BOOK BRIEF

The Manchurian Candidate

Jonathan Demme
Guide cover placeholder

The Manchurian Candidate

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1962

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Jonathan Demme

The Manchurian Candidate

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1962
Book Details
Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York, New York • 2000s

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Jonathan Demme's The Manchurian Candidate is a political thriller film centered around a Gulf War veteran who experiences harrowing aftereffects of his service. His journey uncovers a sinister political conspiracy. The film is a remake of John Frankenheimer's 1962 adaptation, itself based on Richard Condon's novel, exploring themes of power, manipulation, and psychological control.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Manchurian Candidate by Jonathan Demme is a gripping political thriller that modernizes the classic story with strong performances and a tense atmosphere. While it effectively captures the paranoia of its time, some viewers find its plot overly complex and its pacing uneven. Despite mixed opinions, the film remains a thought-provoking and engaging experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Manchurian Candidate?

A reader who thrives on political thrillers with psychological depth, much like those in The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré or The Parallax View by Loren Singer, would enjoy The Manchurian Candidate by Jonathan Demme. The novel's intricate conspiracy and mind-control plot appeal to fans of suspense and cerebral storytelling.

Book Details
Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York, New York • 2000s

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!