I started this when we had a bit of a cold snap, thinking listening to people in slightly colder conditions than me would make me feel a bit better. This is one of those adventure thrillers that has a deep underlying mystery about it but you’re so busy going through the rollercoaster of dangerous situations you don’t have much time to think about whodunit. This has many elements I love, most being the perils of travelling on a submarine, but also the survivalist aspects of being near the poles. And ultimately it’s a great thriller ride right to the end.

I don’t know why I picked this one up on Audible, probably in a sale of some kind, but I figured as it was a children’s classic that I hadn’t read before, it was worth a listen. This one was ably read by Martin Jarvis, who does a great job at the incorrigible playfulness of a young boy (he does the same with the Just William books). It was a fun story, Barney going on adventures with what may or may not be an imaginary friend… and having to explain it all later to his family and friends. A sweet story.

In terms of the story, this is one that really aligns so closely with the film you can almost picture every scene, and it’s such a good adventure. I also thought Bond’s decision to marry was so interesting, this is probably one of the least fleshed out women of the series and this is who he chooses to attach himself too, I think it says a lot more about Bond at this time in his life. But that brutal ending was just as harrowing to get through as it was in the film. Great book.