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The Day of the Jackal

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"The Day of the Jackal" by Frederick Forsyth is a classic thriller set in the 1960s Paris, France, where an assassin is hired to kill Charles de Gaulle. The tension builds as the story unfolds, showcasing a cat-and-mouse game between the hired assassin, known as the Jackal, and the lead detective from France, Lebel. The plot is meticulously crafted, detailing the Jackal's meticulous planning and the detective's efforts to stop the assassination, all leading to an exciting and resounding conclusion. The narrative is structured to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a blend of historical details, espionage elements, and a gripping storyline that unfolds with each page turn.

The book is praised for its slow but engaging build-up that ultimately becomes unputdownable for readers. The well-thought-out plot, smart writing style, and the detailed descriptions of the characters' actions and motivations contribute to the overall immersive experience. The book also stands out for its ability to keep the reader guessing, with unexpected plot twists and a captivating battle of wits between the assassin and the detective. The historical context, intricate planning of the assassination plot, and the intense pursuit of the Jackal by the authorities add layers of complexity and depth to the storyline, making it a must-read for fans of thrillers and espionage novels.

Characters:

While the assassin and detective are well-defined, some secondary characters lack depth, creating a mix of engaged and one-dimensional portrayals.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and detailed, striking a balance between descriptive imagery and the fast-paced nature of a thriller.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a meticulously planned assassination of a notable political figure, highlighting the intricacies of the plot and the simultaneous efforts of law enforcement to thwart it.

Setting:

The novel's setting in 1960s France adds a historical backdrop to the assassination plot and the political climate of the time.

Pacing:

Initially slow, the pacing accelerates as the plot unfolds, building to a thrilling conclusion.
It is cold at six-forty in the morning of a March day in Paris, and seems even colder when a man is about to be executed by firing squad. At that hour on 11th March 1963, in the main courtyard of the ...

Notes:

The Day of the Jackal was first published in 1971 and is one of Frederick Forsyth's most famous novels.
It tells the story of an assassin, nicknamed The Jackal, hired to kill French President Charles de Gaulle.
The plot centers around a real historical event involving an attempt on de Gaulle's life by a group called the OAS.
The book is divided into three parts: 'Anatomy of a Plot,' 'Anatomy of a Manhunt,' and 'Anatomy of a Kill.'
The narrative alternates between The Jackal's preparations and the efforts of French police, particularly Commissaire Claude Lebel, to stop him.
Readers often root for both the assassin and the detective, due to their professionalism and competence.
The Jackal is depicted as cold, rational, and meticulous, but little backstory is provided about him, adding to his mystique.
Forsyth's writing is noted for its vivid detail and atmosphere, though some find it overly descriptive at times.
The novel created a blueprint for modern thrillers, mixing fact with fiction in a compelling way.
The Jackal's methods and the police investigation are depicted in a pre-digital context, highlighting communication challenges of the era.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of violence, assassination, and torture, which may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

THE CLASSIC THRILLER FROM #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR FREDERICK FORSYTH

"The Day of the Jackal makes such comparable books such as The Manchurian Candidate and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold seem like Hardy Boy mysteries."-The New York Times

The Jackal. A tall, blond Englishman with opaque, gray eyes. A killer at the top of his profession. A man unknown to any secret service in the world. An assassin with a contract to kill the world's most heavily guarded man.

One man with a rifle who can change the course of history. One man whose mission is so secretive not even his employers know his name. And as the minutes count down to the final act of execution, it seems that there is no power on earth that can stop the Jackal.

Ratings (16)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (36):

Read It (15)
Want To Read (17)
Not Interested (4)

2 comment(s)

Incredible
3 weeks

That when right to the end. No fat at all.

 
Loved It
2 years

A tightly written compelling page-turner that is populated with engaging characters. The plot revolves around the plot to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle by the novel's protagonist known as 'The Jackall' who is being paid $500,000 for successfully carrying out his mission. The book is a classic suspense thriller that is impossible to put down.

 

About the Author:

Frederick Forsyth is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of seventeen novels, including The Day of the Jackal and The Odessa File, as well as short story collections and a memoir. A former Air Force pilot, and one-time print…

 
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