Man on Fire
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- This article is about the novel. For the 2004 film, see Man on Fire (2004 film); for the 1987 film see Man on Fire (1987 film).
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| Cover of recent film tie-in edition | |
| Author | Philip Nicholson, writing as A. J. Quinnell |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Thriller, Novel |
| Publisher | William Morrow |
| Released | September 1980 |
| Media Type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 284 p. (first edition, hardback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-688-03743-7 (first edition, hardback) |
Man on Fire is a 1980 thriller novel by Philip Nicholson, writing as A. J. Quinnell. The plot features his popular character John Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion, in his first appearance.
[edit] Plot introduction
Whilst in Mexico (Italy in the 1980 thriller novel), Creasy, an American mercenary of fortune takes a job as a bodyguard. The burned out, recovering alchoholic Creasy accepts the job.
In Mexico, kidnapping is a business. The wealthy and their families are targets for criminals looking to ransom those of value. Bodyguards are a standard for most families. Enter John Creasey, a veteran military man and former CIA agent, burned out on his long career of combat and espionage. Creasy is not interested in being a bodyguard, especially to Sam, a twelve year old youngster, but for lack of something better to do, he accepts the assignment. Creasy barely tolerates the precocious child and her pestering questions about him and his life. But slowly, she chips away at his seemingly impenetrable exterior, his defenses drop, and he opens up to her. They become friends and he replaces her parents in their absences, giving her advice, guidance and help with her competition running. Creasy's life is shattered when Sam is kidnapped. Despite being seriously wounded during the kidnapping, he vows her safe return.
An emotionally drained individual, he knows that his emotions are probably dead. That is until the little girl named Pita he's been hired to protect somehow starts to get under his skin. But having something to care about again makes him feel vulnerable. Then, when his role as bodyguard is called upon, his emotions are truly brought to life. The little girl is kidnapped and is believed to be killed; causing Creasy's powerful rage to be released upon all those involved.
[edit] Allusions/references from other works
"Ek Ajnabee" : Bollywood movie based on the same story line.
- 6 Heavy Boxes - a film by Keith Alan Morris is said to be inspired by this novel [1]
"revenge is a dish best served cold"
- The Novel Begins with the French Legion 1st Parachute Regiment's Saying The Paras Prayer.
"Give me, God, what you still have, Give me what no one asks for; I do not ask for wealth Nor for success, nor even health -- People ask you so often, God, for all that That you cannot have any left. Give me, God, what you still have; Give me what people refuse to accept from you.
I want insecurity and disquietude, I want turmoil and brawl, And if you should give them to me, my God, Once and for all Let me be sure to have them always, For I will not always have the courage To ask you for them."
[edit] Awards and nominations
- Nominated for the Edgar Award for Best Mystery Novel
- Winner of the Armand Boisvert Award in Film Excellence
