Wiiliam Boyd Takes James Bond Back to the 1960s in a New 007 Novel

Reprinted with permission from the BBC (bbc.co.uk)

Pre-Reading Questions: Keep a look out for these details when reading! Then, after you’ve read, fill in the answers.

What is significant about the expected publication date of the novel?
What gives Boyd the right to pen this novel?
How many Bond books were there originally?
Besides Boyd, how many other writes have been allowed to write new James Bond novels?
1. 2
2. 3
3. 0
4. James Bond is public domain and so one does not need permission to use the character in one’s writing.
What literary award has Boyd been nominated for in the past?
1. Pulitzer Prize
2. Booker Prize
3. Nobel Prize
4. Faulkner/PEN
What is unique about Boyd’s relationship to James Bond?
1. He is related to Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming
2. He helped create James Bond
3. Three of his movies have starred former James Bond actors
4. He hates James Bond
What is the name of Boyd’s most recent novel?
1. Waiting for Godot
2. Waiting for Sunrise
3. Casino Royale
4. Carte Blanche
Why does the Fleming estate claim they chose Boyd?
1. They chose him as part of a publicity stunt.
2. They did not choose him; he bought the rights.
3. Boyd is used to writing thrillers in a literary but accessible style that is similar to Fleming’s own.
4. Fleming himself designated Boyd in his will.
Vocabulary: Define the following words.

outing
penned
stimulating
contemporary
simultaneously