In this episode, recorded on the 16th June 2024, I sit down with James Fleming, critically acclaimed author and nephew of Ian Fleming, the legendary creator of James Bond. From the picturesque French countryside near Geneva, we discuss Ian Fleming’s literary and personal legacy, the origins of 007, and the enduring appeal of Bond in both literature and film.
We discuss:
- Ian Fleming’s Swiss connection: His time in Geneva, early romance, and how Switzerland influenced Goldfinger.
- The Bond phenomenon: How James Bond has remained a global icon for over 70 years.
- Memories of Ian Fleming: Personal reflections on Ian’s final days, his lifestyle, and the family dynamics that shaped him.
- The Soviet plot against Bond: How the KGB attempted to kill off 007 through literature.
- Jamaica and creativity: Why Ian Fleming was drawn to Jamaica and how it inspired Goldeneye.
- James Bond today: Would a modern Bond still work, and what about the possibility of a female 007?
- James Fleming’s own work: His literary career, Bond Behind the Iron Curtain, and thoughts on creating compelling fictional characters.
Join us for a fascinating conversation on the past, present, and future of one of the most famous fictional characters in history—through the lens of a family insider.
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