I impulsively treated myself to a new hardback copy of Quint, the back story of the anti-hero of Jaws, after recalling an intriguing review a while back. So glad I did, absolutely loved this really well constructed origin story.
It weaves Quint’s early life with his harrowing experience in the navy on board the USS Indianapolis. The famous monologue around the table on the Orca, when Quint gives hints of the horror of the sinking and shark attacks picking off the survivors, was of course based on an all too true story. The worst US Navy loss of personal from a single ship, it is this event’s impact, building on childhood poverty that meant everything was a fight, that frames who Quint is and why he behaves the way he does.
The story largely bounces between those terrible 5 days in the ocean waiting for rescue and his later almost magnetic migration across the US towards Amity. His internal debates, thoughts, nightmares, morals all intermingle to craft a really compelling character. The author’s notes state that although Quint was created by Peter Benchley, it is Robert Shaw’s portrayal in the film that he works towards, and I have to say he has nailed it. Highly recommended.
I also think the book design is a triumph. Look at that cover. So beautifully clever.
