I read this book in two days! Another book that helped me get "into" books. The suspense begins immediately and Forsyth does not let you go until the end. ( )

This is one of the great classics in the suspense novel genre, and with good reason. I was stunned by it. This book made me want to go to the library right away and check out every Forsyth novel they had.

You know at the beginning that the assassination plot failed -- it says so -- but that doesn't stop you from clinging to the edge of your seat as your follow The Jackal and those who are chasing him. He's the consummate killer, using money, sex, drugs and whatever other tools are at his disposal to get the job done. He was enthralling and I was rooting for him as well as for Lebel, the policeman chasing him. And the ending was as satisfying as I could have wished. ( )

This is my all-time favorite novel. I re-read it every 1-2 years, and it is always enjoyable and thrilling. The story of an intelligent, unstoppable assassin out to kill Charles de Gaulle, and the immense manhunt orchestrated by an equally brilliant detective. The story has me rooting for both sides alternatively, and every time I read it, I secretly wish that one of these times, the ending will have been rewritten to the other possible outcome.

Two movies have been made based on this book: Fred Zinnemann's 1973 movie, which is very good and close to the book, and the 1997 version with Bruce Willis, which is not worth watching. ( )

Klassiker ( )

Forsyth's famous manhunt is a wonderful example of what an espionage novel could be. It has a smart and well-thought out plot where Forsyth meticulously creates a plot to assassinate Charles de Gaul and then steps back and unravels it from the point of view of a French detective.

It's only flaw is its pace and characters. Forsyth hurries through several scenes too quickly, and many of his characters have very little depth, including the Jackal, unfortunately.

Still it is a masterful novel and a fun read. ( )