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abaranes's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I think the spy thriller genre is not for me.
I can recognize that this is a fantastic book. The writing is strong, the plot is gripping, and Forsyth does a great job building tension throughout the book. There's a reason why this is a "classic" book. For some reason, it just didn't work for me.
While others found it detailed, I found it slow. While others found it intriguing, I found it somewhat boring. While others found it gripping, I found it a bit ho-hum. I think, though, that this is a me thing. Having read several John Le Carre and Tom Clancy novels and having much the same opinion, I think my conclusion is that I shouldn't read things from the spy thriller genre.
I think if you enjoy spy thrillers, you'll enjoy this. Objectively, it is well done and I do like that the emphasis is on routines and procedures, which makes it feel more "real" than a Jack Ryan going around wreaking havoc (not a big fan of those either, tbh). This just wasn't my cup of tea.
I can recognize that this is a fantastic book. The writing is strong, the plot is gripping, and Forsyth does a great job building tension throughout the book. There's a reason why this is a "classic" book. For some reason, it just didn't work for me.
While others found it detailed, I found it slow. While others found it intriguing, I found it somewhat boring. While others found it gripping, I found it a bit ho-hum. I think, though, that this is a me thing. Having read several John Le Carre and Tom Clancy novels and having much the same opinion, I think my conclusion is that I shouldn't read things from the spy thriller genre.
I think if you enjoy spy thrillers, you'll enjoy this. Objectively, it is well done and I do like that the emphasis is on routines and procedures, which makes it feel more "real" than a Jack Ryan going around wreaking havoc (not a big fan of those either, tbh). This just wasn't my cup of tea.
stephdadi's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
latortuga's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bexlrose's review
4.0
Really good historical thriller about an assassination attempt on the French president Charles De Gaulle. Told from both sides - that of the assassin and that of the detectives hunting him. Managed to stay interesting and exciting despite divulging early on that De Gaulle wasn't assassinated and died in old age. 4 stars.
noodle_88's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jimbowen0306's review against another edition
4.0
Despite being 40 years old, this book about a right wing French terror group's plot to assassinate Charles de Gaulle is extremely readable. The terror group (called the OAS) have taken this action because they believe the removal of de Gaulle will lead to a president (and government) more in tune with their pro-empire, hard line views. To aid them (after 6 failed attempts themselves), they hire the Jackal.
The book is famous. Most people know the plot (and even if you don't, most know De Gaulle wasn't assassinated), or have seen the film (or both), so the story isn't "Does he success?" It's more "How do they catch him?"
The writing is good too. You might think it'd be dated, but it doesn't feel that way (unlike early Robert Ludlum books say, which are dated). It can be precise in places, but it helps the stop rattle along, which is always a good thing for a thriller.
The book is famous. Most people know the plot (and even if you don't, most know De Gaulle wasn't assassinated), or have seen the film (or both), so the story isn't "Does he success?" It's more "How do they catch him?"
The writing is good too. You might think it'd be dated, but it doesn't feel that way (unlike early Robert Ludlum books say, which are dated). It can be precise in places, but it helps the stop rattle along, which is always a good thing for a thriller.
monkeyboystiff's review
5.0
Brilliant book. Exciting, well written, and even funny in places. I was concerned that the setting of it may mean you needed a certain amount of historical knowledge to know what was going on but that wasn't the case at all. Have seen the film several times but still thoroughly enjoyed this.
gossamerwingedgazelle's review
3.0
My husband didn't find this book too interesting after the beginning. I found it completely readable. Was it thrilling? No. Was it a nice read? Yes. A little dated, but not a huge deal.
amarettto's review
5.0
Apparently I’ve read this book before and I have absolutely no memory of that. Which kind of explains everything I need to I guess? This book is great. Super intriguing, well written, gripping, and quick. You stop and wonder multiple times who you are rooting for.
Classic cat-and-mouse chase executed perfectly with an impressive level of detail basically throughout - historical context, geographical descriptions, and so on.
5/5 but only if you like reading super description-heavy plots.
Classic cat-and-mouse chase executed perfectly with an impressive level of detail basically throughout - historical context, geographical descriptions, and so on.
5/5 but only if you like reading super description-heavy plots.