Quint

I first saw Jaws as a child and, like 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 like 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 like 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.

#NetGalley

Quint is a quite stunning book by Robert Lautner. The story of the tough old Sea Dog played by Robert Shaw in Jaws it tells of Quint's hard life,the childhood poverty, the drifting,brawling and his fateful wartime service on the USS Indianapolis at the age of 19. The book is told in different timelines, Quint's time on the Indianapolis and his attempts 9 years later to rejoin the Navy leading to his appearance at Amity and less than friendly welcome.
This is so much more than an action novel, Quint might be uneducated but he's no fool and is almost philosophical on the nature of wars, who starts them and who does the fighting, the hypocrisy and lies. He avoids people because he knows all about them and doesn't expect much, when he does come into contact he's aggressive and confrontational, almost happier when he's on the sea hunting Sharks.

I got far more out of this book than I expected,it's a whole lot more than just "a Jaws prequel" , There are echoes of Steinbeck and Hemingway and 2 stunning action sequences at different times and locations that Lautner manages to alternate without losing the impact of either.
An exceptional book.

I liked it! What a brilliant book ! Awesome! Narration, subject briefly everything in this book was perfect !

It matters not whether you’ve seen Jaws. This is a brilliant character study; Quint as a person with flaws, quirks and frailties leaps off every page, I saw Jaws on release 50 years ago and it was memorable for many reasons. In my view, non of the sequels match up. Quint was portrayed well but it’s so inventive to take his whole back story and turn it into a standalone book.

Robert Lautner has given him substance and credibility with a truly fascinating background, partly woven around fact. It’s a stunning achievement and should be the book that many are talking about next year. A winner.