'Quint' is a prequel, of sorts, to 'Jaws' - focusing on the novel's titular character as played by Robert Shaw in the movie. (As the author says in is afterword it is based more on the movie than the book).
As we know from the movie, Quint survived the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during the Second World War and this novel splits between his life after the war and the incident that caused him to leave the navy.
It's a literary work - at times reminding me of Steinbeck, at other times Hemmingway (and not just for the obvious 'Old Man and the Sea' element although there is certainly plenty of that in the sea struggles detailed in the book.
It is, more than anything, a character story - sure, there's plot(s), but it's very much focused on Quint himself and how much a reader takes to the novel will depend to some degree how much they are interested in the character (both initially (I'm assuming the vast majority of readers will come to this because of 'Jaws' - whether book or film or both.) and as the story progresses (not too much of a spoiler to say that the character was never a lovable, affable chap that was transformed into the figure we saw Shaw portray).
It might be that for some there are not enough redeeming or even sympathetic characteristics in the central character himself to be truly engaged by the book - he has, as portrayed the same sort of attitudes and approaches as characters in pulp noir novels of the s of Jim Thompson for me his voice: presented as a diary oral history effectively captured - albeit sometimes ranging in literary skill and vocabulary that seems at odds wit itself
The first person narrative works (we know after all he's going to survive whatever is described in the book) although I wasn't quite so taken with every chapter ending quoting from Pinocchio.
The story itself is a slow burn rather than a page turner: while there are big action moments in it, it didn't have the tension or 'must read one more page' of a 'thriller'. - but as stated: this is definitely a literary piece - much more so than the original source novel so I'm not judging it in the same way I would a 'thriller'.
The author is at pains to say he wanted to pay tribute not trivialise through 'thrills' the men and events of the USS Indianapolis and to that end he certainly succeeds: the novel worked as an interesting blend of real life history and one of cinema's most memorable characters.6 s Ross JefferyAuthor 24 books323

Loved it… the lore of the greatest film ever! 6 s Charlotte Ellis10

This is bloody brilliant.
Lautner manages to skillfully evoke one of the greatest characters to ever come off the page and land on the screen.
Written in a Hemingway-esque style Quint is The Young Man And The Sea. Battling sharks and psychological demons.
Some parts of the book refer back to the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and they are harrowing. True terror lies in reality and those scenes were hard to read.
Now I have to go and watch Jaws. Again.4 s Graham Connors243 18

A very generous 3 stars. This novel didn't sit right with me at all, it didn't feel true to the character of Quint from the film Jaws, which it serves as more of a prequel to than Peter Benchley's novel. I should point out here that I have read Jaws several times, and the film version is my favourite film. I have a strong interest in/affection for Benchley's characters.

It's written well, but I never bought into the voice being that of Quint. I can't picture Robert Shaw saying any of these lines. There is also too much repetition from the film, lines that Quint used in the movie being used again but not in an attempt to explain their origin or why Quint would recite them in the film. Images are also repeated (such as the machete slammed into the gunwhale). This version of the character of Quint does not chime with the film. In the film, he speaks of "celebrating" his third wife's demise. On the basis of this novel, I interpreted that comment much differently than Lautner did. Also, when Hooper asks Quint in the film, "You ever had one do this before?"Quint answers "No". Well, on reading this novel I think that must have been a lie, but I'll let you be the judge of whether Quint was telling the truth there.

The Indianapolis sections are great, though.

Would I recommend this book? Truthfully, no. I'm quite disappointed by it.2 s Andrew27 6

The book centres around Quint, undoubtedly the most interesting and enigmatic character from “Jaws”.

Throughout the book we find out about his childhood life in an Irish immigrant family, his three marriages, his trek across the United Sates, and of course how he managed to escape the sharks who caused the deaths of most of his fellow crew mates aboard the ill fated USS Indianapolis after she was torpedoed in the Pacific Ocean. And of course his arrival on Amity Island.

The author has successfully written in Quint’s voice as we know him from the movie, so you can’t help but see and hear Robert Shaw, complete with his mannerisms.

Quint has been fleshed out and given more personality, though he still remains the alcoholic, toxic, slightly racist and misogynistic salty sea dog we love to hate from the movie. He has no redeemable qualities, though you can’t help but be drawn into his life.

I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed this book and was ‘hooked’ from the first chapter. If you love literary character-driven books, Peter Benchley’s ‘Jaws’ or Spielberg’s movie you will surely love this.

“Here’s to swimmin’ with bow legged women”

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.2 s Rachel N151 9

I first saw Jaws as a child and, most people, it had a huge impact - I became scared that even the swimming pool might contain a shark but also a lifelong fan of Steven Spielberg. It's a film that even today I can't go past when it's on TV so I have probably seen it more than pretty much any other film, yet it remains close to perfect to me.

One of, if not the most memorable characters is Quint, played by Robert Shaw. From his first appearance to his horrific ending, but most especially through his drunken monologue about his experiences on the USS Idiananpolis, he makes a huge impression and comes through as a fully fleshed person with very little background necessary. There's massive potential to tell more though and that is what Robert Lautner has done here, to incredible effect.

I'm far more familiar with the film than the Peter Benchley book it's based on, probably most other people, and the author says himself this is the character he is developing (I did read the book many years ago but it has certainly been overshadowed by the film for me). It took me a little while to get into the way the book is narrated as it is done entirely in the voice of Quint, as Robert Shaw portrays him, but it soon became natural.

The story told of Quint's past relationships, the experiences that shaped him, the choices he makes and how he ends up on Amity Island are absolutely convincing and the retelling of the Indianapolis, particularly when combined with Quint dealing with a dead whale and the sharks that follow it, are genuinely tense. I found myself nervous for him throughout despite knowing exactly what happens to him, and I really appreciated the little touches that are a hint to what we know is coming, such as Quint singing Farewell and Adieu You Fair Spanish Ladies to himself, as he does in the film.

In 2024, it will be 50 years since the publication of Jaws (the film followed a year later) and this is a perfect way to mark the anniversary. There are lovely little introductions to characters who will appear in the timeframe we all know and this felt both a tribute and a superb addition to the originals. One of my favourite books of the year.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

#NetGalleynetgalley2 s Christine788

This was such a cleverly crafted story. It read a bit ‘ The Old Man and the Sea” , and had references to “ Pinocchio “ as well as a significant element of real history. Much of the story was about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, a naval vessel that delivered the components of the atomic bomb to the airforce in WW2 and then was sunk on the way home with heavy loss of life. It’s a gripping tale of survival and determination. It will be a stand out book for me this year .2 s Graham Mott66 1 follower

Excellent prequel to the Jaws saga as Quint narrates his life and journey to Amity Island. As you’d expect there are a lot of sharks. Very well written and the Audible edition works well as its first person throughout and he does a good job of sounding Robert Shaw. Some knowing nods to the movie and lots of thrills and gore along the way. Highly recommended for anyone who loves the movie. 2 s Phil James382 3

This was a really good book. It is a spin off of the movie Jaws. Jaws the movie was itself based on the book of the same name by Peter Benchley. However this is more focused on the character of Quint, the boat Captain in the movie. It recounts his life from serving in the US Navy and the sinking of the USS Indianapolis at the end of WW2 right through to the 1960s or so when he comes to Amity Island, where Jaws is set.
He's a real interesting character and this book is very well written. A real treat. 1 Anne Fox565 8

I saw JAWS in the cinema the summer it came out in 1975. It has been a favourite ever since. I read the Peter Benchley novel about the same time. The character of Quint is enigmatic in the movie ( brilliantly played by Robert Shaw!) so this book intrigued me. All the time I was reading I heard Shaw’s voice and saw his face. I didn’t really get the significance of the USS Indianapolis reference in the film ( true story). Quint relates it in this book. It is not for the faint hearted! There are many very descriptive passages of what happened to the crew of the Indy and also of Quint’s shark fishing. The style of writing is perfect - it’s as if the reader is sitting in a room with Quint and just listening to him explain his life choices. I thought the book might end when he meets Officer Brody and Hooper but it stops long before he does. I shall look on Quint differently next time I watch the movie. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a prepublication ebook in exchange for an honest review.1 Allison Valentine573 12

If you loved the movie JAWS then you will devour this book ( no pun intended ).
The character of Quint who is played by the brilliant Robert Shaw in the movie and as I was reading the book the actors voice came flowing through.
This book isn't for the faint hearted its brutal and takes you on the journey of what happened to the crew of the boat Indy.1 Maason497

Early book of the year?

Haven't laughed this much reading a book ever. Beautiful insights. Great characters.

Not sure whether the fact I've never seen Jaws helped or hindered. Whatever, mandatory reading. It's actually about stuff that matters (big call these days) and also sharks, I guess.1 Hamish Calvert11

you’re gonna need a bigger book 1 Natalie Mackay146

3.51 Simon Gosden765 9

The back story of Quint, his loves, his life, his fights and his obsession with sharks.
This is a well imagined tale about a very complex man interwoven with the story of the SS INDIANAPOLIS.
Great read.
1 Annarella13.1k 146

Great story and storytelling. Loved the stories, the well rounded characters and the excellent style of writing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine1 Alli Thompson96 4

Quint, the unable shark hunter from Jaws. Here we learn his dark history. The son of a violent alcoholic, living in poverty to a teenager aboard the Indianapolis. The book takes us up to the early 1960s, many years before the infamous events on Amity Island.
I read this book and heard Robert Shaws narration in my head. This is an old friend telling you a story, but to get to the main part they tell you many others along the way. A whole new respect for the character Quint. Insightful, emotional and haunting.
Thank you Indie Thinking for the ARC. 1 🌶 peppersocks 🧦1,286 18

Reflections and lessons learned/the content of this book made me feel…
“We only ever hear the serene surface… beneath, especially now, most especially in the dark is fury; frenzy. The surface a door to an asylum, the worst slaughter house. We don’t call it the sea, we call it the deep. Has to be a four letter word for something that.”

A more in depth look at a character that’s so intriguing just from small captures of dialogue in a classic film. Was it the combination of an amazing book and a fabulous turn (with script input) from Shaw? Was it the truth of the story told in the short but powerful scene of one-upmanship, of the genuine horrors that the sailors of the USS Indianapolis must have faced. Or is it simply that he strikes me as a brave no messing figure ready to take on anything, including the unknown of the seas?
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