Jackal: Finally, the Complete Story of the Legendary Terrorist, Carlos The Jackal

I really enjoyed this book even though the subject of its study is deplorable. Carlos the Jackal's story is not his alone. It tells of an era in which governments gritted their teeth and negotiated with terrorists despite official pronouncements to never cave in to their demands. Countries like France, and even East Germany, believed that by giving in to evil revolutionaries like those of the Carlos Group, they could buy their... Read Full Review

Twenty years ago Carlos was widely blamed/implicated for incidents ranging from the 1972 Munich Olympic Massacre of Israeli athletes to bombings throughout France. Back in the 70s -80s Carlos the Jackal became synonomus during the so-called Red-terror campaign by left wing groups in addition to his connections with Palestinian terror groups. Follain does a good job describing the Marxist upbringing of the young Illych Sanchez... Read Full Review

Good, good info on Carlos and his Venezuelan roots (I should know, I'm from Venezuela) and a detailed (and sometimes breathtaking) account of his most spectacular actions and capture. But, not being a native speaker, I have a problem with Follain's grammar. I mean, it's sometimes sloppy. I don't know, still and all good book.

Follain describes with brilliant accuracy a life filled with violence and terror. Carlos the Jackal's life represents the decline of wholesale terrorism and the countries who support it. Follain's book not only portrays Carlos' private life but depicts his entire operation. Overall, a great book.