“On her Majesty’s Secret Service” by Ian Fleming – Bond’s Moral Dilemmas

There have been many James Bond novels over the years, and while some of them have unfortunately faded into relative obscurity, others kept on thriving throughout the years, effectively passing the test of time.

Most people who are interested in James Bond as a character will probably argue that On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (by Ian Fleming of course) is one of the better Bond novels out there, going beyond the well-established traits of Bond’s character and shoving him into new territory.

After the completion of Operation Thunderball, MI6 and James Bond have lost Ernst Stavro Blofeld’s trail, and so, being faced with defeat, 007 starts to love his passion for his work. While considering what to do with his future, Bond comes to meet Teresa Di Vicenzo, a beautiful woman who, unlike all the others he has met, likes fast cars and blowing things up. 

And so, as time goes by, Bond starts to see Tracy as something more than just yet another “Bond Girl”, and even she is the daughter of a very powerful crime boss, Bond has bigger fish to fry. The chief of SPECTRE has been tracked all the way to the Swiss Alps, and once there, Bond finds out what Blofeld has been up to all this time: biological warfare that will wipe out billions upon billions. 

First off, those who are looking for the traditional Bond story with notable villains, a pretty dame, espionage, and a plan to destroy the world, will definitely find what they are looking for here. If there is one thing James Bond novels have always been, it’s entertaining, and things are no different here. There are plenty of twists and turns making for a thrilling ride right up until the climax where Bond does what he does best.

Also, I have to say that Blofeld may very well be one of the most memorable villains in the entire collection of James Bond stories. However, this novel has more to offer for those willing to look deeper.

It actually examines James Bond as a character not only psychologically, but also romantically. Up until this novel, 007 has never really displayed love towards the women he bedded. He was always seen by all as being a celibate man who is more interested in freedom, explosions, car chases, and saving the world rather than settling down. 

I won’t reveal whether or not Bond actually gets married, but I have to say that seeing that softer side of him was very heartwarming, making him feel much more relatable, and more importantly, human. 

Fortunately, Ian Fleming did an excellent job at balancing Bond’s personal moral battles with the “saving the world” plot, never making it feel like the novel is turning into some kind of soap opera. All in all, it’s James Bond with a slightly greater focus on character development, and will cater to anyone who even remotely likes 007.

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Ian Fleming (May 28, 1908 – August 12, 1964) Personal site Ian Fleming is best known for gifting the world with the great agent 007, known as James Bond. His more popular novels include Casino Royale and From Russia with Love, and what’s more, the inspiration from the character came from none other than the author himself who has had a life just as, if not more exciting, than his most revered creation.