Open Season: a Novel

I first read this book in 1978 and have reread it several times. The story is rather haunting and disturbing, but it is one of be best crafted stories I have read in years of reading. I can promise you, you will be hooked after the first five pages, and if time allows, you won't put it down until you finish. I must warn you though, the basis of the story is rape and this could be quite unsettling for some..I know it did upset me. Than being said, the author handles it well and twists a wonderful story from a horrible thing. Recommend it highly. Recommend it for the mature reader though.

I first read David Osborn's marvellous book back in the 70's and it is now the oldest paperback in my collection. Every few years I dig it out and read it again - it's become an old friend. Why? Because it is the best take on a revenge story I've ever read. Osborn sets the scene by introducing the main protaganists as students, who commit an act of barbarism but, due to their well-to-do family backgrounds get let off with a slap on the wrist. The book then moves forward in time to when the grown up students are all successful family men who meet up once a year to go on a hunting trip together. And it's no surprise to find that the prey they hunt normally has two legs rather than four. We learn that each of these characters are psychopathic to varying degrees and we learn that they are excellent hunters and totally at home in the woods. They are supreme predators who fear nothing. That is, until they discover that this year, someone is hunting them! Osborn constantly takes the reader by surprise i.e. just when you think you have the story pegged, he throws you a curve ball, right up to the final and haunting twist. I don't know if this book is now out of print but if you can get a copy, grab it with both hands. It really is a classic of its genre.

From the very begining the author hits you right between the eyes. I first read this book in the mid seventies and almost got caught reading it in work while trying to hide it in my desk drawer. Best revenge book I have ever read. Some really disturbing scenes. Graphic, especially for its time. Movie came out some years later, very poor adaptation though. Get your hands on this book if you can.

The book was brilliant. The reason for my submittance is : In the cover of the book it states that a film starring Peter Fonda and William Holden is soon to be released. Did this film ever materialize as I can't find any trace of it!?