Frederick Forsyth Analysis

Frederick Forsyth’s novels may best be described as the weaving of recent historical fact and imaginative fiction into intricate tales of thrilling suspense. Highly professional yet unorthodox heroes often find themselves in conflict with large organizations or well-known individuals. Detailed descriptions provide an air of authority and authenticity to the story, while complex plots and subplots, initially unconnected, gradually and inexorably mesh. Suspense is a major aspect of the plots, for the reader does not know until the final pages how the story will be resolved. Even then, Forsyth always adds an ironic twist to the ending. The success of his writing is indicated by his international readership, with sales of more than 35 million copies of his books in more than two dozen languages.

Frederick Forsyth (FOHR-sith) has written and edited short fiction, including The Shepherd (1975), one of his most popular short stories. He wrote the screenplay for the 1987 film version of his novel The Fourth Protocol. His book sequel to the musical opera The Phantom of the Opera (1986), The Phantom of Manhattan, is the story of the phantom striking it rich on Wall Street and recruiting his beloved Christine de Chagney to sing at his own opera house. He also has written nonfiction, including The Biafra Story (1969), a work based on his experiences in Nigeria. The book was revised as The Making of an African Legend: The Biafra Story (1983). He also wrote the biographical Emeka (1982; a story of Biafrin president Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu) and I Remember: Reflections on Fishing in Childhood (1995).

Frederick Forsyth created a new kind of fiction, the docudrama, combining journalistic immediacy, precise technical detail, and the fast-paced, suspenseful style of popular thrillers. More than thirty million copies of his books have been sold. Avenger, Icon, The Fourth Protocol, The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File, and The Dogs of War have been made into films. The Day of the Jackal received the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America (1971).