The Day Of The Jackal is Fredrick Forsyth’s first and probably the most admired novel of all times. I was unknown to the wonders of Frederick Forsyth until I joined a novel study session wherein we (a group of 6-7 people) would pick up a novel every month and meet every week to discuss it.
The story is about a man- Jackal. Throughout the book, we do not get to know who Jackal is. Jackal is anonymous and is hired by a French secret organization, the OAS as an outsider to accomplish an insurmountable task- the assassination of the French President, Charles De Gaulle. An assignment that is next to impossible because of the increased security measures due to six failed attempts. One of the six attempts and the most serious was adapted from the failed assassination attempt that occurred on 22 August 1962. Charles De Gaulle and his wife narrowly escaped death in the roadside ambush. Frederick personally reported from the scene. As a matter of fact, an organization called OAS also existed in France back in the day.
The book concentrates on minute details, and that is what makes it electrifying.
Frederick Forsyth is a former RAF pilot and an investigative journalist. With The Day of The Jackal, he has created an exciting thriller where you will always be curious to find out what happens next.
Between the opening of the book, "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.” and the closing “The day of the Jackal was over.” there is a story that would grip your mind and soul.