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Jaws
Quint
Before there was Jaws, there was… QUINT
You already know the end of his story: now find out where it all began.
Quint: the taciturn and grizzled sea captain who survived the shark-ridden sinking of the USS Indianapolis, only to meet his maker in the maw of a Great White at the end of JAWS. So much more than a fisherman – a survivor, a fighter, a man who has left three wives in his wake.
In this vivid and utterly compelling masterpiece, Robert Lautner reimagines the life of a truly iconic character.
You already know the end of his story: now find out where it all began.
Quint: the taciturn and grizzled sea captain who survived the shark-ridden sinking of the USS Indianapolis, only to meet his maker in the maw of a Great White at the end of JAWS. So much more than a fisherman – a survivor, a fighter, a man who has left three wives in his wake.
In this vivid and utterly compelling masterpiece, Robert Lautner reimagines the life of a truly iconic character.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2024
96 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Robert Lautner
8 books36 followersRobert Lautner was born in Middlesex in 1970. Before becoming a writer he owned his own comic-book store, worked as a wine merchant, photographic consultant and recruitment consultant. He now lives on the Pembrokeshire coast in a wooden cabin with his wife and children.
Robert Lautner is the pen name of the author, Mark Keating. His latest work is Quint, a JAWS novel, writing as Robert Lautner.
Robert Lautner is the pen name of the author, Mark Keating. His latest work is Quint, a JAWS novel, writing as Robert Lautner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
September 11, 2025
A slow paced character piece for the most part, giving back story to the character Quint from the book and film Jaws. Some odd decisions by the author - the repeated quotes from Pinocchio that start each chapter and the references in the text feel forced and would Quint really be obsessed with a child's tale, relevant to sharks or not? Similarly the story is presented as a manuscript that Quint has written himself - its hard to imagine the character sitting down and writing any of this. There's also some confusion over whether this is the Quint from the original novel, or Quint as portrayed by Robert Shaw in the film, the author seems not to distinguish between the two. That said, there's plenty to admire, in particular the scene around the USS Indianapolis sinking - more of that would have been welcome. An interesting curiosity rather than a gripping must read.
October 22, 2023
'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 likes of Jim Thompson for me his voice: presented as a diary like 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.
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 likes of Jim Thompson for me his voice: presented as a diary like 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.
April 4, 2024
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.
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.
April 4, 2024
Loved it… the lore of the greatest film ever!
December 28, 2024
I have to say, I tried to not have much expectation of greatness before entering into this story, simply because I've been quite disappointed lately with the additions to beloved books written by someone other than the original author...to the point where I came close to not even bothering with this one.
JAWS, to be frank, wasn't the best of novels. Much like THE EXORCIST, I think the movies were able to both distill and then amplify the best parts of the novels, while jettisoning, or at least downplaying, the stuff that didn't work.
So, I wasn't upset that Lautner pulled more from the movie Quint, but tucked in the mentions from the book to homage both. Which is all well and good, but...was the story any good?
For me at least, the answer is a very enthusiastic yes. I really enjoyed this, the stream of consciousness thoughts as we followed the man through his life and his memories. I love the Pinocchio quotes. I love the seeming mashup of Steinbeck and Hemingway and Melville.
And, of course, those few minutes of intense film where Robert Shaw, as Quint, tells the haunting story of being in the water after the sinking of the Indianapolis...that Lautner makes even more harrowing and haunting.
I truly enjoyed this read.
JAWS, to be frank, wasn't the best of novels. Much like THE EXORCIST, I think the movies were able to both distill and then amplify the best parts of the novels, while jettisoning, or at least downplaying, the stuff that didn't work.
So, I wasn't upset that Lautner pulled more from the movie Quint, but tucked in the mentions from the book to homage both. Which is all well and good, but...was the story any good?
For me at least, the answer is a very enthusiastic yes. I really enjoyed this, the stream of consciousness thoughts as we followed the man through his life and his memories. I love the Pinocchio quotes. I love the seeming mashup of Steinbeck and Hemingway and Melville.
And, of course, those few minutes of intense film where Robert Shaw, as Quint, tells the haunting story of being in the water after the sinking of the Indianapolis...that Lautner makes even more harrowing and haunting.
I truly enjoyed this read.
May 6, 2024
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.
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.
January 8, 2025
Loved this book.
The poetry of the language, the perfect balance between new material and JAWS links...and of course the fact that the entire book sounds EXACTLY like Robert Shaw's salty, smirkin', deathwishin' fisherman.
From the very beginning, I could actually hear his voice as if I was watching deleted scenes.
Remarkable.
The poetry of the language, the perfect balance between new material and JAWS links...and of course the fact that the entire book sounds EXACTLY like Robert Shaw's salty, smirkin', deathwishin' fisherman.
From the very beginning, I could actually hear his voice as if I was watching deleted scenes.
Remarkable.
September 25, 2024
Incredible act of ventriloquism. Rollicking character study with thrills, laughs, and heartsick empathy.
January 28, 2024
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.
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.
February 7, 2025
4.5*
Having read The Old Man and The Sea last year and loved it I was pleasantly surprised at how Hemingwayesque this story felt. This though, is the story of one man's battle with a much more existential beast - fear.
Set in the years before Jaws but absolutely influenced by it, this is wholly Quint's story. Robert Shaw's mesmerising monologue of the sinking of the Indianapolis is felt deeply in the bones of this book and the chapters that focus on the sinking are horrific, moving and very people focused rather than being thrill focused.
This is not a thriller despite being inspired by one of the greatest horrors of all time. This instead is a fantastic 1st person narrative, semi-stream of consciousness literary fiction that gives you a deeper introduction to a gruff troubled, difficult, and iconic character.
Don't expect any soft edges, the Quint of the movie is the Quint of the book and that no nonsense and direct perspective means that the events we experience in the book feel all that more stark and impactful.
Highly recommend the audiobook - the narrator is highly reminiscent of Robert Shaw and sounds like a true fisherman.
Having read The Old Man and The Sea last year and loved it I was pleasantly surprised at how Hemingwayesque this story felt. This though, is the story of one man's battle with a much more existential beast - fear.
Set in the years before Jaws but absolutely influenced by it, this is wholly Quint's story. Robert Shaw's mesmerising monologue of the sinking of the Indianapolis is felt deeply in the bones of this book and the chapters that focus on the sinking are horrific, moving and very people focused rather than being thrill focused.
This is not a thriller despite being inspired by one of the greatest horrors of all time. This instead is a fantastic 1st person narrative, semi-stream of consciousness literary fiction that gives you a deeper introduction to a gruff troubled, difficult, and iconic character.
Don't expect any soft edges, the Quint of the movie is the Quint of the book and that no nonsense and direct perspective means that the events we experience in the book feel all that more stark and impactful.
Highly recommend the audiobook - the narrator is highly reminiscent of Robert Shaw and sounds like a true fisherman.
July 27, 2025
I was dubious at learning the existence of this book, however, my love of Jaws (both movie and novel) piqued my interest. The enigmatic Quint drew me in heavily with Spielberg’s masterpiece. The incredible Robert Shaw providing a rich character portrayal that kept you wondering just who the hell this guy was… and what he is capable of. The movies beautifully executed monologue of the Indianapolis disaster from Shaw only further hooked us into Quint’s past.
The book does not disappoint and fills in the gaps in Quint’s story in a way that is satisfying, believable and in keeping with the character so brilliantly executed by Robert Shaw. You can hear that Boston/Irish accent with every paragraph. Written as a memoir direct from Quint himself the tone and theme of allowing the reader to know enough - but not too much - carries forward. Giving just enough incite to get your teeth into but holding enough back that you don’t ever get to know the whole man.
Exactly how he would have wanted it.
A great read for fans of the movie and of Peter Benchley’s original. I fully believe this booked could be considered canon for the Jaws franchise with great nods to persons and places. Definitely a tale worth the risk of another charter on the Orca!
The book does not disappoint and fills in the gaps in Quint’s story in a way that is satisfying, believable and in keeping with the character so brilliantly executed by Robert Shaw. You can hear that Boston/Irish accent with every paragraph. Written as a memoir direct from Quint himself the tone and theme of allowing the reader to know enough - but not too much - carries forward. Giving just enough incite to get your teeth into but holding enough back that you don’t ever get to know the whole man.
Exactly how he would have wanted it.
A great read for fans of the movie and of Peter Benchley’s original. I fully believe this booked could be considered canon for the Jaws franchise with great nods to persons and places. Definitely a tale worth the risk of another charter on the Orca!
October 24, 2023
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
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
March 3, 2024
This was such a cleverly crafted story. It read a bit like ‘ 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 .
February 26, 2024
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 like 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.
May 8, 2025
Absolutely superb. This is a short book but not a quick read - reading along at the pace of Robert Shaw's storytelling voice gives weight and time to each word and space around them too. If you love Jaws in general, Quint in particular, and especially Quint's monologue about the USS Indianapolis, then you'll enjoy this book.
I did, of course, rewatch Jaws the same evening I finished the book.
I did, of course, rewatch Jaws the same evening I finished the book.
February 3, 2024
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.
This is a well imagined tale about a very complex man interwoven with the story of the SS INDIANAPOLIS.
Great read.
March 24, 2025
Robert Lautner’s Quint makes a compelling case for delving into the back story of everyone’s favourite cantankerous shark hunter. Covering his life between the Indianapolis tragedy and arrival on Amity — and taking its cue consciously more from the film Jaws than the novel — it finds a rugged philosophy in this abrasive and unloveable man, who despite his lack of pretensions finds a poetic way of viewing the ocean as the primordial home of all life, a place to which we should not return but to which he feels compelled to do so. His references to the worst of sharks as “the landlord” who comes around for his “rent” gives his fate an extra inevitability.
Equally inevitable is the added depth he gives to the Indianapolis tragedy; Lautner puts this off quite convincingly, making it clear the character would rather not talk about it, and so only letting it out in little pieces until a modern day encounter makes him consider the whole damn thing at last. The moments of horror are visceral and hard to forget, as they should be, but Lautner also goes out of his way not to demonise sharks, gently redressing one of the sour notes of the film’s legacy. If you’re against a Quint biography you may find bum notes — the need to play out life histories specifically referenced by Quint in the film’s Indianapolis scene could be seen as pat — but I think as a piece by itself this has a fine enough way with words and depth of feeling to be worth reading.
Equally inevitable is the added depth he gives to the Indianapolis tragedy; Lautner puts this off quite convincingly, making it clear the character would rather not talk about it, and so only letting it out in little pieces until a modern day encounter makes him consider the whole damn thing at last. The moments of horror are visceral and hard to forget, as they should be, but Lautner also goes out of his way not to demonise sharks, gently redressing one of the sour notes of the film’s legacy. If you’re against a Quint biography you may find bum notes — the need to play out life histories specifically referenced by Quint in the film’s Indianapolis scene could be seen as pat — but I think as a piece by itself this has a fine enough way with words and depth of feeling to be worth reading.
February 2, 2025
"Amity, as you know, means friendship."
This was great! Admittedly I am a big fan of 'Jaws' and like many others took quite strongly to the character of Quint. I do feel like this would not hit nearly as hard for those who are not familiar with the film (and novel to a lesser extent) it draws from but that is not at all a bad thing.
Lautner's strong stream of consciousness prose is fantastic and I felt swept along by the story the entire way through. So much care has been woven into making Quint's voice believable here and it works to create a gripping story. The influence of Hemingway is more prominent that I had thought it would be but amazingly this seems to work in 'Quint's favour.
While the plot is fairly standard, this clearly works best as a character piece (as it was always intended to be) and so while not much actually happens in terms of action, seeing glimpses of Quint's character revealed in both past and present is still gripping and moving.
I am so glad this book exists. It's absolutely worth diving in to (sorry) if you are a fan of the film!
This was great! Admittedly I am a big fan of 'Jaws' and like many others took quite strongly to the character of Quint. I do feel like this would not hit nearly as hard for those who are not familiar with the film (and novel to a lesser extent) it draws from but that is not at all a bad thing.
Lautner's strong stream of consciousness prose is fantastic and I felt swept along by the story the entire way through. So much care has been woven into making Quint's voice believable here and it works to create a gripping story. The influence of Hemingway is more prominent that I had thought it would be but amazingly this seems to work in 'Quint's favour.
While the plot is fairly standard, this clearly works best as a character piece (as it was always intended to be) and so while not much actually happens in terms of action, seeing glimpses of Quint's character revealed in both past and present is still gripping and moving.
I am so glad this book exists. It's absolutely worth diving in to (sorry) if you are a fan of the film!
September 29, 2025
(3.5*) [audiobook] [Disclaimer: I've never read Peter Benchley's 'Jaws', I have only seen the Spielberg film.] I thought that Lautner's 'Quint', based on the character from the 1975 movie 'Jaws', did a good job resisting the urge to make it a prequel entirely devoted to recounting his surviving the U.S.S Indianapolis -- it is very much still a part of the story, just not the WHOLE story -- and was presented as sort of a poor man's Hemmingway recountings with his relationship with fishing and the sea (I say 'poor man's Hammingway' not to disparage Lautner's writing, it was an intentional stylistic choice to give Quint a Hemminway-esque romanticscm with the sea and the drink, without the vocabulary to be as poetic). It was fun to hang with one of the most celebrated film characters of all-time, and the audiobook was probably a plus experience, as it was read entirely in sort of a Quint impression.
February 4, 2025
The writing style may appeal to some. It's very similar to Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea. Some like it, some won't. It's very style over substance. And there's so little plot. I expected Quint's entire life story. It turns out that he had no life of note apart from the sinking of his navy ship and subsequent horrific struggle with the sharks as he recounts in the film. This one incident is intertwined with almost every other part of his life, sometimes all within a few pages.
I wanted so much more but after finishing I know nothing more about Quint than I did before. Use your time rewatching JAWS instead.
I wanted so much more but after finishing I know nothing more about Quint than I did before. Use your time rewatching JAWS instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
A fictional prelude / intro into how the grizzly Captain Quint's character was forged, pre-Jaws (played by Robert Shaw in the movie - the Captain, that is, not the shark).
Includes dark descriptions of the perils of sea-faring, particularly encounters with 'fish' with teeth.
It feels faithful to his portrayal in the film and has a raw, fascinating voice that I didn't even know I wanted to hear until Quint began telling his own story, in his own rugged manner. It may be narrated on paper, but it has a raw cinematic quality to it.
Includes dark descriptions of the perils of sea-faring, particularly encounters with 'fish' with teeth.
It feels faithful to his portrayal in the film and has a raw, fascinating voice that I didn't even know I wanted to hear until Quint began telling his own story, in his own rugged manner. It may be narrated on paper, but it has a raw cinematic quality to it.
March 19, 2025
I struggled with this book at the beginning, and nearly DNF, but I persevered and the second half was much better.
Obviously, Quint is the abrasive character in Jaws, magnificently portrayed by Robert Shaw.
The book was recommended by one of my favourite authors, and the reason I read it. It was okay, and prompted me to buy Indianapolis by Lynn Vincent - I believe that many copies have been sold in the back of the movie!
Obviously, Quint is the abrasive character in Jaws, magnificently portrayed by Robert Shaw.
The book was recommended by one of my favourite authors, and the reason I read it. It was okay, and prompted me to buy Indianapolis by Lynn Vincent - I believe that many copies have been sold in the back of the movie!
April 12, 2024
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.
He's a real interesting character and this book is very well written. A real treat.
August 14, 2024
Jaws was one of the first adult movies I ever saw. I think I was 7 when I saw it. My entire childhood I was simultaneously obsessed with sharks and also worried that there was one hiding in the afternoon shadow of my grandparents swimming pool.
I’ve seen that movie easily 50 times. When I saw there was a novel released in the UK that was based on Quints backstory - I hit eBay and got me a copy.
This novel is near perfect. The voice and tone are in synch. It hits all your Jaws points. And it does so much more.
A warm cozy blanket for any true Jaws lovers out there. I hope this gets a US release so all of us can discover it.
I’ve seen that movie easily 50 times. When I saw there was a novel released in the UK that was based on Quints backstory - I hit eBay and got me a copy.
This novel is near perfect. The voice and tone are in synch. It hits all your Jaws points. And it does so much more.
A warm cozy blanket for any true Jaws lovers out there. I hope this gets a US release so all of us can discover it.
February 15, 2025
As a lifelong fan of the movie Jaws, and the incredible speech by Robert Shaw as the iconic character of Quint, this novel was a must-read for me and it did not disappoint. Brilliantly written and special with its own magic, as well as being an homage to a movie that changed the industry, this book is a real true five star. A tribute also to Peter and Wendy Benchley who fought and still fight for respect for the shark, once a god to many cultures.
October 28, 2025
Much better than you expect a film tie-in novel to be. Good writing with substance, a far cry from the countless hack novels that sell purely on franchise titles. Jaws today doesn't have the commercial draw of Star Wars or Star Trek, so a quick buck wasn't a reason for being, and when you read it, it's clear this novel comes from the author's passion.
September 21, 2023
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.
February 1, 2024
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.
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.
February 16, 2024
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.
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.
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