Casino Royale cover art

Casino Royale

A James Bond Adventure

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Casino Royale

By: Ian Fleming
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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About this listen

JAMES BOND PLAYS A DEADLY GAME OF CHANCE IN IAN FLEMING’S LEGENDARY FIRST 007 NOVEL

“Le Chiffre” is a ruthless operative and the accountant for a soviet SMERSH cell in France, but he’s on the verge of disaster after gambling away his client’s money. Taking the last of his stash, he lures a dozen wealthy players to a high-stakes baccarat game, hoping to hustle his way whole.

The British Secret Service would like to see this red thorn plucked from the hide of Europe, and sends their best card sharp, James Bond, to bankrupt Le Chiffre for good.

With the cards running against him and SMERSH operatives threatening to kill him and his beautiful ally, Vesper Lynd, 007 needs his luck to turn before he wagers away their lives.

©1953 Ian Fleming Publications Ltd (P)2025 Ian Fleming Publications Action & Adventure Classics Espionage Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense World Literature

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Most relevant
Fleming's writing style comes across as elegant compared with modern thrillers, and of course the luxury, violence, and bitterness of the character is kind of the point.

Can't help but feel put off by Bond in general though: the sexism, emotional immaturity, and mansplaining doesn't date well to 2025.

Great narration, dated character

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If you are like me you might be worried that sensitivity readers have edited the original texts since 2023.

I listened through this version alongside a 2002 Penguin copy of the book (which I believe to be the same as the original 1953 publication) and found that there were some minor edits, despite no warnings that I could see or hear, and being described as unabridged,

There is one line consisting of 23 words in chapter 23 that has been removed and another word changed earlier on in the book.

I understand why they chose to change/remove what they have even if I don't agree with it but thankfully it is very minimal and almost all of the text is true to the original.

No changes to the theme and tone which I have loved for years and is still excellent.

In my opinion, these books should not be edited for modern audiences but I also understand that not everyone sees it this way.

If you are going to edit them, however, you should be honest about it and make it clear exactly what you have edited out.

Knowing they are probably edited makes readers wonder what exactly has been edited and so you never know what could be an edit or not. This for me diminishes the enjoyment of reading the book.

A great performance from Richard Armitage who is an actor I have always greatly admired and I am glad to see these books back and available once more.

Very enjoyable new version - but edited, slightly.

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peformane bit dull needs more expression l l l l l l l l l l l

teh thing that stood out most was the story and all of of the french accents from the narrorator

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Better than the films! One becomes better acquainted with James Bond by reading/listening to Ian Fleming’s novels.
I have previously read The Spy Family Who loved Me and enjoyed it. I now intend, in chronological order, to listen to all of them.
This novel was immensely enjoyable enjoyable and I would urge anyone interested in the genre to purchase it. It is fast moving and fun. Now - onto the next!

Towser T

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Classic James Bond and an old school Bond story in its original concept. Well written and easy to read

Bonds smoking and his mysogony

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