The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth Summary
Overview of The Day of the Jackal
A thriller written in just 35 days that publishers rejected because "who'd read about a failed assassination?" Became a #1 bestseller, inspired two films, and revolutionized the genre. Still captivating readers 50 years later with its meticulous cat-and-mouse game.
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Key takeaways
The Shadow Assassin: A Deadly Game Begins
In the sweltering summer of 1963, France's political landscape trembles in the aftermath of a failed assassination attempt on President Charles de Gaulle. The Secret Army Organization (OAS)-a group of disgruntled military officers opposed to Algerian independence-has tried and failed repeatedly to kill the French President. After their leader Claude Bastien-Thiry faces the firing squad, the remaining OAS leadership makes a fateful decision. They hire a mysterious English assassin known only by his codename: The Jackal. This isn't just another hired gun. The Jackal demands half a million dollars-an astronomical sum in 1963-for a "once-in-a-lifetime job." He explains with chilling clarity that he needs enough money to disappear completely after killing the most heavily-guarded man in Europe. When questioned about his integrity, he responds with perfect logic: absconding with the deposit would cost him more in protection from vengeful ex-paratroopers than he would gain. His cold rationality is more terrifying than any display of violence could be. What makes this thriller so compelling isn't just its plot but its meticulous attention to detail. Every aspect of assassination planning unfolds with surgical precision, from weapon specifications to identity creation. The Jackal doesn't just disguise himself-he inhabits different personas completely, transforming his very essence with each new identity. Wouldn't we all be terrified of someone who could walk past us wearing a different face each time?
The Perfect Weapon: Crafting an Assassination
The Hunter and the Hunted: Lebel Takes the Case
Shadows and Disguises: The Chameleon Killer
The Betrayal Within: The Security Leak
Liberation Day: The Final Confrontation
The Nameless Shadow: An Enduring Mystery
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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