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42 pages 1 hour read

Jaws

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1974

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Book Brief

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Peter Benchley

Jaws

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1974
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amity Island • 1970s

Topic
Publication Year

1974

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In Jaws by Peter Benchley, a great white shark terrorizes the small resort town of Amity, causing multiple fatalities and threatening the town's crucial summer tourism. Police Chief Martin Brody, with the help of a fisherman and a shark expert, sets out on a dangerous mission to kill the shark and save the town from financial ruin. This book contains descriptions of animal death, animal abuse, and infidelity.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.2

174,397 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Peter Benchley's Jaws is widely praised for its suspenseful and gripping narrative, making it a thrilling read that keeps audiences on edge. The depiction of the shark is particularly lauded for its intensity. However, some critics feel the character development is lacking, and the prose can be overly simplistic at times. Overall, it remains a compelling classic in the thriller genre.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Jaws?

A reader who would enjoy Jaws by Peter Benchley likely has a taste for suspenseful thrillers and maritime adventure. Fans of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park or Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code would appreciate the tension and excitement. This audience enjoys gripping, edge-of-the-seat narratives with a blend of fear and fascination.

4.2

174,397 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Martin Brody

The elected chief of police in Amity, Brody is committed to maintaining peace and safety in the town, but he faces challenges with the arrival of an unexpected threat from the ocean. Despite his love for the town and its people, Brody is an outsider to the intricacies of the sea.

A wealthy, young academic who arrives in Amity with an extensive knowledge of marine life to aid in handling the crisis facing the town. His presence and approach often clash with the local culture and expectations.

The wife of Martin Brody, Ellen comes from a wealthy background and experiences cultural and personal tensions between her past and her present life in Amity. Her character embodies the broader social and internal conflicts present in the town.

An experienced fisherman known for his unyielding drive to hunt sharks, who becomes an essential figure in the effort to resolve Amity's crisis. Quint's character is defined by his direct and fearless approach to the challenges of the sea.

The mayor of Amity, Vaughan prioritizes the town's economy and reputation, often favoring them over public safety concerns. His actions and motivations have significant implications for the community and the unfolding events.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amity Island • 1970s

Topic
Publication Year

1974

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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