The Hunters

by James Salter
The Hunters cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Historical Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8011
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781619020542
  • Publisher: Catapult
  • Published: 2012-08-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Captain Cleve Connell arrives in Korea during the war, eager to prove himself as a fighter pilot flying the new F–86 fighters. His goal is to become an ace, but mission after mission proves fruitless, leading to doubts from his fellow airmen and within himself. As disappointment and fear erode his confidence, Connell's dream seems to slip away./n/nBased on the author's own experiences, The Hunters is a classic of wartime fiction that delves into the hearts of men's rivalries and fears. Originally published in 1956 and revised by the author, this novel offers a raw and intense look at the psychological and emotional struggles of war.

Reviews
Steemit · herverisson · 2023-01-01
beautiful 4.20

As a war novel, The Hunters may lack in action but it is one of the most beautiful books written about war, particularly in the air. It offers a unique perspective on the emotional and psychological aspects of combat.

Herverisson from Steemit praises The Hunters for its beautiful and poignant portrayal of war. They note that while the novel may not deliver much in terms of action, it excels in its exploration of the emotional and psychological aspects of combat. The reviewer appreciates the novel's unique perspective on the experiences of pilots during the Korean War. They highlight the novel's ability to convey the beauty and tragedy of war, making it a standout piece in the literature of war. Herverisson also notes the novel's timeless relevance and its ability to resonate with readers across generations.

Quick quotes

    As a war novel, it does not deliver really much action, but it absolutely must be one of the most beautiful book written about war - at least in the air.

    It offers a unique perspective on the emotional and psychological aspects of combat.

    The novel's ability to convey the beauty and tragedy of war is particularly compelling.

The Paris Review · Geoff Dyer · 2015-06-23
excellent 4.50

The Hunters is a concise and powerful expression of Salter's talents, based closely on his own experiences as a pilot. It captures the essence of war and the internal struggles of its characters.

Geoff Dyer highlights how The Hunters is a remarkable debut novel that encapsulates the raw and unfiltered experiences of war. The novel's strength lies in its authenticity, drawing from Salter's own background as a pilot. Dyer praises the book's ability to convey the complexities of human emotions and the harsh realities of combat. The narrative is tight and compelling, making it a standout piece in war literature. Dyer also notes the novel's enduring relevance and its ability to resonate with readers long after the final page.

Quick quotes

    The Hunters (1957) was Salter's first novel and remains the most concise expression of his talents.

    It is based closely on his own experience as a pilot flying missions during the Korean War.

    The novel captures the essence of war and the internal struggles of its characters.

The Asylum · 2007-05-19
good 3.80

The Hunters is a relentlessly quotable novel that addresses themes of masculinity and war. While not as rich in prose as some of Salter's other works, it remains a powerful exploration of human nature.

The reviewer from The Asylum notes that The Hunters, while not as luminous in prose as some of Salter's later works, is nonetheless a compelling read. The novel's strength lies in its exploration of masculine identity and the psychological toll of war. The reviewer appreciates the novel's quotable passages and its ability to delve deep into the minds of its characters. They highlight the novel's themes of rivalry and the search for meaning in the midst of chaos. Overall, the reviewer finds The Hunters to be a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    Although much less rich and luminous in its prose than Light Years, The Hunters is nonetheless relentlessly quotable.

    It addresses masculine identity and the psychological toll of war.

    The novel's themes of rivalry and the search for meaning in the midst of chaos are particularly compelling.

Appears in Lists