Frederick Forsyth, author of The Day of the Jackal, The Shepherd, dead at 86
Frederick Forsyth, the acclaimed British author known for his bestselling thriller novels such as “The Day of the Jackal,” passed away at the age of 86 after a brief illness, as confirmed by his literary agent Jonathan Lloyd on Monday. Forsyth died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Lloyd expressed his condolences, stating, “We mourn the passing of one of the world’s greatest thriller writers.” Forsyth’s illustrious career began with his service as a Royal Air Force pilot, followed by stints as a foreign correspondent and eventually blossoming into a celebrated novelist. In a 2015 interview with the BBC, Forsyth revealed his role as an informant for the British intelligence agency MI6, a position he held for many years starting from his coverage of the civil war in Nigeria during the 1960s.
“The Day of the Jackal,” published in 1971, catapulted Forsyth to international fame. This political thriller revolving around a professional assassin was adapted into a successful film in 1973 featuring Edward Fox. More recently, it was reimagined in a television series starring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch.
In addition to his iconic work, Forsyth penned over 25 books, including “The Afghan,” “The Kill List,” “The Dogs of War,” and “The Fist of God,” collectively selling over 75 million copies worldwide. His works have been brought to life on screen by esteemed actors such as Michael Caine, Pierce Brosnan, John Travolta, and Christopher Walken.
Bill Scott-Kerr, Forsyth’s publisher, lauded his contributions to the thriller genre, stating, “Still read by millions across the world, Freddie’s thrillers define the genre and are still the benchmark to which contemporary writers aspire.”
For CBC Radio listeners, Forsyth’s “The Shepherd” remains a cherished holiday tradition, narrated by the late “As It Happens” host Alan Maitland. The novella, blending elements of the supernatural and wartime narratives, was inspired by Forsyth’s wife playfully challenging him to write a ghost story during a trip to Ireland.
Exciting news awaits fans of Forsyth’s work, as a sequel to his 1974 novel “The Odessa File” titled “Revenge of Odessa,” co-written with fellow thriller author Tony Kent, is set to be released in August.
Forsyth’s legacy as a master storyteller continues to captivate audiences globally, leaving an indelible mark on the literary world. His profound impact on the thriller genre and enduring popularity ensure that his work will be cherished for generations to come.
