Execution Sparks New Conspiracy

In 1963, the execution of Lieutenant-Colonel Jean-Marie Bastien-Thiry for attempting to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle ironically fuels a new conspiracy. The Secret Army Organization (OAS), a group of disillusioned French military officers, is determined to eliminate de Gaulle, whom they view as a traitor for granting Algeria independence. Leaderless and desperate, the OAS seeks a new strategy to achieve their goal, setting the stage for a high-stakes political thriller.

The Jackal's Deadly Assignment

The OAS leaders, Marc Rodin, René Montclair, and André Casson, decide to hire a professional assassin, codenamed "The Jackal," to kill de Gaulle. The Jackal, a mysterious and highly skilled killer, demands a hefty fee for the job. The OAS agrees, knowing that their organization is infiltrated by French security forces and that only an outsider can succeed. The Jackal begins his meticulous planning, aware that he must operate alone to avoid detection.

A Web of Secrecy

French security services, led by Colonel Rolland of the Action Service, become aware of the OAS's new plot through the interrogation of a captured OAS member, Viktor Kowalski. However, they lack concrete details about the Jackal's identity or plans. The President's security chief, Commissaire Jean Ducret, and Interior Minister Roger Frey are informed, but de Gaulle refuses to alter his public schedule or increase security, insisting that France must not appear to cower before a foreign threat.

The Hunt Begins

Commissaire Claude Lebel, a methodical and experienced detective, is assigned the daunting task of identifying and capturing the Jackal. With limited information and under strict orders of secrecy, Lebel must navigate the complex web of French security agencies. He knows that the Jackal's anonymity is his greatest weapon, and Lebel must rely on his detective skills to uncover the assassin's identity before it's too late.

The Jackal's Preparations

The Jackal travels across Europe, acquiring false identities, weapons, and disguises. He is methodical, leaving no trace of his movements. In Brussels, he commissions a custom-made rifle, designed to be easily concealed and deadly accurate. He practices his marksmanship in the Ardennes forest, ensuring he can make the perfect shot. The Jackal's confidence grows as he finalizes his plans, knowing that his success depends on precision and secrecy.

A Race Against Time

As the Jackal moves closer to executing his plan, Lebel intensifies his investigation. He pieces together fragments of information, hoping to identify the assassin before he strikes. The pressure mounts as the date of the assassination attempt approaches, and Lebel knows that failure could plunge France into chaos. The race against time is on, with the fate of a nation hanging in the balance.

The Jackal's Final Preparations

The Jackal, now in Paris, meticulously prepares for his assassination attempt on President de Gaulle. He adopts a new identity, transforming into a Danish pastor with stolen documents. His plan involves assembling a sniper rifle hidden in a crutch, a clever disguise that allows him to move undetected. As he finalizes his preparations, he remains confident in his ability to execute the plan, despite the intense manhunt closing in on him.

A City on High Alert

With the Jackal's presence confirmed in Paris, the city is on high alert. Security forces, including police and the Union Corse, are mobilized to find him. The authorities implement extensive measures to protect de Gaulle during the upcoming Liberation Day ceremonies, including crowd control, rooftop surveillance, and thorough searches of all attendees. Despite these efforts, the Jackal remains elusive, blending into the city's bustling streets.

The Assassin's Disguise Unveiled

As the manhunt intensifies, the Jackal changes his appearance once more, adopting the guise of an American student. He uses makeup and contact lenses to alter his features, ensuring he remains unrecognizable. Meanwhile, Commissaire Lebel and his team work tirelessly to identify the Jackal's new identity, relying on international cooperation to track stolen passports and potential aliases.

Liberation Day's Deadly Game

On Liberation Day, Paris is a fortress. Security measures are at their peak as de Gaulle participates in public ceremonies. The Jackal, disguised as a war veteran, infiltrates the crowd, positioning himself for the perfect shot. As de Gaulle moves through the ceremonies, the tension is palpable. The Jackal's plan is in motion, and the fate of the French President hangs in the balance.

The Jackal's Last Stand

As the Jackal prepares to fire, Lebel and a CRS officer burst into the room. In a tense standoff, the Jackal is killed before he can assassinate de Gaulle. The threat is neutralized, but the cost is high. The Jackal's identity remains a mystery, buried with him in an unmarked grave. The day of the Jackal is over, but the impact of his actions lingers.

Characters

Charles de Gaulle

The President of France, de Gaulle is a towering figure, both physically and politically. He is determined to maintain his public schedule despite threats to his life, viewing any alteration as a sign of weakness. His pride and sense of destiny drive him to dismiss the danger posed by the Jackal, complicating the efforts of those tasked with his protection.

Marc Rodin

Rodin is a former French Army officer and a key figure in the OAS. Disillusioned by de Gaulle's policies, he is driven by a deep hatred for the President. Rodin is methodical and cunning, orchestrating the plot to hire the Jackal. He is aware of the risks but believes the assassination is the only way to achieve his goals.

The Jackal

The Jackal is a professional killer, known for his precision and anonymity. He is hired by the OAS to assassinate de Gaulle and approaches the task with meticulous planning. The Jackal is a master of disguise and deception, operating alone to avoid detection. His motivations are purely financial, and he is confident in his ability to succeed.

Commissaire Claude Lebel

Lebel is tasked with identifying and capturing the Jackal. Known for his thoroughness and attention to detail, he is a seasoned investigator. Lebel faces immense pressure to prevent the assassination, working tirelessly to piece together clues and track down the elusive assassin.

Commissaire Jean Ducret

Ducret is responsible for the safety of President de Gaulle. He is a seasoned security expert, aware of the challenges posed by the Jackal's anonymity. Ducret is frustrated by de Gaulle's refusal to alter his public schedule, knowing it complicates his efforts to protect the President.

Roger Frey

Frey is responsible for the internal security of France. He is a loyal supporter of de Gaulle and is determined to prevent the assassination. Frey faces the challenge of coordinating the various security agencies while adhering to the President's insistence on secrecy and maintaining public appearances.

Viktor Kowalski

Kowalski is a former Foreign Legionnaire and a member of the OAS. Captured by French security forces, he is tortured for information about the plot to kill de Gaulle. His confession provides crucial, albeit limited, details about the Jackal's involvement.

Colonel Rolland

Rolland is a key figure in coordinating the security efforts to protect de Gaulle. His experience and strategic thinking are vital in organizing the extensive measures taken to prevent the assassination. Rolland's collaboration with other agencies highlights the complexity of the operation.

Jules Bernard

Bernard is a flamboyant Parisian who unknowingly provides shelter to the Jackal. His naivety and desire for companionship make him an easy target for the assassin's manipulation. Bernard's involvement highlights the Jackal's ability to exploit others for his own ends.

Plot Devices

Secrecy and Anonymity

The plot hinges on the Jackal's ability to remain anonymous, operating without leaving a trace. His identity is known only to a few, and his meticulous planning ensures he stays hidden. This secrecy complicates the efforts of French security forces, who must identify and stop him without public knowledge of the threat.

Interagency Cooperation

The investigation requires coordination among various French security agencies, each with its own expertise and resources. The need for secrecy and the President's insistence on maintaining public appearances add layers of complexity to their efforts, highlighting the challenges of interagency cooperation in a high-stakes situation.

Time Pressure

The impending assassination attempt creates a sense of urgency, driving the narrative forward. Lebel and the security forces must work quickly to identify and stop the Jackal before he can strike. The ticking clock adds tension and suspense, underscoring the high stakes of the mission.

Disguise and Deception

The assassin's ability to change his appearance and identity is central to his strategy. By adopting multiple disguises, he remains one step ahead of the authorities, blending into the urban landscape and avoiding detection. This plot device underscores the theme of identity and the challenges of tracking a master of disguise.

International Cooperation

The pursuit of the Jackal involves collaboration between French and international police forces. This cooperation is essential in piecing together the assassin's movements and identities, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern law enforcement and the challenges of cross-border crime.

Analysis

"The Day of the Jackal" is a masterclass in suspense, weaving a complex narrative of political intrigue and relentless pursuit. Forsyth's meticulous attention to detail and realistic portrayal of espionage create a tense atmosphere, where every moment counts. The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the fine line between duty and obsession. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of fanaticism and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their goals. The story's enduring appeal lies in its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the nature of justice and the cost of security.