Goldfinger (with interview)
Ian Fleming Audio Book

Hugh Bonneville is famous for his starring role in the period drama Downton Abbey. And, on this audiobook, he perfectly captures the tone of Ian Fleming’s novel – where cars, clothes and cocktails are described in delicious detail.

Hugh keeps the narrative moving at a crisp pace, with plenty of nuance. He can change from villain to ally in an instant and brings alive the book’s memorable scenes.

Through shifts of tone and accent, Bonneville adds depth to Auric Goldfinger, who is planning the ‘crime de la crime’ to become the richest man in history.

It’s a compelling listen. When Bond discovers Goldfinger cheating at cards and speaks softly to him, the menace in his voice is unmistakable and chilling.  

In Goldfinger, Bond is charismatic, but he can be unusually scathing too, describing  Goldfinger as being ‘put together with bits of other people’s bodies’. You can really hear the disgust in Bonneville’s voice. So, too, when Bond looks at Goldfinger’s ‘great brown and red football of a head’.

Whether it’s boisterous Mr Du Pont or Goldfinger’s flat tones when angered, you’ll be treated to an engaging and enjoyable experience on this audiobook, which Hugh Bonneville delivers with style and enthusiasm – and a great sense of fun.

Listen out for

• ‘My name’s Bond. James Bond’
• Goldfinger’s famous revenge on Jill Masterton
• Goldfinger and Bond’s game of golf
• Bond versus a circular saw
• Pussy Galore
• Goldfinger’s henchman, Oddjob, who doesn’t know his own strength

Goldfinger is the seventh James Bond title by Ian Fleming.