Book #34: The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I heard of this book many years ago, and have only got around to reading it.
As I understand, a lot of attempts were made at Charles de Gaulle's life while he was president of France, and this book deals with a fictional assassination attempt.
So, a group who wish the president dead hire the novel's anti-hero, the mysterious "Jackal" (apparently an Englishman, and also a master of disguise) to carry out the deed.
My first thoughts about this book were that it seemed quite slow-moving. It started out setting out about what I presumed were real-life attempts to kill de Gaulle, before the main plot started. The first section of the book, which took up about half of it, had the Jackal making his plans; forging an identity, and getting hold of weapons by which he can carry out the deed.
It took a while to get into, but there were a few unexpected surprises, and other small bits I enjoyed. I loved one episode where the Jackal, unsatisfied with the blueberry jam he was being given with his toast, went out to buy orange marmalade, which he insisted on being given instead. It was also good that the book allowed the reader to get inside the Jackal's head, and get an idea of his personality and background.
The action was ramped up in the second half of the book, as the authorities attempted to track down the Jackal. The strange thing was that, despite the fact that I probably shouldn't have, I almost found myself rooting for the Jackal a lot of the time, as he constantly evaded his captors.
Overall, although this felt long-winded at times, and I was in no doubt about how it would end, I was really glad I read this. It made me feel that I should read more Frederick Forsyth novels.
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