Thriller
The Bourne Identity
A man is pulled half-dead from the Mediterranean with no memory of who he is, only fragments of skill and a number on his body. Hunted by assassins, he tries to reconstruct his identity before he is killed.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1980
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 576
- Format
- Book 1 of 22 in Jason Bourne
Read this if you like dense, twisting espionage with a hero who is as puzzled as anyone about what he can do.
Skip this if you want the film's tight pacing; the novel is longer, more intricate and more old-fashioned.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Bourne Identity
- What is The Bourne Identity about?
- A man is pulled half-dead from the Mediterranean with no memory of who he is, only fragments of skill and a number on his body. Hunted by assassins, he tries to reconstruct his identity before he is killed.
- Who should read The Bourne Identity?
- Read it if you like dense, twisting espionage with a hero who is as puzzled as anyone about what he can do. Skip it if you want the film's tight pacing; the novel is longer, more intricate and more old-fashioned.
- How long and how fast is The Bourne Identity?
- It is a fast-paced, long read of about 576 pages, first published in 1980.
- Does The Bourne Identity have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Kidnapping.
- Can I borrow The Bourne Identity for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Bourne Identity; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Bourne Identity?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Day of the Jackal, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Casino Royale.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Bourne Identity
-
The Day of the Jackal
Another meticulous, hard-edged thriller about a professional killer and the people trying to stop him.
-
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
A slower, much more cerebral spy novel that treats espionage as patient detective work.
-
Casino Royale
The classic spy hero in a shorter, more stylish and glamorous adventure.
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