The Bourne Identity book review
Overview: His memory is a blank. His bullet-ridden body was fished from the Mediterranean Sea. His face has been altered by plastic surgery. A frame of microfilm has been surgically implanted in his hip. Even his name is a mystery. Marked for death, he is racing for survival through a bizarre world of murderous conspirators led by Carlos, the world’s most dangerous assassin. Who is Jason Bourne? The answer may kill him.
Pages: 608 Pages
Writer: Robert Ludlum
If you’re considering diving into this book because you’ve seen the movie, well, toss out everything you think you know because the two are as different as night and day. In the book, we follow Jason Bourne as he tries to piece together his shattered memory after some serious injuries. All he’s got to work with are fleeting memories and a mysterious set of skills that he can’t quite explain. This leads him on a wild goose chase through Zurich and beyond, as he tries to unravel the mystery of his past.
Now, let me tell you, this story has its moments that will have you glued to the pages, but there are also parts that seem to drag on longer than a Monday morning meeting. The character of Bourne is intriguing – vulnerable yet skilled, making mistakes like the rest of us mere mortals. The internal monologues can get a bit repetitive at times, but hey, if you had amnesia, you’d probably be talking to yourself a lot too.
There are moments where you can tell the author has a crystal-clear image in their mind, but struggles to convey it in a way that paints a vivid picture for the reader. Overall, I did enjoy the book – it had its intense moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. It did leave me curious enough to want to pick up the next book in the series, so that’s saying something.
I’ll say it again – don’t judge this book by the movie. Whether you loved or hated the film, it won’t sway your opinion of the book. If you’re a fan of spy thrillers with a dash of suspense and action, give this one a shot. Just be prepared for some parts that might drag on a bit longer than you’d like.