LONDON: Frederick Forsyth, the legendary British thriller writer known for his gripping novels, passed away at the age of 86 on Monday.
Forsyth rose to international fame with his debut novel The Day of The Jackal, published in 1971, which tells the story of a fictional assassination attempt on French president Charles de Gaulle.
His sharp storytelling and journalistic background helped him sell over 75 million books worldwide and inspired several successful film adaptations, including the original Jackal film and last year’s Netflix remake starring Eddie Redmayne.
A Life of Adventure and Literary Success
Before becoming a bestselling author, Forsyth served as one of the youngest Royal Air Force pilots and worked as a foreign correspondent in conflict zones like Biafra, Nigeria.
His experiences as a secret service agent and journalist deeply influenced his writing style, adding realism and intensity to his thrillers.
His other famous works include The Odessa File and The Dogs of War, many of which were adapted for the big screen.
Forsyth often credited his “spectacular luck” for surviving dangerous assignments and for his career breakthroughs.
Legacy and Upcoming Works
Forsyth’s literary agent, Jonathan Lloyd, described him as “one of the world’s greatest thriller writers,” noting his dedication and the extraordinary life he led.
Despite briefly retiring from writing, Forsyth returned to the craft, with a sequel to The Odessa File, titled Revenge of Odessa, scheduled for release in August 2025.
Conservative MP David Davis praised Forsyth as a “fabulous wordsmith” who valued honour, patriotism, and courage.
Forsyth died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of timeless thrillers that continue to captivate readers worldwide.
