It is amazing how novel almost 50 years old is written in a way that is as captivating as it was when I first read it 30 years ago.

Author's ability to blend fiction and non-fiction makes this novel read like something from the newspaper headlines. Level of details when it comes to criminal underground, lonely world of political assassins and state security apparatus is amazing. Isn't it interesting how during the 1960's main reason why UK did not like France was because France did not want it in the EEC in the first place. When you go through all the side-stories and comments, isn't it interesting that UK wanted to enter EEC in the 1960's for the same reason UK wanted out 60 years later. Politics, eh :)

That aside, novel illustrates that only difference between state security oppression in last two years and situation before that, was just in lack of powers to do "whatever is required" - same as was case in France at the time of the novel's story, 1960's which were very turbulent and violent. All those paramilitary state elements enforcing justice by rule of stick and gun sound so contemporary it is incredible. So it is not that there was no oppressive apparatus in past, it just was not put into streets like in last two years with all free reign. People just forgot about it (hopefully they will remember it for next couple of weeks ..... because goldfish :)).

Besides these always contemporary elements author's ability to make character of Jackal - defined only through his actions, not that much talk and definitely very scarce interaction with other characters - so alive is exquisite. Descriptions of manhunt and the way very skilled assassin manages to infiltrate fortress that is France - they will keep you turning pages whole night. Intricate network of OAS informants and spies, way how they found their foothold in French society, basius for the OAS existence and conflict with France government, actions of security forces and some shady elements working for the government (Union Corse) and level of violence in the 1960's - it is unbelievable vivid and would make you to get your hands on some historical books to learn more.

Of course let us not forget Lebel, silent hero of the book, police inspector who proves the eternal maxim - only professional people will achieve something. Bureaucracy that points always to where the current wind blows never achieves anything.

Author definitely did his research and presented the reader with a world of shadows that exists so closely next to our own.

I cannot recommend this book enough. True gem. ( )

2522

I read this book many years back and was on the edge of my seat. At that time, I had not read about Charles de Gaulle and only knew him as the President of France. I did not know he had died in his bed, and when I read the book, I wanted 'The Jackal' to succeed. He had to fail, of course.

When I read the book this time, I was engrossed by the description of the detailed planning of the assassination and the chase. You must be knowledgeable, disciplined, and focused if you want to be a high-level crook, as the book demonstrates.

It is a brilliant book, and has lost none of its charm over the years. ( )

Still my favorite novel by Forsyth. Great book. It's long but interesting. Read it in my twenties and read it decades later. Good both times. The movie is also good. ( )

I read "The Day Jackal" as a preteen, a few years after it came out. I know I did not understand half of what was in it then. I do remember that it was pivotal in my choice to read adult-level books in the future.

What makes Jackal such a good book is its pacing, realism, and equality in the players.

There is a little bit of description and then action. Sometimes Frederick Forsyth uses dialog to convey details, keeping the book moving.

Frederick Forsyth was first a reporter, a teller of truth. When he couldn't make enough money with that fact, he tried fiction. Jackal was his first novel, but he researched it just like any factual story, scoping sites and interviewing people.

Here are some character notes:
OSA Guard whose daughter has leukemia--They only found him because he filled out a Will. He gave up his daughter for adoption to his friend.
Claude Lebel comparison with the Jackal--The French detective leading the search for the Jackal is "henpecked," while the Jackal preys on women.

The equity in the foes is what sets "The Day of the Jackal" apart. The Police Departments are competent but have their leaks. Jackal is a professional and very good at his job, but his pride gets him killed.

My favorite lines from the book are when the wiretaps happen. How did you know to wiretap such-and-such? "I didn't. I wiretapped all of you," and he leaves. Door Slams. Excellent.

Can you tell I loved this book? I am so happy I found it again. ( )