Rating: 
Summary: Promise of an epic trilogy
Review: This is not one of those "take-over-the-world" type of conspiracy which many thrillers seemed to thrive on, it is simply a tale of an amnesiac man who was struggling to survive against all odds. The man, with unremarkable appearances, found himself marked for death by unseen enemies. Using skills he never realized he had, he raced across Europe, leaving a bloody trail of deaths. Millions of dollars are somehow involved, with different people pursuing him for different reasons. Along the way, he found assistance from the least expected source ...The author did well in several things about this book: The phasings - The book consisted of several phases, with the first phase being the unidentitied person fished out of waters and taken to a small port in southern France. There, he was nursed physically and mentally back to health by an English doctor. The doctor played the part of the readers, acting out their more common suggestions on how to regain the identity of the amnesiac man without going to the authorities. Readers who wondered about why the authorities were kept out received a plausible explanation. However, it is a pity that no more is heard from the doctor for the rest of the book. He was the more interesting character in this part of the book. Next, having regained his strength and some measure of confidence, plus a bit of control over his emotions, the mysterious man set off to Zurich. There, he found a city which had known him, or known of him. He also found himself recognised and targetted to be killed. It was in this part of the book more of his skills surfacing, not only in self-defence in physical contact, but also self-preservation. The pace of the book picked up from Zurich as more names from the man's past emerged : Jason Bourne, Carlos, Treadstone, New York, and Cain ... Also, somewhere in his memories are remembrance of assassinations. Bourne, as the man realised he was known as, had to find out what role he had in the killings and the money, before he was killed. More and more parties emerged who wanted to neutralise him. As the story travels across Europe, the book entered different phases, each distinct, with the mysterious man changing, evolving or rather, the man who was his past emerging. Though the book is long, there is no repetition of plots as the man desperate sought for and followed clues after clues to his past. The irony which would have struck the readers was that the action of the man so thoroughly confounded his opponents, though it was the action of a man who couldn't remember, the very actions saved him several times from their traps. Finally, it was only in the last phase that the identity of the man was revealed to readers, who could not have guessed the twist. Unfortunately for him, his main opposition had also been busy severing his past so that he had nothing to return to. Readers were left wondering how the tale would turn out. It was rather disappointing as readers would feel that loose ends were left unattended, unaccounted. At least, within this book. The man created by Ludlum was an excellent piece of work, who would win the readers' sympathies. Action thrilling paragraphs were also interspersed with contemplations without pointless ramblings, a failing of many thrillers which tried to take themselves too seriously. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Rating: 
Summary: Non stop action. A real page turner...
Review: The Bourne Identity is the only Ludlum book I have read and boy was I impressed. From the get go (literally the first paragraph) Ludlum grabs your attention with his excellent story telling ability. Jason Bourne doesn't know who he is yet. As he slowly regains parts of his memory he finds confusion, espionage and action around every corner. His journey takes him all over the world in an attempt to work out his own personal riddle. As you turn the pages faster and faster towards the climatic end, you almost feel cheated that the book has roller coastered too fast. A suspensful, action packed novel that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend it and hope you like it too!
Rating:
Summary: Overall interesting, but long-drawn in parts
Review: The Bourne Identity is a much-hyped story. Is the hype worth it ? I first came across this story around 6-7 years ago as a mini-series on TV. Having come across the book recently and trying to test the 'theory' that books tend to be "better" than their movies, I decided to read the book. Of course, I didn't remember much from the TV series, so I could look forward to this as an unknown story. The book is a tad long, could have been around 300 pages. A few details are splattered, omission of which wouldn't have hurt the story. The progression of the story makes it interesting. The ending leaves something to be desired, maybe the author had already intended to write a sequel in which to continue. I, in particular, found it to be a page-turner, but only in parts. As I mentioned before, some of the details liberally splattered diminish this feature of the book. Attention from the story is drawn and into the details,some of which I found unneccessary. But overall, a book worth a read.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best reads ever
Review: The Bourne Identity is by far one of the greatest mysteries ever. Ludlum outdid himself with this one, friends. Once the plot starts rolling the twists just get twisted even more. Definitely an impossible book to put down.
Rating:
Summary: Heart-tugging roller coaster read!
Review: Robert Ludlum shines with this masterpiece. It's about a secret agent who suffers amnesia after a terrible experience. He has to find out who he is before the crushing,timebombing cluster of pursuers get to him. Ludlum intricately weaves the story into a tapestry of excitement,action and suspense. This is for keeps. Highly entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: An Amazing book to an Amazing Trilogy
Review: The Bourne Identity is a brilliant masterpiece, involving action, intrigue, and espionage. It invloves Jason Bourne, a man who does not know who he is, but he must find out fast before he dies, for people are trying to kill him. The book hooks you in at the start, and from that moment on, you will not be able to drop this book. The only problem with this book was the Ludlum is the master of everything but one thing, and that is love. His love scenes could be alot better, but who cares about that. This book is a must for anyone who has ever read Clancy, or other Ludlum books.
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Summary: What a thrill ride!
Review: Though a bit dated (no cell phones or internet, I am only 17 years old), this book is a great read. It is a great period peice on The Cold War Suspense Thriller and I guess Mr. Ludlum was the originator of this genre. The story of Jason Bourne, who is shot and thrown overboard in the Mediterranean Sea, only to be washed ashore, discovered, and saved by a Doctor, makes for a fascinating plot. Bourne suffers from amnesia from this experince and the remainder of the story is Mr. Bourne having to unravel the mystery of who he is, of course there are plenty of murder and mayhem, and seems like every one is out to get Bourne. The book grabbed me from the start and never let go. I now can't wait to read the Bourne Supremacy.
Rating: 
Summary: Good buildup...but no resolution
Review: A pretty good read if you can get past a few amazingly absurd leaps of logic. The book starts out pretty slow but really gets going in the middle, with a build to the end that will certainly keep you reading. Sadly, the ending does virtually nothing to resolve the story. I'm still mystified by the climactic finale scene despite re-reading it. Perhaps the pending movie will make some sense of it.
Rating:
Summary: They broke the mold with this book!
Review: I am currently going thru my 3rd copy of "The Bourne Identity", having reread this book so often. Probably my favorite all time book. If you saw the television mini-series, FORGET IT AND BUY THE BOOK. This one is full of action, twists, romance, you name it this one has it.
Rating:
Summary: One of my all-time favorites!
Review: Robert Ludlum is one of the very talented writers, and this book is his best. The story was very complex, yet it does not confuse readers. He can blend the facts with his own imagination to tell the readers the "behind-the-scene" story of international conflicts. I will recommend this book to anyone who likes to read, especially for those of you who are Mr. Ludlum's fans. This book is one of my Top 10 all-time favorites.
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