Title: Beast
Author: Peter Benchley
First published January 1, 1991
319 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780449220894 (ISBN10: 0449220893)
Rating: 3.63
Overview
“Get ready to be terrified by a creature that makes Jaws look like a harmless goldfish.” This science-fiction horror story takes you on a thrilling adventure as an ancient monster emerges from the depths of the ocean, driven by an insatiable hunger and a never-ending desire to kill. In a race against time, Whip Darling, a struggling seaman, must lead the battle to defeat the beast and save the threatened paradise of Bermuda.
With danger lurking at every corner, Whip must fight for survival, not knowing where his next meal will come from, or whether he will become the monster’s next victim. Get ready for a spine-tingling read that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
Peter Bradford Benchley was a renowned American author who gained fame for his novel Jaws, which he later adapted into a successful screenplay. The book’s success led to publishers commissioning similar stories about mutant creatures threatening communities.
Along with Steven Spielberg, Benchley is credited with creating the first summer blockbuster film. He also wrote The Deep and The Island, which were adapted into movies.
Benchley came from a family of writers. His father Nathaniel Benchley and grandfather Robert Benchley were both authors.
Peter’s brother, Nat Benchley, is a writer and actor. Peter attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University.
After college, Benchley worked for Newsweek, then as an editor and speechwriter in the White House. He got the idea for Jaws after reading about a fisherman catching a massive shark off the coast of Long Island.
Benchley’s second novel, The Deep, was based on his meeting with a diver in Bermuda and was made into a movie. The Island, about pirates terrorizing the Caribbean, also became a film but was not successful.
During the 1980s, Benchley wrote three novels that did not sell as well as his previous works. However, Rummies, a book about alcohol abuse, received positive reviews.
Benchley became an advocate for marine conservation and wrote several books on the subject, including Beast, about a giant squid attacking Bermuda, and White Shark, a story of a genetically engineered shark/human hybrid.
Benchley’s legacy includes changing the landscape of popular fiction and creating a new genre of thriller. He also raised awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment.
Editoral Review
Beast by Peter Benchley is a gripping novel that explores the dangers of the ocean and the terror that lurks beneath its surface. Benchley is a well-known author, most famous for his novel Jaws, which was later adapted into a blockbuster movie.
Beast, published in 1991, is another thrilling novel that takes place in the ocean, but this time the danger is not a shark, it’s something much more sinister.
The novel takes place on a small island off the coast of Massachusetts, where a mysterious creature has been attacking swimmers and boaters. The local authorities are baffled by the attacks, and the islanders are growing increasingly fearful for their lives.
Enter Whip Darling, a wealthy adventurer who is determined to solve the mystery and catch the beast. Along the way, he teams up with a local marine biologist, and the two of them embark on a dangerous and thrilling journey to uncover the truth.
Benchley’s writing style is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of suspenseful moments that keep the reader on edge. He also does an excellent job of setting the scene and creating a vivid picture of the island and the ocean.
The characters are well-developed, with Whip Darling being a particularly interesting and complex protagonist. He’s not your typical hero, but rather a flawed and multi-dimensional character who is driven by his own demons.
One of the strengths of Beast is its historical and cultural significance. The novel was published at a time when environmental issues were becoming increasingly important, and Benchley uses the story to explore the impact that humans have on the ocean and its inhabitants.
He also touches on themes of greed, power, and the consequences of our actions.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the plot to be predictable, and the ending may leave some unsatisfied.
Additionally, the secondary characters could have been more fleshed out, as they sometimes feel like they’re just there to move the plot along.
Despite these limitations, Beast is a thrilling and engaging novel that is sure to captivate readers who enjoy action, adventure, and suspense. Benchley’s writing is top-notch, and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a gripping and well-written novel that will keep them on the edge of their seat. I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
