Mark Simmons (3)

While covering an interesting topic, the writing style is terse and dense and at first difficult to accommodate, but after the first couple of chapters it becomes more readable. The author drops in a great number of names in the first couple of chapters, but eventually that thins out and the names are referenced throughout the rest of the work.

The book deals principally with the Western Allies' efforts -- particularly the British -- the keep Spain and to a lesser extent Portugal on a neutral stance during World War II. How this is accomplished is the focus of the book after the first few chapters that lay the groundwork. Fleming's assignments and travels are discussed, within the larger effort, particularly Operation Golden Eye, which was Fleming's plan to sabotage and disrupt port facilities, if the Germans entered Spain, by invitation or by force.

This book is not really about Ian Fleming except that his is a name among the many, though the author uses the final chapter to discuss Fleming's creation of James Bond and how the experiences and people that Fleming encountered during his service in the British Military and 'Secret Service' were influential as plot devices and villain development in his novels.… (mere)