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The Bourne Identity

Book 1 in the series:Jason Bourne

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In 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum, readers are taken on a thrilling journey with Jason Bourne, a man who wakes up with no memory and sets out to uncover his past. As he navigates through dangerous situations and faces deadly assassins, Bourne must piece together clues to unravel the mystery of his own identity. The plot twists and turns keep the adrenaline pumping as Bourne races against time to save himself and unlock the secrets of his past. The writing style is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and action-packed, with a focus on espionage, government intelligence, and a complex protagonist.

The book is praised for its intricate plot, engaging storytelling, and the depth of the character of Jason Bourne. Readers find themselves drawn into the world of espionage and intrigue, enjoying the suspenseful narrative and the unexpected twists that keep them on the edge of their seats. Despite differences from the movie adaptation, the book is lauded for its captivating storyline, well-developed characters, and the way it delves into the complexities of Bourne's past and the challenges he faces in uncovering the truth.

Characters:

The characters are complex; Bourne struggles with his past, Marie shows resilience, and antagonists like Carlos deepen the conflict.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is direct and fast-paced, featuring descriptive action sequences but also criticized for sometimes stilted dialogue.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows an amnesiac man, who, while seeking his identity, becomes embroiled in a web of conspiracy and violence as he evades various enemies.

Setting:

The setting spans key European locations, enhancing the espionage theme amid a Cold War backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing is mostly quick with intense sequences, but can slow down with over-explained narratives.
The trawler plunged into the angry swells of the dark, furious sea like an awkward animal trying desperately to break out of an impenetrable swamp. The waves rose to goliathan heights, crashing into t...

Notes:

The Bourne Identity was published in 1980, before the rise of modern technology like cell phones.
Jason Bourne suffers from complete amnesia after a violent incident at sea.
The book showcases a more complex and darker character in Bourne compared to the movie adaptation.
The story is set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, which influences the plot.
Robert Ludlum had personal experiences that influenced the book, including time as a US Marine and actor.
The name 'Jason Bourne' mirrors the Greek hero Jason, emphasizing a theme of identity and quest.
The narrative explores themes of violence, its consequences, and moral ambiguity.
The character of Marie St. Jacques has a more prominent and active role in the book than in the film.
The book contains fewer elements of romance and more focus on Bourne's internal conflict and survival instincts.
Unlike the film, which simplifies the plot, the book involves multiple antagonists, including the real-life assassin Carlos the Jackal.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book carries medium content warnings due to graphic violence and themes of amnesia and PTSD.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in the book, primarily through the relationship between Jason Bourne and Marie St Jacques.

From The Publisher:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

His memory is a blank. His bullet-ridden body was fished from the Mediterranean Sea. His face has been altered by plastic surgery. A frame of microfilm has been surgically implanted in his hip. Even his name is a mystery. Marked for death, he is racing for survival through a bizarre world of murderous conspirators-led by Carlos, the world's most dangerous assassin. Who is Jason Bourne? The answer may kill him.

"[Robert] Ludlum stuffs more surprises into his novels than any other six-pack of thriller writers combined."-The New York Times

Ratings (47)

Incredible (9)
Loved It (17)
Liked It (12)
It Was OK (6)
Did Not Like (2)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (71):

Read It (47)
Want To Read (16)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (7)

2 comment(s)

Incredible
4 months

Spycraft done well.

 
Did Not Like
8 months

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK:

- Fantastic setup of Bourne losing his memory

- The answer of who Bourne really is is much more complicated and interesting than you might expect; some great plot twists there

- The heroine, Marie, is so competent and awesome. (Bourne is also awesome, but that's secondary.)

WHAT I HATE ABOUT THIS BOOK:

- It's twice as long as it needs to be. Very slow, with not enough happening

- Bourne repeatedly disrespects Marie and disregards her opinions even tho she's always right

- The twists aren't nearly as interesting on a reread

 

About the Author:

Robert Ludlum was the author of twenty-one novels, each a New York Times bestseller. There are more than 210 million of his books in print, and they have been translated into thirty-two languages. In addition to the Jason Bourne series-The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum-he was the author of The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Chancellor Manuscript, and The Apocalypse Watch, among many others. Mr. Ludlum passed away in March, 2001.

 
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