Moonraker the Ian Fleming book is nothing like the film

I fancied reading a classic Bond, and Moonraker was particularly appealing as I had heard it differed from the film. That turned out to be an understatement. I was prepared for some minor changes but it is in fact utterly, completely different. The similarities are that Bond, M, Moneypenny and Drax are in it. Oh, and there is a project called Moonraker – but it is a completely different project from the film.

The book begins with Bond being asked by M for a favour. M is member of an elite club where everyone plays cards and one of the players, a millionaire called Drax, is suspected of cheating. This is a tad embarrassing for all involved because Drax is working on a project called Moonraker and is a national hero.

You have to remember that the book came out 10 years after World War 2 because it would definitely be frowned upon now. Essentially, the Moonraker program would allow England to fire a missile and strike anywhere in Europe. Which is pretty impressive in the 50s. It would put Blighty in a more powerful position should the next Napolean / Hitler / Johnny Foreigner try and take over Europe and then invade England.

So, no one wants to out Drax as a cheat. Bond is the best card player in MI6, so he is told to show Drax up to let him know they know he is cheating and hopefully, he’ll stop. Then, while all this is going on, the security chief at Drax’s plant is killed in a strange way and Bond is sent to investigate. There is already an MI5 operative there, who happens to be a hot lady, plus a load of suspicious-looking Germans (with moustaches), and the scene is set for a classic Bond escapade.

I really enjoy the Fleming books because they aren’t as formulaic as some of the films. Also, James Bond comes across as a lot more human and has a bit of depth. Moonraker didn’t quite go the way I thought and the twists of the plot were great. If you haven’t read the original novels, you really should give them a try.

I recently discovered that there are a load of great Fleming books on Audible read by some superb actors. I just got Casino Royale (read by Dan Stevens) and From Russia With Love (read by Toby Stephens who was in a Bond film) in a deal.

You can check out Moonraker here. It is a genuinely great read. And while I am at it – check out my books!