The Day of the Jackal

By: Frederick Forsyth

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the most celebrated thrillers ever written, The Day of the Jackal is the electrifying story of an anonymous Englishman who in, the spring of 1963, was hired by Colonel Marc Rodin, operations chief of the O.A.S., to assassinate General de Gaulle.

France was infuriated by Charles de Gaulle's withdrawal from Algeria, and there were six known attempts to assassinate the general that failed. This novel dramatizes the seventh, mostly deadly attempt, involving a professional killer for hire who would be unknown to the French Police. His code name was Jackal, his price half a million dollars, and his demand total secrecy, even from his employers.

Step by painstaking step, we follow the Jackal in his meticulous planning, from the fashioning of a specially made rifle to the devising of his approach to the time and the place where the general is to meet the Jackal's bullet. The only obstacle in his path is a small, diffident, rumpled policeman, who happens to be considered by his boss the best detective in France: Deputy Commissaire Claude Lebel.

©1971 Frederick Forsyth (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A masterpiece tour de force of crisp, sharp, suspenseful writing." ( Wall Street Journal)
"Compelling, utterly enthralling....Some of the tensest thriller writing I can remember reading." ( Sunday Express, London)

Procedural

The narration was great. I really liked but didn't love the story. I wanted definitely to keep listening but can't say I loved every minute of the story. Still, well worth a listen.

getting dated but classic version of the genre.

but it ...a classic from which all the current copy.
subtle approach to the technology driven current offerings.

better than the movie

story development in the first two chapters as well as character development begin somewhat tedious but quickly turns into a story you can't stop listening

Thrilling

This is an old book (publ 1971) about one of the numerous assassination attempts on the life of Charles de Gaulle, controversial Pres. of France from 1959-69. The plot was taut & so believable, that I was left wondering, at times, if it were true. The circumstances could just as easily happen today, even with the addition of modern communications & technology. The characters were well-developed & convincing.

The narrator did a great job with voices. Even though he didn't attempt any foreign accents, it was clear which character he was portraying.

There were several glitches in the editing where a couple of words or a short phrase would be repeated, but it was infrequent enough that it didn't detract from my enjoyment.

Gripping

Well read, exceptional writing. You won’t want to stop listening to this masterpiece of literature.

Forsyth at the beginning

I have read almost all of Forsyth, and felt compelled to go back and listen to the beginning again. I was not disappointed. One becomes attached to both the protagonist and antagonist and feels their admiration for each other as they draw inevitably closer. The writing and reading of it are tight and well done. It remains one of my favorite spy novels, and a classic.

A great read compellingly read!

I first read this thriller as a 12 year old school boy four decades ago. I also saw and enjoyed the film of the novel starring Edward Fox in my youth. Having it read to me over the past month via my audiblebooks app by the most excellent narrator Simon Prebble has been a special mid-life treat! Highly recommended.

Starts out a little slow, but hang in there!

Great story that begins with a fair amount of historical context and explanation. I bought this in a BOGO promo and almost moved on to another book, but I'm glad I didn't.

There's a great cast of characters here, played by a strong narrator, and a compelling story. It's definitely worth a listen!

Best international thriller ever

Perhaps the very best international thriller of all time. Very well narrated as well. (I’m reading this for the fifth time. )

Builds speed like a runaway freight train.

Started a little slowly but was worth the wait. It's a famous work for a reason. Don't miss it!