Master of Precision

Says the headline in the Indian Express. With meticulous attention to detail , Frederick Forsyth revealed a world chaotic, yet orderly.

Frederick McCarthy Forsyth (25 August 1938- 9 June 2025) was an English novelist & journalist. Best known for his thrillers like ‘The Day of the Jackal’, The Odessa File,’The Fourth Protocol’, The Dogs of War, The Devil’s Alternative, The fist of God, Icon, The Veteran, Avenger, The Afghan,, The Cobra, The Kill List.

His works appeared on bestsellers lists & more than a dozen of his titles have been adapted into films. By 2006, he had sold more than 70 million books in more than 30 languages.

In 2016, he said he was giving up writing thrillers because his wife had told him he was too old to travel to dangerous places.

“No Comebacks’ 1982 is a collection of ten short stories. I don’t know about the rest, but the title story had such a deep impression that it remained with me for years. I vividly remember it today.

I kept wondering how could someone think of such a plot!!! It was scary. ‘The Day of the Jackal’ has the details that makes you look back assuming he might come!

In the final scenes when he positions himself for the assassination of de Gaulle, de Gaulle suddenly leans forward while presenting a medal & Jackal’s shot is missed. While reloading for a second attempt, Lebel & his team storm the scene.

Ken Follett ‘s ‘Eye of the Needle’ a spy thriller on the same scale. Not only the soft footsteps or the eerie surrounding but the thought which went into his actions… I can still see him travelling with his blade & then on that isolated island, the Storm island , the handicapped man ,David ,with his beautiful wife, Lucy .

He made every word of his come alive. If I have been fascinated by the language , besides my mother tongue many authors have made my beliefs.

If Richard Bach or Hemmingway were some, Agatha , Forsyth, Cook, Sheldon had a huge part in my language building.

Going in an English medium school made me aware of English Literature early. Today I reach for an English novel first in a Library or a book store. Also while growing up lack of devices made for vigorous reading!

‘Reader’s Digest’ was read from the first to the last page. My uncle introduced us to books at the right age & healthy competition with my brother made me read more. Today, unfortunately, reading is passé. I read less & watch more.

He will always be my idol. If only I could write as he did!