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Content snapshot
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Violence
A lot
Shark attacks described in graphic detail; deaths by predation
Language
A lot
Strong adult language throughout
Sexual Content
Some
An extramarital affair subplot between Ellen Brody and the oceanographer
Substance Use
Barely any
Social drinking in the beach-town setting
Emotional Intensity
Some
The escalating dread of something in the water; the horror of the final confrontation
What this book is about
A great white shark appears off Amity Island and begins killing. Police Chief Martin Brody wants to close the beaches; the town's businessmen don't want the tourist revenue disrupted. Eventually Brody, an oceanographer, and the shark hunter Quint go out on a boat together. Benchley's 1974 novel is darker than the Spielberg film, with more complex character dynamics, an extramarital affair subplot, and shark attacks depicted more graphically. It essentially invented the summer blockbuster.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Graphic shark attack deaths
An extramarital affair subplot
Strong language throughout
Reader Verification
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