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The Day of the Jackal summary
Brief summary
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth is a gripping thriller that follows an elusive assassin known as the Jackal as he meticulously plans to assassinate a prominent political figure. It's a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with an unforgettable twist.
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The Day of the Jackal
Summary of key ideas
The Elusive Assassin
In The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth, we are introduced to a professional assassin known as the Jackal. The Jackal is hired by a French terrorist group to assassinate Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. The group is frustrated with de Gaulle's policies towards Algeria, and they believe his death will lead to a coup and a change in the country's direction.
The Jackal is a meticulous planner and a master of disguise. He is so elusive that no intelligence agency in the world has any information about him. The French authorities, aware of the threat to their President, launch a massive manhunt to capture the Jackal before he can carry out his deadly mission.
The Race Against Time
As the Jackal begins his preparations, the French authorities, led by Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel, start their investigation. They are initially unaware of the Jackal's identity and refer to him as 'The Jackal' due to his codename in the terrorist group. Lebel and his team work tirelessly to uncover the Jackal's plan and prevent the assassination.
Meanwhile, the Jackal continues with his meticulous preparations, acquiring a fake passport, a new identity, and a high-powered sniper rifle. He also conducts a series of practice assassinations to perfect his technique. The French authorities, despite their best efforts, struggle to gather any concrete leads on the Jackal's whereabouts or his real identity.
The Unfolding Plan
As the Jackal's plan nears its execution, the tension in the novel reaches its peak. The Jackal manages to infiltrate France and sets up his sniper's nest in a small town near Paris. He carefully plans his escape route and waits for the perfect moment to take the shot. Meanwhile, Lebel and his team, with limited information, race against time to identify and capture the Jackal.
On the day of the planned assassination, the Jackal takes his position and waits for de Gaulle to appear. However, due to a last-minute change in the President's schedule, the Jackal's plan is foiled. The French authorities, who have finally uncovered the Jackal's real identity, close in on him. A dramatic and intense chase ensues, leading to a final confrontation between the Jackal and Lebel.
The Aftermath
In the end, the Jackal is shot and killed by Lebel, preventing the assassination of President de Gaulle. The French authorities breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they have averted a national crisis. The novel concludes with Lebel reflecting on the Jackal's incredible skills and the narrow escape from a national disaster.
In conclusion, The Day of the Jackal is a gripping and intense thriller that takes the reader on a high-stakes journey. Forsyth's meticulous attention to detail and the cat-and-mouse game between the Jackal and the French authorities make this novel a classic in the genre of political thrillers.
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What is The Day of the Jackal about?
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth is a gripping thriller that follows an anonymous assassin, known as the Jackal, as he is hired to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. With meticulous planning and a relentless pursuit by the authorities, the Jackal embarks on a deadly mission that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Day of the Jackal Review
The Day of the Jackal (1971) is a gripping thriller that captivates readers with its suspenseful plot and meticulous attention to detail. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Boasting a meticulously researched narrative, the book provides readers with a realistic insight into the world of international espionage and assassination.
- With its multifaceted characters, the story delves deep into the minds of both the Jackal, a professional assassin, and the determined detective pursuing him, creating an intense cat-and-mouse game.
- The book's expertly crafted pacing and relentless suspense keep readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring that every page is filled with excitement and anticipation.
Who should read The Day of the Jackal?
- Readers who enjoy suspenseful and intricately plotted thrillers
- Those interested in political intrigue and the world of espionage
- People who appreciate meticulous research and attention to detail in a novel
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The Day of the Jackal FAQs
What is the main message of The Day of the Jackal?
The main message of The Day of the Jackal is a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase between an assassin and the authorities.
How long does it take to read The Day of the Jackal?
The reading time for The Day of the Jackal varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Day of the Jackal a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Day of the Jackal is a gripping read that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It's definitely worth reading!
Who is the author of The Day of the Jackal?
The author of The Day of the Jackal is Frederick Forsyth.
How many chapters are in The Day of the Jackal?
There are multiple parts and chapters in The Day of the Jackal. Unfortunately, the book doesn't provide any chapter titles.
How many pages are in The Day of the Jackal?
The Day of the Jackal contains approximately 432 pages.
When was The Day of the Jackal published?
The Day of the Jackal was published in 1971.
What to read after The Day of the Jackal?
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