In 'The Eagle Has Landed' by Jack Higgins, an elite team of Nazi paratroopers is sent to British soil with the goal of kidnapping Winston Churchill and crippling the Allied war effort. The story revolves around the planning, execution, and consequences of this audacious mission, intertwining with the lives of the residents of a small town near the coast struggling to survive the war. The book is praised for its fast-paced action, sympathetic portrayal of both protagonists and antagonists, and a genuine sense of historical accuracy, making it a classic WWII action-adventure novel.

Higgins weaves a thrilling tale of espionage, intrigue, and betrayal, showcasing his knack for story inventiveness and engaging storytelling. The narrative unfolds with a sharp focus on an incredible yet doomed plan, introducing notorious character Liam Devlin and a colorful cast of characters. The book offers a mix of fact and fiction, exploring the motivations of all characters effectively while providing entertainment and suspense throughout the story.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist and antagonist, creating an engaging dynamic that complicates the typical hero-villain narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The author employs a compelling and layered writing style that invites emotional connections, especially with the antagonists.

Plot/Storyline:

The storyline focuses on a WWII mission to abduct Churchill, blending real history with fictional elements.

Setting:

The novel is set against the backdrop of WWII in England, allowing a vivid exploration of a fictional yet plausible military operation.

Pacing:

The pacing is designed to build suspense gradually, culminating in an intense and engaging conclusion.

Five or six rooks lifted out of the beech trees at the west end of the church like bundles of black rags, calling angrily to each other as I threaded my way between the tombstones and approached the g...

Notes:

The Eagle Has Landed involves a plot to kidnap Winston Churchill during World War II.

The story is set in the fictional village of Studley Constable in England.

Jack Higgins uses a frame story technique, revealing the outcome at the beginning but focusing on the journey.

Most of the narrative is told from the perspective of the antagonists, which is uncommon in thrillers.

Liam Devlin, the main character, is an Irishman who works with the German commandos.

The book explores the motivations and depth of the characters, making readers sympathize with both sides.

Historically, the book is inspired by real-life events but contains fictional elements.

The novel's success led to it being adapted into a classic WWII action-adventure film.

Jack Higgins has sold over 250 million books and is a notable author in the historical thriller genre.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence and themes related to war, including the moral implications of espionage.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romantic tension in the story, primarily linked to Liam Devlin's character.

From The Publisher:

As the Allied forces slowly begin turning the tide of war, Hitler vehemently orders the impossible-kidnap Winston Churchill, or kill him. A crack team of commandos led by a disgraced war hero must venture into the heart of England to carry out their mission, or die trying.

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (9):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
The Eagle Has Landed?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Jack Higgins lives on Jersey in the Channel Islands. The author of dozens of bestsellers, most famously The Eagle Has Landed, he served three years with the Royal Horse Guards in Eastern Europe during the Cold War, and subsequently was…

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

The Eagle Has Landed

Jack Higgins

Book 1 in the series:Liam Devlin