The Hunters

A Novel

By: James Salter

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Captain Cleve Connell has already made a name for himself among pilots when he arrives in Korea during the war there to fly the newly operational F-86 fighters against the Soviet MIGs. His goal, like that of every fighter pilot, is to chalk up enough kills to become an ace. But things do not turn out as expected.

Mission after mission proves fruitless, and Connell finds his ability and his stomach for combat questioned by his fellow airmen: the brash wing commander, Imil; Captain Robey, an ace whose record is suspect; and finally, Lieutenant Pell, a cocky young pilot with an uncanny amount of skill and luck.

Disappointment and fear gradually erode Connell's faith in himself, and his dream of making ace seems to slip out of reach. Then suddenly, one dramatic mission above the Yalu River reveals the depth of his courage and honor.

Originally published in 1956, The Hunters was James Salter's first novel. Based on his own experiences as a fighter pilot in the Korean War, it is a classic of wartime fiction. Now revised by the author and in audiobook form on the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Air Force, the story of Cleve Connell's war flies straight into the heart of men's rivalries and fears.

©1956, 1997 James Salter (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

The Hunters

Just a beautifully written book and a great introduction to James Salter. I would highly recommend.

Predictable but good

You could tell how this story was going to proceed but was still interesting. Learned about air war with North Korea

Superb for any reader

Fighter pilots will find this book extraordinary in its capture of real flying and combat
Non Aviator’s will enjoy the straightforward eloquence that captures a life few can understand.

Breathtaking

Puts you in the mind and cockpits of flying men through beautiful language, finely drawn narrative and characterisation

Incredible

So much detail into the thoughts of pilots and the torment they go through. Today's generations wouldn't live through the ordeal like those did 75 years ago.