The Day Of The Jackal: Fortsetzung Kommt!

DER

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Nov 23, 2024

41 visitor like this post

Share

The Day of the Jackal: Fortsetzung kommt! A Thriller Fan's Dream (or Nightmare?)

Hey everyone! So, I've been a massive fan of Frederick Forsyth's The Day of the Jackal since I was, like, 16. Seriously, that book blew my mind. The suspense, the meticulous planning, the sheer audacity of the plot – it’s chef's kiss. But let’s be honest, we all secretly (or not so secretly) crave a sequel, right? A continuation of the cat-and-mouse game between the OAS and the chillingly efficient assassin, Chacal.

My "Sequel" Attempt (and Epic Fail)

A few years back, I even tried to write a sequel myself. Yeah, I know, sounds crazy, right? I thought I could capture the essence, the je ne sais quoi of Forsyth's writing. Boy, was I wrong. It was…a disaster. My Jackal sequel was less "thrilling espionage" and more "undergraduate thesis on French political history." It was dense, boring, and frankly, unreadable. The characters felt flat, the plot…well, it didn't really exist. I ended up deleting the whole thing after about 50 pages. Talk about a humbling experience! It taught me a valuable lesson though: some stories are best left alone.

Why a Sequel is So Difficult (and Why We Still Want One)

Forsyth's masterpiece is so effective because of its intricate plot, meticulous research, and believable characters. It's not just a spy thriller; it's a deep dive into the world of political assassination, the intricacies of counter-intelligence, and the very real consequences of extremism. Creating a sequel that lives up to that standard is an almost impossible feat. It's like trying to follow up Citizen Kane – you're setting yourself up for failure.

The key elements are:

• The Jackal himself: The character's enigmatic nature is part of his allure. Any sequel would have to carefully balance revealing more about him without diminishing his mystique.
• The Political Climate: Replicating the specific historical context of the original – the Algerian War's aftermath and the instability of French politics – is crucial. A modern setting would require immense skill to feel authentic.
• The Cat and Mouse Game: The tension between the assassin and the authorities is what makes the book so gripping. A sequel would need to capture that tension, and it can't just be a copy.

What a Potential Sequel Could Explore (If Done Right)

Despite my own failed attempt, I still daydream about a possible sequel. Maybe, just maybe, it could work. A sequel could explore:

• The Jackal's Origins: A prequel could delve deeper into the assassin's background, making him a more complex character without sacrificing the mystery.
• A New Target: The original's success hinges on the specific circumstances. A new target and equally compelling plot is needed. Maybe someone else is trying to get the Jackal to work for them...
• A Different Setting: Moving the action to a different country and political climate would introduce new elements and challenges.

The Importance of Respecting the Original

Any attempt at a continuation of The Day of the Jackal needs to be approached with the utmost respect for the original. It's not enough to just add more action or violence. A successful sequel would need to capture the intelligence, the meticulous detail, and the suspense that made the original so captivating. It needs to be worthy of the Jackal's legacy.

So, while I personally won’t be attempting another sequel, the dream—nay, the need—for a worthy continuation of this classic thriller remains. Maybe one day, a truly talented writer will rise to the challenge. Until then, I'll be rereading Forsyth's masterpiece, dreaming of a worthy sequel. What do you think? Would you want to see a continuation of the story? Let's discuss!