The Day of the Jackal   by Frederick Forsyth

Fall, until Dec 2, 2004.     On loan from my British colleague, Edward.

Well, this was probably not a bad book, but it was not of a style that interests me; This told the story of an assassination attempt on Charles de Gaulle, (a French President from the sixties.) So, it had not so much to do with physical violence, (which I abhor,) but was of a violent nature regardless.

I admit that I had a little fascination with the technical side of things, (which the author was relying on, I believe: the insatiable human curiosity, to know How such and such could be done.) Indeed, it was marginally interesting to know what obstacles there were for the assassin to over come, and how he went about doing that. And then, there was a bit of the same... technical interest, in how the security forces tried to foil, and capture him. So, I suppose I could say that this book was well researched.

And the characterisation was well done too: I didn't feel that any of the characters were especially shallow, or cliché. So, that stands in the author's favour. The story certainly was believable too... to the extent that no one behaved in amazing, and u creditable ways. (although there were some near coincidences, to build the suspense, but that was not over done, and should be excused.)

In the end though, this was just not a book that I enjoyed; it is not one that made me think, and certainly not reflect on much of anything. It was an alright read, for when I wanted to waste some time, (getting my sheets warm, before I went to sleep, or on the tour bus, or such things as that.) -But... well, I think I've made myself clear. Yes?