Goldeneye: Where Bond Was Born: Ian Fleming's Jamaica

By: Matthew Parker

Narrated by: Roy McMillan

Amid the lush beauty of Jamaica's northern coast lies the true story of Ian Fleming's iconic creation: James Bond.

For two months every year, from 1946 to his death 18 years later, Ian Fleming lived at Goldeneye, the house he built on a point of high land overlooking a small white-sand beach on Jamaica's stunning north coast. All the James Bond novels and stories were written there.

This audiobook explores the huge influence of Jamaica on the creation of Fleming's iconic postwar hero. The island was for Fleming part retreat from the world, part tangible representation of his values, and part exotic fantasy. Goldeneye also examines Fleming's Jamaican friendships - his extraordinary circle included Errol Flynn, the Oliviers, international politicians, and British royalty as well as his close neighbor, Noël Coward - and traces his changing relationship with Ann Charteris (and hers with Jamaica) and the emergence of Blanche Blackwell as his Jamaican soul mate.

Goldeneye also compares the real Jamaica of the 1950s during the buildup to independence with the island's portrayal in the Bond books, to shine a light on the attitude of the likes of Fleming and Coward regarding the dramatic end of the British Empire.

©2014 Matthew Parker (P)2014 Random House Audiobooks

Goldeneye

I Love Bond. I never knew that much about Ian Fleming. And now I do. I love Bond even more.

An unbelievable creation story!

There were many incredible moments in this book, it doesn't pull any punches at all!

This book made my visit to Goldeneye special

I finished this book before I visited Goldeneye in Jamaica. I also read (and re-read) 007 novels while I was there. I found so many interesting information and helped me understand Ian Fleming and 007 novels.

utterly enjoyable

loved it. was hoping it wouldn't end. submerges you in a time and place romanticized.

Stunningly Good!!

So I met Chris Blackwell back in 1994… was told that he was the son of wealthy rum importers turned to music… Bob Marley… Robert Palmer… U2… I wish somebody would have told me… Ian Fleming and James Bond

I loved how Mr Parker kept jumping centuries since that I could understand the historical significance of all parties and country

I would recommend this to anyone… from those interested in romance… tragic romance… empires… spy novels… and just plain Hollywood what?!?!

Absolutely loved it!