Frederick Forsyth, is a British thriller writer of a number of books including, Day of the Jackal, The Fourth Protocol and Kill List making him one of the best selling authors of the genre.

But How much do you know about the life and career before becoming a writer which had such an effect on his books? In this post, I will give you a brief overview of Forsyth’s biography and some of his most famous works.

Early Life and Military service

Frederick McCarthy Forsyth, was born on the 25th August 1938 in the town of Ashborn, Kent, England. The son of a furrier and attended the prestigious boarding school Tonbridge School.

Having a passion for flying, at the age of 13 he joined the Air Training Corps. Learning to fly at age 16, shortly after he applied and joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) aged 17.

While doing his National Service from 1956 to 1958 Forsyth became a pilot meaning he was one the youngest in the RAF’s history.

Flying the de Havilland Vampire, a jet fighter from the early Cold War. Saying later that flying was “the only thing I ever wanted to do” and that it gave him “a sense of freedom and adventure”.

Frederick Forsyth The Journalist

When his notional service ended with the RAF, in1958 Forsyth became a reporter for Reuters, the international news agency.

One of the places he worked was France, witnessing the riots of May 1968 that shook France. Shortly After working in the then divided Germany in East Berlin, reporting on the Cold War tensions between the Soviet Union and the West.

This also led him to covering the Prague spring in Czechoslovakia, an all too brief period of political liberalization that was crushed by a Soviet invasion.

After Leaving Reuters he became a correspondent for the BBC, being assigned to cover the Nigerian Civil War ( Biafran War), a conflict between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra.

Even though Forsyth sympathized with the Biafran cause smuggling, food and medicine in addition to exposing atrocities committed by the Nigerian army against the civilians.

Because of Forsyth’s reports about the atrocities committed by the Nigerian Army angering the British government, (who supported Nigeria), accused him of bias.

He was fired by the BBC in 1970 leading him to write his first novel.

Working for MI6

While most readers are aware that both the writers Ian Fleming and John le Carre worked for British intelligence, Forsyth’s connection with them is not as well known, even though he was connected with them for over 20 years.

The information about Forsyth’s intelligence connection was only revealed in his 2015 autobiography, The Outsider: My Life, in which he gave details of some of his work for British intelligence, across Africa and Europe.

Even explaining how he was both recruited by MI6 in addition to how his novels benefited from his insider knowledge.

It was in late 1968, during his time as a freelance journalist covering the Biafran War in Nigeria, when he was contacted by an intelligence officer named Ronnie, giving him the instruction that he was to send any information that could not be published in the media.

Agreeing to this approach as Forsyth had sympathetis for the Biafran cause and wanted to expose the humanitarian crisis caused by the Nigerian blockade.

During the last year of the war, Forsyth in addition to his journalistic reports and additional for Ronnie, who was interested in finding out if it was true that many children were dying of starvation in Biafra.

Forsyth said he saw “no harm” in confirming the truth that “children were dying like flies” in Biafra, despite the Foreign Office’s denial and support for the Nigerian dictatorship.

Forsyth’s time in Biafra gave the writer material for his first book, The Biafra Story, not the thriller novel that he is so well known for but a nonfiction account of the breakaway state’s struggle for survival.

Although he used his time and experience in Africa, as a source of knowledge for his novel The Dogs of War, a story of a fictional coup attempt in a mineral-rich African country.

When in 1970 the Biafran War ended, Forsyth still continued to work for MI6 on a voluntary basis, which led to fact-finding missions to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South Africa during their apartheid regimes. In addition to his access to East Germany at the height of the Cold War to retrieve a package from an asset under a toilet door at a museum.

While Forsyth was never paid for his work for MI6, his work did give him some advantages in his career in return.One of them meant that he was able to speak to MI6 over passages in his novels that involved espionage or security matters.

The process was that if he wanted to discuss anything with them all he had to do was ring a lunch club to meet with his contacts, who would vet his pages and give him clearance or advice.

The reason Forsyth said he decided to reveal his work for the intelligence service was because “it is 55, 60 years later” and there was no harm in doing so. He also said he was proud of his service and wanted to set the record straight. He said he was not a “spook”, but rather “someone on the ground” who did some favors for MI6 when asked.

Novels

Forsyth’s success with books did not come with non-fiction but came with the genre he his well known for and that is his first thriller, The Day of the Jackal written in 1971, a fictional account about a plot to assassinate the French President at the time de Gaulle by a professional assassin known only as “the Jackal”.

Here are some of his best novels check here for a full list and synopsis of his books.

The Day of the Jackal (1971):

Forsyth’s debut novel and arguably his masterpiece. It tells the story of a professional assassin hired by a French terrorist group to kill President Charles de Gaulle in 1963.

As the reader follows the meticulous preparations of the killer, codenamed “The Jackal”, and the desperate efforts of the French police and intelligence services to stop him.

The novel is based on real historical events and features authentic details and characters. It was adapted into a successful film in 1973, starring Edward Fox as The Jackal.

The Odessa File (1972):

Forsyth’s second novel, follows a German journalist, Peter Miller, who stumbles upon the diary of a Holocaust survivor who committed suicide.

The diary reveals the existence of a secret organization of former Nazis, called ODESSA, that helps them escape justice and continue their activities. Miller decides to infiltrate ODESSA and expose its members, but soon finds himself in mortal danger from a ruthless SS officer, Eduard Roschmann, known as “The Butcher of Riga”.
The novel is based on Forsyth’s own investigations into ODESSA and Roschmann, and was also made into a film in 1974, starring Jon Voight as Miller.

The Fourth Protocol (1984)

Forsyth’s sixth novel and one of his most political ones. Deals with a Soviet plot to detonate a nuclear device on British soil, in order to destabilize NATO and pave the way for a communist takeover.

The plot is orchestrated by a hardline faction within the KGB, led by General Karpov, who wants to overthrow the reformist leader Gorbachev. The only ones who can stop them are John Preston, a British MI5 agent, and Valeri Petrofsky, a Soviet spy who has doubts about his mission.

The novel is set in the Cold War era and reflects Forsyth’s anti-communist views. It was adapted into a film in 1987, starring Michael Caine as Preston and Pierce Brosnan as Petrofsky.

The Dogs of War (1974)

The third novel and one of his most realistic ones. It depicts a mercenary operation to overthrow the government of a fictional African country, Zangaro, which has rich deposits of platinum. The operation is financed by a British mining tycoon, Sir James Manson, who wants to exploit the mineral resources for himself.

He hires a group of professional soldiers, led by Cat Shannon, to carry out the coup d’etat. The novel is based on Forsyth’s own experience as a war correspondent in Africa and his extensive research into mercenary activities. It was adapted into a film in 1980, starring Christopher Walken as Shannon.

The Fist of God (1994): This is Forsyth’s ninth novel and one of his most ambitious ones. It covers the events of the Gulf War in 1990-1991, from both sides of the conflict. It follows Mike Martin, a British SAS officer who goes undercover in Iraq to gather intelligence on Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction.

He discovers that Iraq has a secret nuclear weapon, codenamed “The Fist of God”, that could change the course of the war. He also meets Muna al-Hussein, Saddam’s daughter, who becomes his lover and ally. The novel is based on Forsyth’s own contacts and sources in the Middle East and features many real historical figures and events.

Writing Style

So what writing style does Frederick Forsyth use to become one of the most successful and acclaimed thriller writers of all time. With novels, such as The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File, and The Dogs of War

Here are just a few points about his style.:

Choose a topical and intriguing subject.

Forsyth’s novels are often based on real events or rumors that he heard during his journalistic career. Using them to explore contemporary issues and conflicts that are relevant to his readers.

For example, The Day of the Jackal is based on an alleged plot to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle in 1963; The Odessa File is about a hunt for a Nazi war criminal in 1960s Germany; and The Fist of God is about the Gulf War in 1991.

Do your homework.

Forsyth is known for his meticulous research and attention to detail. He spends months gathering information from various sources, such as books, newspapers, interviews, experts, and even secret agents.

In addition he visits the locations where his novels are set and observes the culture, geography, and atmosphere..

All this information allows him to create authentic and believable settings, characters, and scenarios.

Write in a journalistic style.

Forsyth’s style is clear, concise, and objective. He avoids unnecessary adjectives, adverbs, and metaphors, and uses simple and direct sentences.

In addition with the use of short paragraphs and chapters giving his books a fast-paced rhythm keeping the reader engaged.

Writing from a third-person omniscient point of view, allows him to switch between different perspectives and locations. In addition with the useing dialogue sparingly and only when it serves a purpose.

Create suspense and tension.

Forsyth’s novels are full of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the end. Using various techniques to create suspense and tension, such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, red herrings, time pressure, parallel action, and surprise revelations.

In addition with the use of complex and intelligent antagonists who pose a serious threat to the protagonists. While making sure that they face obstacles and challenges that test their skills and resources.

Be original and creative.

Forsyth’s novels are not only realistic but also imaginative and inventive, with original and creative ideas means that his stories stand out from other thrillers. For example, in The Fourth Protocol, he invents a nuclear device that can be smuggled into Britain; and in The Fox, he introduces a teenage hacker who can access any computer system in the world. Be original and creative by finding new angles and approaches to your subject.

Non-Fiction

Forsyth’s journalistic background and eye for detail gives his fiction work the air of being accurate and true. Which allows him to write a few non-fiction works as well, the first one of these is the following

The Biafra Story: The Making of an African Legend (1969)

Published when he was only 31 years old. It is a gripping account of the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, that lasted from 1967 to 1970.

Being one of the few journalists who witnessed the war firsthand, reporting for the BBC and later as a freelance writer. He exposed the atrocities committed by both sides, especially the Nigerian government’s blockade and starvation of the breakaway state of Biafra.

The Biafra Story is not only a vivid chronicle of a tragic and forgotten conflict, but also a testament to Forsyth’s courage and integrity as a reporter. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the roots of modern Africa’s problems and the role of foreign powers in shaping its destiny.

Emeka (1982)

This is a biography of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the leader of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War. Forsyth met Ojukwu when he was covering the war and developed a friendship with him. He interviewed him extensively after the war and wrote this book with his cooperation and approval.

Emeka is a sympathetic portrait of a complex and charismatic man who fought for his people’s independence and dignity, but also made some fatal mistakes that cost them dearly. It is also a fascinating insight into the political and cultural dynamics of Nigeria and Biafra, as well as the international implications of the war.

Awards and recognition

In 1997, Forsyth was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to literature. In 2012, he won the Diamond Dagger Award from the Crime Writers Association for his lifetime achievement in crime writing. The award is given to authors who have made an outstanding contribution to the genre. Forsyth was praised by the judges for his “ability to tell a thundering good story” and his “huge influence on the thriller genre” .

Forsyth is one of the most respected and influential thriller writers of all time. His novels have sold more than 70 million copies in more than 40 languages. He has won numerous awards and honours for his work and has inspired generations of readers and writers with his gripping stories and realistic style. He is truly a master of his craft.

Other interests

Forsyth has also pursued other interests and activities that reflect his adventurous and curious personality.

Flying

One of his other interests is flying. Forsyth served in the Royal Air Force as a pilot before becoming a journalist, and he has maintained his passion for aviation ever since. He has flown various types of aircraft, including jets, helicopters and gliders, and he has participated in several air shows and races. He even owned his own plane, a Piper Malibu, which he used to travel around the world. In 1982, he flew from London to Cape Town in a record-breaking time of 30 hours and 29 minutes, breaking the previous record by more than four hours.

Fishing

Forsyth been an avid angler since his childhood, and he has fished in many different places and waters, from the rivers of England to the lakes of Africa. He has caught various species of fish, including trout, salmon, pike, carp and catfish. He has also written about his fishing experiences in some of his books, such as The Biafra Story and No Comebacks. He once said that fishing is a relaxing and rewarding hobby that helps him to unwind from the stress of writing.

Espionage

Forsyth has had a long and secret relationship with MI6, the British intelligence service, which he revealed in his autobiography The Outsider: My Life in Intrigue. He started working for MI6 as an informant during the Biafran war in Nigeria, where he was a freelance reporter. He continued to provide information and assistance to MI6 for more than 20 years, covering various events and regions, such as the Cold War, the Middle East, South Africa and Northern Ireland. He said that he was not paid for his services, but that he did it out of patriotism and curiosity.

These are some of the other interests of Frederick Forsyth, a man who has lived a remarkable and diverse life.

Forsyth whose last novel, The Fox came out in 2018, is about a teenage hacker who becomes a valuable asset for British intelligence Service.

While the last novel came out in 2018 he Continued writing a column for The Express a British tabloid (who he filed for in the 1960’s) up until mid 2203

Conclusion

Frederick Forsyth whose life could have been a novel, who along with is Literary agent at the time Diana Baring (who passed away in 2024) changed publishing with his block buster novel The Day of the Jackal. in 1971.

Becoming a film shortly after staring Edward Fox, many other of his works have also been adapted, over the years including The Shepard by Disney+ 2023.

In addition Sky and Peacock are ding a tv series based on The Day of the Jackal due out in late 2024 with Eddie Redmayne as the main character.

If you want to learn more about Forsyth check the links bellow.

So have you read any of Forsyth’s books or are you surprised that his life called almost be one of his novels.

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Above All KEEP SAFE And TREAT PEOPLE FAIRLY

Mark