with two sons and divides his time between Oxford and Tasmania.

Visit Nicholas Shakespeare’s website