'Flight of the Intruder' by Stephen Coonts is a novel set during the Vietnam War, focusing on United States Navy aviators flying the A-6 Intruder aircraft. The book is praised for its realism, detailing the experiences of carrier pilots in Vietnam with outstanding authenticity. The narrative weaves in a believable love story amidst the action-packed missions, providing a unique insight into the life of a combat pilot during the war.
The protagonist, Jake Grafton, a carrier pilot in his 20s, is portrayed as a complex and interesting character, adding depth to the story beyond just aircraft controls and missions. The author, drawing from his own experience as an A-6 Intruder pilot, infuses the book with credibility and tension, making it a gripping and page-turning read that captures the essence of military life during the early 1970s.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes depictions of war, violence, and potentially distressing content related to military operations and the Vietnam War.
Has Romance?
There are elements of romance present, though they are not the central focus of the narrative.
From The Publisher:
A smash bestseller that spent over six months on the New York Times bestseller list, Flight of the Intruder became an instant classic.
No one before or since ever captured the world of Navy carrier pilots with the gripping realism of Vietnam veteran Stephen Coonts, who lived the life he wrote about. More than a flying story, Flight of the Intruder is also one of the best novels ever written about the Vietnam experience. It's all here-the flying, the dying, the blood and bombs and bullets, and the sheer joy-and terror-of life at full throttle.
"Gripping...Smashing. -The Wall Street Journal
Grazing the Vietnam treetops at night at just under the speed of sound, A-6 Intruder pilot Jake "Cool Hand" Grafton knows exactly how precarious life is. Landing on a heaving aircraft carrier, dodging missiles locked on his fighter, flying through clouds of flak-he knows each flight could be his last. Yet he straps himself into a cockpit every day.
"Extraordinary!"-Tom Clancy
Then a bullet kills his bombardier while they're hitting another 'suspected' truck depot. Jake wonders what his friend died for-and why? Hitting pointless targets selected by men piloting desks just doesn't make sense. Maybe it's time to do something worthwhile. Something that will make a difference...
"Superbly written." - Washington Times
Jake and his new bombardier, ice-cold Tiger Cole, are going to pick their own target and hit the enemy where it hurts. But to get there and back in one piece is going to take a lot of nerve, even more skill, and an incredible amount of raw courage. Before it's over, they're going to fly into hell.
Ratings (3)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (7):
Read It (3) | |
Want To Read (3) | |
Not Interested (1) |
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Flight of the Intruder?
About the Author:
Born in 1946, Stephen Paul Coonts grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a coal-mining town of 6,000 population on the western slope of the Appalachian mountains.
He majored in political science at West Virginia University, graduating in 1968 with an A.B. degree. Upon graduation he was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and began flight training in Pensacola, Florida.
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