The Bourne Identity

This book averages nearly four stars, at over 300,000 ratings, because the final (roughly) seventh of the book was quite good. Portions one through six however, were less than special.

Marie falls in love with a man she only knows as a killer who saved her from a hideous experience. She constantly tells herself to leave Jason behind but never does. The relationship between the two characters is frankly contrived. It merely serves to give the author, and Bourne, answers neither have to work terribly hard to develop. As she becomes fundamental to the narrative, the entire story is fraught with ‘fantastic' garbage.

The use of flashbacks are also pivotal. In my opinion, the author plugged them into the narration oddly, almost forcefully. While the abrupt flashbacks aren't universally jarring, though that was likely the desired effect, the result was regular confusion rather than visceral immersion.

The film is far superior storytelling. Though, I am grateful Ludlum gave the world such an interesting premise.