James Bond in the Adirondacks
Ian Fleming’s most unconventional novel is set in the Lake George region of the Adirondacks.
The Park Motel in Tupper Lake reminds us so much of Dreamy Pines Motor Court in the James Bond novel, "The Spy Who Loved Me" (minus the gangsters).
The James Bond series, penned by Ian Fleming, is synonymous with exotic locales, high-stakes espionage, and glamorous characters. However, one novel in the series, "The Spy Who Loved Me," breaks the mold by setting its dramatic events in the serene and rugged wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York.
This unique setting provides a fascinating backdrop to the novel and ties the globally iconic character of James Bond to an unexpected American locale. Fleming’s choice to tell the story from the first-person perspective of the main character, a woman, is also notable.
An unconventional Bond, James Bond, visits Lake George.
First, you may think you know “The Spy Who Loved Me” from the 1977 film starring Roger Moore and Barbara Bach. That film has nothing to do with the novel of the same name, published in 1962.
"The Spy Who Loved Me" (the novel), stands out in the James Bond series for several reasons. Unlike the other Bond novels, this story is narrated from the first-person perspective of a woman, Vivienne Michel. Viv, a young Canadian woman, finds herself in a desperate situation while traveling across the United States.
"The Spy Who Loved Me" by Ian Fleming. Illustration by Fay Dalton. Image courtesy The Folio Society.
She arrives in Lake George in early October on her way to Florida. To earn extra cash, she agrees to act as a temporary caretaker at Dreamy Pines Motor Court, a remote motel located outside Lake George Village.
Things turn dark when the motel’s managers leave her to close up the motel by herself on the last day of the season, and two brutal thugs, Sluggsy and Horror, arrive with sinister intentions.
[SPOILER ALERT] They intend to burn down the motel for insurance money and have no qualms about killing Vivienne to keep her quiet.
Just when all hope seems lost, James Bond appears on the scene. Having experienced a flat tire while passing by, Bond sees the motel lights and seeks aid and shelter. He immediately recognizes something is amiss and intervenes.
The narrative then unfolds with Bond using his characteristic wit and combat skills to outmaneuver and eliminate the threats posed by Sluggsy and Horror, saving Vivienne and exposing the criminal scheme.
The forever-wild Adirondack Mountains provide the perfect setting for a different kind of Bond adventure.
The Adirondack Mountains furnish a striking contrast to the typical exotic locations associated with James Bond. This region, characterized by its dense forests, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountain terrain, lends the novel an atmospheric and almost claustrophobic feel.
James Bond in the Adirondack Wilderness.
The Dreamy Pines Motor Court, where most of the action takes place, is a small, isolated establishment near a lake that reflects the quiet, understated wilderness of the Adirondacks. The setting underscores Vivienne's vulnerability and isolation, making Bond's sudden arrival all the more dramatic.
Fleming's depiction of the Adirondacks offers readers a glimpse into this beautiful part of New York State. The wilderness and isolation create a suspenseful atmosphere different from Bond’s usual glamorous or urban settings. This shift highlights Fleming’s ability to adapt Bond’s adventures to various environments, showcasing the versatility of the character.
Journey back to mid-century Americana.
Written in 1962, the novel also provides a view into mid-century travel in America. Bond and Viv (on a Vespa!) are both traveling from Canada south along Route 9. This was pre-Adirondack Northway (I-87), so two-lane Route 9 was the main North-South thoroughfare.
Our heroine cruises by Lake George on her Vespa.
“The Spy Who Loved Me” also refers to several Lake George landmarks of that era, including Gaslight Village, Storytown, and the Minnie-Ha-Ha (still around today). To be candid, while Ian Fleming clearly has an appreciation for the deep forests and lakes of the Adirondacks, his lead characters express a less-than-favorable impression of Lake George Village. The book also mentions other New York locales, like Albany, Schenectady, Glens Falls and Troy.
Fleming's description of Dreamy Pines Motor Court is a bang-on portrayal of the many motels that were popular among travelers in the Adirondacks at that time. Motels were essentially an evolution of tourist cabins and cottages, combining individual units into a larger structure of connected rooms to save money.
One of the fun parts of the book is the early-60s slang used by the two thugs, Slugsy and Horror. Terms like “Yegg” (safecracker or burglar), “Button Man" (hitman or enforcer in the criminal world), “Biscuit” (attractive female derrière), “Hashtrap” (mouth), “Shamus” (private detective or police officer) and “Think-Pot” (head) are tossed about frequently. How and where Eton-educated Ian Fleming learned upstate New York thug jargon is a mystery.
The love/hate reaction to Fleming’s Adirondack novel.
"The Spy Who Loved Me" received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics appreciated Fleming's attempt to innovate by exploring a different narrative style and focusing on a female perspective. However, others were less enthusiastic, opining that the lack of a traditional espionage plot and the unconventional setting strayed too far from the formula that made Bond famous.
Another cover for the James Bond in the Adirondacks novel.
Despite the mixed reception, the novel's unique qualities have earned it a special place within the Bond canon. It remains a fascinating exploration of Fleming’s creative range and willingness to experiment.
The decision to narrate the story through Vivienne Michel’s eyes and set it in an unlikely location like the Adirondacks challenges the usual expectations of a James Bond novel.
While not exactly “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the novel does have some spicy elements. And several book reviewers panned “The Spy Who Loved Me” as a trashy attempt at a romance novel.
Maybe because the reviewers were primarily male, and Viv’s partners, except for Mr. Bond, of course, were called out for their inept love-making skills. But what do we know?
Whether you're a James Bond aficionado or intrigued by the lesser-known locales of classic literature, "The Spy Who Loved Me" invites you to explore the unexpected intersections of high-stakes espionage and the tranquil wilderness of upstate New York.
So, the next time you find yourself cruising through the Adirondacks, you might imagine James Bond arriving at the Dreamy Pines Motor Court, ready to save the day.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near Lake George.
