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A review by bookishevy
Jaws by Peter Benchley
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As stated in my previous post, I was in the mood for a thriller. What's a bigger summer thriller than Jaws? I listened to the entire book in one go.
I don't have enough space to discuss how many ways the book differs from the film, but I'll draw some comparisons. Chief Brody is not former NYPD who settles in Amity. He's actually a local. His wife, Ellen, comes from a well-off family who vacationed there. After marrying Brody and settling in Amity, she drifted away from the high life. Now, she yearns to be among the more cultured. When marine biologist Matt Hooper resurfaces from her past, Ellen sees him as a chance to recapture what she's lost. Brody takes an immediate dislike to Matt, who represents everything Brody hates about the upper class.
Life for the 1000 residents of Amity depends on the money that the 9000 summer vacationers bring in. The pressure Brody is under to keep the beaches open is more felt in the book because the mayor is mixed up with dangerous people and trying to save his own neck. Matt's a snob, Brody isn't the kindest husband, Ellen's flirting with other men. In the book, the shark isn't the only villain. I now understand why Spielberg initially rooted for the shark and decided to make the characters more likable to moviegoers.
But I loved that the book's characters are flawed. There's more at stake, and the tension between Brody and Hooper adds to the suspense on the boat while they hunt for the maneater with Quint. The attacks are more graphic. A key character in the film dies, leaving me stunned, and the shark's death isn't as explosive as in the film. Spielberg, again, giving moviegoers what they want. To me, the book's ending is more haunting. Erik Steele does a great job with the characters, especially Quint, who, unlike in the film, doesn't have a reason to hate sharks. He just thinks they're dumb. Until he meets this one.
I don't have enough space to discuss how many ways the book differs from the film, but I'll draw some comparisons. Chief Brody is not former NYPD who settles in Amity. He's actually a local. His wife, Ellen, comes from a well-off family who vacationed there. After marrying Brody and settling in Amity, she drifted away from the high life. Now, she yearns to be among the more cultured. When marine biologist Matt Hooper resurfaces from her past, Ellen sees him as a chance to recapture what she's lost. Brody takes an immediate dislike to Matt, who represents everything Brody hates about the upper class.
Life for the 1000 residents of Amity depends on the money that the 9000 summer vacationers bring in. The pressure Brody is under to keep the beaches open is more felt in the book because the mayor is mixed up with dangerous people and trying to save his own neck. Matt's a snob, Brody isn't the kindest husband, Ellen's flirting with other men. In the book, the shark isn't the only villain. I now understand why Spielberg initially rooted for the shark and decided to make the characters more likable to moviegoers.
But I loved that the book's characters are flawed. There's more at stake, and the tension between Brody and Hooper adds to the suspense on the boat while they hunt for the maneater with Quint. The attacks are more graphic. A key character in the film dies, leaving me stunned, and the shark's death isn't as explosive as in the film. Spielberg, again, giving moviegoers what they want. To me, the book's ending is more haunting. Erik Steele does a great job with the characters, especially Quint, who, unlike in the film, doesn't have a reason to hate sharks. He just thinks they're dumb. Until he meets this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Violence
Moderate: Infidelity