You Only Live Twice

Comprehensive Overview of "You Only Live Twice" by Ian Fleming

### Plot Summary

"You Only Live Twice" is the fifth James Bond novel by Ian Fleming, published in 1964. The story begins eight months after the murder of Tracy Bond, James Bond's wife, which occurred at the end of the previous novel, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Bond is in a disturbed state, described by M as "going to pieces," and has been unable to concentrate on his job. He has visited doctors, hypnotists, and therapists but remains in a state of despair.

MI6 assigns Bond to a diplomatic mission in Japan to help him regain his focus and usefulness. In Japan, Bond connects with Tiger Tanaka, the head of the Japanese Secret Service, who is concerned about a "Garden of Death" established by Dr. Guntram Shatterhand (who is revealed to be Ernst Stavro Blofeld). The garden is a major draw for suicide attempts, and the Japanese government is worried about the number of bodies returned from the grounds.

Bond recognizes Shatterhand as Blofeld, his major enemy, and decides to exact revenge. He infiltrates the castle where Blofeld is hiding, engages in a duel with Blofeld, and ultimately kills him by strangulation. After the duel, Bond suffers a head injury, leading to amnesia, and he is left living as a Japanese fisherman with Kissy Suzuki. The rest of the world believes him dead, and his obituary appears in the newspapers.

As Bond's health improves, Kissy conceals his true identity to keep him for herself. Bond eventually reads scraps of newspaper and fixates on a reference to Vladivostok, making him wonder if the far-off city is the key to his missing memory. He decides to travel to Russia to find out more about his past, setting the stage for further adventures.

### Key Themes

1. Personal Revenge and Redemption: The novel explores Bond's personal quest for revenge against Blofeld, who killed his wife. This theme is central to the plot, as Bond's mission in Japan is not just about espionage but also about seeking redemption and closure.

2. Decline of Britain: The novel touches on the theme of Britain's declining position in the world. This is reflected in conversations between Bond and Tanaka, where Tanaka criticizes Britain for throwing away its empire and highlights its weaknesses. This theme is also linked to the defections of MI6 members to the Soviet Union, which had a significant impact on US intelligence circles.

3. Cultural Stereotypes: The book contains some outdated stereotypes about Japanese culture, including the portrayal of Japanese women as submissive and decorative. However, the character of Kissy Suzuki challenges these stereotypes by being a strong and independent woman.

4. Psychological State of Bond: The novel delves into Bond's psychological state after the loss of his wife. His emotional turmoil and subsequent mission in Japan serve as a catalyst for his recovery and return to his duties as a secret agent.

### Critical Reception

The critical reception of "You Only Live Twice" has been mixed.

• Positive Aspects: Some critics praise the novel for its exploration of Bond's personal growth and his sense of humor. Raymond Benson, the author of continuation Bond novels, notes that this book marks a significant change in Bond's character, making him more humorous and purposeful.

• Negative Aspects: Other critics have criticized the novel for its slow pace and lack of action. The book is often described as more of a diplomatic mission than an action-packed adventure, which may disappoint fans of the series. Additionally, some critics have pointed out outdated stereotypes and narrative laziness, such as the use of rock-paper-scissors as a life-or-death matter.

In summary, "You Only Live Twice" is a complex novel that explores themes of personal revenge, cultural stereotypes, and the decline of Britain. While it has its flaws, it also marks a significant shift in Bond's character development and sets the stage for further adventures in the series.