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Hunter
How do you find a way to fit in when you don't really feel you belong? Hunter follows the stories of Eric, a teenage boy, and two men, one a Nazi from Austria and the other a Nazi from northern Germany. Eric has just moved from the country to the coastal town of Crescent Bay and has difficulty adjusting. To earn some money, he begins doing odd jobs for seniors and comes into contact with the two old men.
Of Germany descent himself, Eric becomes fascinated by the men and the stories they tell. Are they Nazis? Should he contact the police? He discovers that one of the men has damning evidence against the other and he is forced to choose who to turn over to the police.
Set during the Gulf War and with a backdrop of middle class Australian coastal life, Hunter is a coming of age story which poses some interesting questions about nationality, social acceptance, conformity and middle class suburban life in Australia.
Of Germany descent himself, Eric becomes fascinated by the men and the stories they tell. Are they Nazis? Should he contact the police? He discovers that one of the men has damning evidence against the other and he is forced to choose who to turn over to the police.
Set during the Gulf War and with a backdrop of middle class Australian coastal life, Hunter is a coming of age story which poses some interesting questions about nationality, social acceptance, conformity and middle class suburban life in Australia.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read
About the author
Campbell Jefferys
12 books115 followersIt started in the hills near Perth, where he was brought rather quietly and with little fanfare into the world. The farming area tucked in the south-west corner of Western Australia became forever his reference point, but even then the world seemed broad and large, with the fields of wheat stretching to the horizon. But the whole world could not simply have been a field of wheat. There had to be more. So, a foray in the big city, slaving through low-paid jobs, struggling and then succeeding, briefly, to make a sporting career in basketball, until succumbing reluctantly to academia. The history graduate, bored and restless, heads off to see the world. He lands a part-time job with a daily paper in a small Canadian town, convinces major newspapers he's a player on the freelance travel writing scene and manages to sell a few articles. Travels some more, hitchhiking across America. Tries to write novels but no one is interested; not even him. Works on travel guide books, lands in Europe, settles in Germany, does the required tenure teaching English, and keeps trying to write a good book. Moves to Berlin and finally a story emerges that makes all the words fall into place. 'The Bicycle Teacher' was published in January 2006. His follow up novel 'Hunter' came out in early 2009. Campbell is also the author of 'A Lord's Revenge', a novella for English language learners published by Compact Verlag while his articles have graced the pages of newspapers and magazines across the globe. In May 2009, 'Hunter' won the general fiction category of the 2009 Indie Book Awards (www.indiebookawards.com) and finished runner-up in the overall fiction category. 'True Blue Tucker' won the bronze at the 2012 IPPYs in the Australia/NZ section.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 25, 2009
Hunter by Campbell Jefferys is simply a wonderful book. The coming of age of Eric Messer in Australia on the eve of the Iragi War is both helped and hindered by his parents, his friends, a girl and two old men who may not be exactly what they seem. The story is told with flashbacks to WWII breaking in with the tale of Eric and his family.
Eric had moved to Perth with his family from the country where he was happy, where he fit in and where he knew what was what. His entrance into a new school where he doesn't belong, his yearning to be a man, to be a surfer and to be left alone to do as he pleases is nearly his undoing. When he gets no Christmas gifts as punishment for something he didn't do; Eric vows to earn his own money to buy the surf board he has his heart set on.
Several of the older residents of his neighborhood have chores needing his help - and they all pay extrememly well. Mrs. Canter who needs her flower garden dealt with "hasn't been touched since Gerlad passed away." Which was a long time ago. Mr. Fischer who is not well ands needs assistance in taming his yard. Mrs. Canter has purchased a special dress to wear to his funeral - they are not friends. Mr. Baum, the last and the worst. Eric helps his unpack and arrange entire battalions of figures from the Third Reich and a special picture of Hitler to hang in place of pride in that special room.
Throughout the year, Eric does earn the money for his board. He also learns secrets that Mr. Baum and Fischer don't want known. He falls in lust with a young girl who surfs better than he does but has secrets of her own. All Eric needs to do is learn the truths awaiting his discovery and decide if he is man enough to act on them.
I became a fan of Campbell Jefferys while reading this book. Although he is well known for his writing, this is my first reading by him. It was wonderful, it was sad and ended much better than I had thought it would. No spoilers, read it yourself!
Eric had moved to Perth with his family from the country where he was happy, where he fit in and where he knew what was what. His entrance into a new school where he doesn't belong, his yearning to be a man, to be a surfer and to be left alone to do as he pleases is nearly his undoing. When he gets no Christmas gifts as punishment for something he didn't do; Eric vows to earn his own money to buy the surf board he has his heart set on.
Several of the older residents of his neighborhood have chores needing his help - and they all pay extrememly well. Mrs. Canter who needs her flower garden dealt with "hasn't been touched since Gerlad passed away." Which was a long time ago. Mr. Fischer who is not well ands needs assistance in taming his yard. Mrs. Canter has purchased a special dress to wear to his funeral - they are not friends. Mr. Baum, the last and the worst. Eric helps his unpack and arrange entire battalions of figures from the Third Reich and a special picture of Hitler to hang in place of pride in that special room.
Throughout the year, Eric does earn the money for his board. He also learns secrets that Mr. Baum and Fischer don't want known. He falls in lust with a young girl who surfs better than he does but has secrets of her own. All Eric needs to do is learn the truths awaiting his discovery and decide if he is man enough to act on them.
I became a fan of Campbell Jefferys while reading this book. Although he is well known for his writing, this is my first reading by him. It was wonderful, it was sad and ended much better than I had thought it would. No spoilers, read it yourself!
March 12, 2010
Was Australia a haven for Nazi's?
The book starts out with the story of a young, wounded soldier named Peter who deserts the German army in WWII to find refuge with a Polish couple. He is destined to leave Europe and moves to Australia to start a new life under a new name.
This is also a coming of age story in the present about a young teen named Eric who is trying to fit in at his new school on the coast of Australia. He has issues with his parents who fight incessantly and he finds that surfing and Pepper, a cool surfer girl, are his new passions.
Peter and Eric meet and form a new bond that is full of secrets and a creepy man named Baum threatens to expose Peter's secrets even though Baum has a notorious past of his own.
This was a good, not great, read. It exposes the secret that Australia and other countries harbored Nazis and members of the Nazi party after WWII where "few were hunted down and none were caught and put on trial."
The book starts out with the story of a young, wounded soldier named Peter who deserts the German army in WWII to find refuge with a Polish couple. He is destined to leave Europe and moves to Australia to start a new life under a new name.
This is also a coming of age story in the present about a young teen named Eric who is trying to fit in at his new school on the coast of Australia. He has issues with his parents who fight incessantly and he finds that surfing and Pepper, a cool surfer girl, are his new passions.
Peter and Eric meet and form a new bond that is full of secrets and a creepy man named Baum threatens to expose Peter's secrets even though Baum has a notorious past of his own.
This was a good, not great, read. It exposes the secret that Australia and other countries harbored Nazis and members of the Nazi party after WWII where "few were hunted down and none were caught and put on trial."
July 9, 2016
This book tells the tale about Eric Messer who transfers school when his family move. It is a difficult time for Eric who lives with his father and mother but clearly does not get on with his father and you can understand why! His mother is sympathetic to Eric’s plight but again is often afraid to stand up to her husband. It doesn’t seem a happy marriage.
The other side of this story involves a German soldier who lives in the same town that Eric’s family have moved to. We hear about Fischer’s life in flashbacks and this gives great insight into his former life and what he thinks about Hitler and the war in general.
Eric’s father doesn’t believe in giving pocket money and in order for Eric to have anything he wants he has to do odd jobs with some of the local elderly population. Having moved to the coast Eric wants a surfboard in order to fit in with the local lads at school hoping that this will end his torment at their hands.
As well as Fischer, Eric also works for Mrs Canter and Baum. Mrs Canter wants her garden sorting out and Baum needs help to arrange his German war memorabilia in a secret room. Neither Mrs Canter or Baum seem to like Fischer even though they are all of a similar age. In fact Mrs Canter apparently has a funeral dress ready for Fischer’s funeral.
Eric quite enjoyed the work he does for these elderly people even though each one has their own particular foibles.
Between school and his jobs Eric also spends a great deal of time being chased and beaten by his peers, learning to surf and getting a girlfriend.
This is an engaging story which describes a soldier’s insight into the German side of the war which is quite revealing. The characters were very true to life with a fitting ending. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads
The other side of this story involves a German soldier who lives in the same town that Eric’s family have moved to. We hear about Fischer’s life in flashbacks and this gives great insight into his former life and what he thinks about Hitler and the war in general.
Eric’s father doesn’t believe in giving pocket money and in order for Eric to have anything he wants he has to do odd jobs with some of the local elderly population. Having moved to the coast Eric wants a surfboard in order to fit in with the local lads at school hoping that this will end his torment at their hands.
As well as Fischer, Eric also works for Mrs Canter and Baum. Mrs Canter wants her garden sorting out and Baum needs help to arrange his German war memorabilia in a secret room. Neither Mrs Canter or Baum seem to like Fischer even though they are all of a similar age. In fact Mrs Canter apparently has a funeral dress ready for Fischer’s funeral.
Eric quite enjoyed the work he does for these elderly people even though each one has their own particular foibles.
Between school and his jobs Eric also spends a great deal of time being chased and beaten by his peers, learning to surf and getting a girlfriend.
This is an engaging story which describes a soldier’s insight into the German side of the war which is quite revealing. The characters were very true to life with a fitting ending. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads
February 5, 2017
Disclaimer: I received this book from a goodreads giveaway.
First of all, from the description I was expecting something like Stephen King's Apt Pupil. While there are some superficial similarities, these stories are nothing alike. This did take a little while to get going. But it is worth checking out if this is within your area of interests. I also really enjoyed that this was from an Australian perspective. It's nice to read something that is different from the typical (and far to prevalent) American perspective. I mean, there are other places in the world besides the US.
On another note: I read this over the end of the 2016 US presidential election and in the days leading up to tRump's inauguration. Those events made reading about the mindset that allowed the Nazi movement to get ahold of Germany very frightening in comparison to what is happening in the US. tRump's rise to power parallels so much to Hitler's rise that actually pointing them out seems utterly pointless.
The way the author weaves the two protagonist's stories together is entertaining. A good read, but the author's writing style just didn't quite appeal to me. This has more to do with the rhythm of the prose than anything else. So it is a completely personal issue, not an actual fault of the writer.
So, yeas an interesting book. Worth checking out if the description sounds intriguing, you'll probably enjoy it.
First of all, from the description I was expecting something like Stephen King's Apt Pupil. While there are some superficial similarities, these stories are nothing alike. This did take a little while to get going. But it is worth checking out if this is within your area of interests. I also really enjoyed that this was from an Australian perspective. It's nice to read something that is different from the typical (and far to prevalent) American perspective. I mean, there are other places in the world besides the US.
On another note: I read this over the end of the 2016 US presidential election and in the days leading up to tRump's inauguration. Those events made reading about the mindset that allowed the Nazi movement to get ahold of Germany very frightening in comparison to what is happening in the US. tRump's rise to power parallels so much to Hitler's rise that actually pointing them out seems utterly pointless.
The way the author weaves the two protagonist's stories together is entertaining. A good read, but the author's writing style just didn't quite appeal to me. This has more to do with the rhythm of the prose than anything else. So it is a completely personal issue, not an actual fault of the writer.
So, yeas an interesting book. Worth checking out if the description sounds intriguing, you'll probably enjoy it.
November 27, 2016
I finally got the chance to read this after receiving it from a giveaway. I'd say it was interesting, the right amount of suspense, and the right amount of teenage angst, and a good amount of history. Enjoyed it as a good coming of age story as Eric tries to find his way through a new environment and discovers a lot of it's dark secrets.
February 23, 2025
I have a surprising amount of feelings about this book. Sitting here and reviewing it, I genuinely feel anxious. Something about the ending just rubbed me the wrong way and has set me on edge. At other points I was disinterested in the book, finding the characters somewhat drab or grating. I overall really enjoyed this though. At times I would start and find I couldn't stop reading. I would commend the author for successfully capturing the awkward moodiness of being 15, that was impressive.
June 24, 2018
Outstanding!
Well-written and fascinating read. Issues of hate, nationalism, and racism are just as timely today in America. The book made me think hard about the state of our nation and where it's heading.
Well-written and fascinating read. Issues of hate, nationalism, and racism are just as timely today in America. The book made me think hard about the state of our nation and where it's heading.
April 22, 2020
This book was received through Goodreads/First Reads giveaway with a request for an honest review.
Hunter is a very interesting book telling the tale of 2 people in different countries and different times of their lives. Fischer is a young, wounded Nazi soldier who does not agree with the whole program of the Nazi world. His father, however, is a higher up in the Nazi regime. This is just one conflict that Fischer must deal with. The other character is a Eric, a young boy in Australia who is going through pubescent times with the problems of pier pressures, bullying by both classmates and his father, and a very tumultuous home life.
The paths of these 2 individuals eventually meet and what forms is an enduring friendship. Although the story is fiction, there are many references to the war and the world atmosphere at the time.
I found the book interesting as well as informative. A very enlightening read.
Hunter is a very interesting book telling the tale of 2 people in different countries and different times of their lives. Fischer is a young, wounded Nazi soldier who does not agree with the whole program of the Nazi world. His father, however, is a higher up in the Nazi regime. This is just one conflict that Fischer must deal with. The other character is a Eric, a young boy in Australia who is going through pubescent times with the problems of pier pressures, bullying by both classmates and his father, and a very tumultuous home life.
The paths of these 2 individuals eventually meet and what forms is an enduring friendship. Although the story is fiction, there are many references to the war and the world atmosphere at the time.
I found the book interesting as well as informative. A very enlightening read.
January 4, 2017
Won from goodreads
About Eric his family the fact he has just moved his relationship with his parents.
Eric is also badly bullied at schools and out of school trying to find a way to fit in so this stops.
He starts to to gardening etc for money and thus is where the story truly starts you'll get a history lesson of Germany and the war.
About Eric his family the fact he has just moved his relationship with his parents.
Eric is also badly bullied at schools and out of school trying to find a way to fit in so this stops.
He starts to to gardening etc for money and thus is where the story truly starts you'll get a history lesson of Germany and the war.
November 28, 2017
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. It was entertaining, but a slow start. I am interested in stories that relate to WWII and this one had an interesting twist of telling two stories at one time. One of exiles from WWII and their intersection with a young man in Australia. It was different than I expected, but an enjoyable read, nonetheless.
July 13, 2016
powerful words and a heartbreaking story about friendship. Very graphic discribtions of the war.
September 11, 2015
The book contains two stories that have are linked by a book.
The first story tells of the backstory of a minor character in the other story and how he came about the book and it’s journey to Australia. The lead in this story is peter is a Nazi solider who escapes from the eastern front, following his patrol being hit by a shell and discovering the book on another solider. During his journey home he befriends both Jews and polish, as well as ending up in the middle of Allied bombing of German cities. His father, a famous German Doctor and party follower has had his mother murdered for saying anti party things.
The other story is about a young boy who relocates to a new area of Australia and is picked on for being different. His family are going through a bad time, with his father having an affair and leaving his mother. The falling out and hitting by his father. The story balances the despair with the discovery of surfing and a new girlfriend, working and earning money for himself. The two old men who hire him are both ex-Germans who moved over from Germany after the war. Both have a hidden history that only comes to light towards the end of the book.
The link between the two stories is a book contain the atrocities that have happen in the war.
The first story tells of the backstory of a minor character in the other story and how he came about the book and it’s journey to Australia. The lead in this story is peter is a Nazi solider who escapes from the eastern front, following his patrol being hit by a shell and discovering the book on another solider. During his journey home he befriends both Jews and polish, as well as ending up in the middle of Allied bombing of German cities. His father, a famous German Doctor and party follower has had his mother murdered for saying anti party things.
The other story is about a young boy who relocates to a new area of Australia and is picked on for being different. His family are going through a bad time, with his father having an affair and leaving his mother. The falling out and hitting by his father. The story balances the despair with the discovery of surfing and a new girlfriend, working and earning money for himself. The two old men who hire him are both ex-Germans who moved over from Germany after the war. Both have a hidden history that only comes to light towards the end of the book.
The link between the two stories is a book contain the atrocities that have happen in the war.
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July 9, 2016Top notch fiction.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews