The Caine Mutiny

By: Herman Wouk

Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau

Length: 26 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Having inspired a classic film and Broadway play, The Caine Mutiny is Herman Wouk's boldly dramatic, brilliantly entertaining novel of life—and mutiny—on a Navy warship in the Pacific theater. It was immediately embraced upon its original publication as one of the first serious works of American fiction to grapple with the moral complexities and the human consequences of the Second World War. In the intervening half century, this gripping story has become a perennial favorite, selling millions throughout the world, and claiming the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

©1952 Herman Wouk (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

New Favorite

Usually when I rate Audible books, I default to 5 stars and dock points where I dislike stuff. The Caine Mutiny broke my scale. If all the other books I’ve listened to have been 5’s, I don’t have enough stars to rate this one.

Brilliant Wouk even if I say so myself!

Great at all levels; just one of those books that should grace any audio library and get pullled out time and time again.

A Captivating Tale

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I enjoyed listening to this book, but I'm not as exuberant in my praise as some readers. I read Wouk's Winds of War and War & Remembrance years ago and enjoyed them more, not because they were any better written, but because I learned so much about WWII and its many historical characters. A Navy ship supplies less education about the war for me and is thus reduced to merely a very well-told tale. Sure, the psychology of various characters and what can drive them to desperate measures is fascinating, but even so doesn't move me to label such writing great literature. The Caine Mutiny in my view is pulp fiction at its very best.

Worth it's reputation

This will be a short review as so much is written. I'm glad I listened to this book. However, I have a mixture of feelings about it's presumed lessons.

I give it 4 stars as an excellent read. I seldom give 5 stars.

Excellent book, excellent narration

Where does The Caine Mutiny rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's one of the best.

What did you like best about this story?

The details prove Wouk served in the Navy.

Which scene was your favorite?

Saying so would probably be a spoiler.

If you could take any character from The Caine Mutiny out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Willie Keith because it would probably be expensive and he would probably pay.

Any additional comments?

A darn fine audio book. This was a great match of voice and cadence to the book's characters and time period.

Wouk certainly deserved the Pulitzer Prize

What did you love best about The Caine Mutiny?

The complete experience of being on the Caine was conveyed to me by this performance. The personalities of the characters came through in Technicolor. I bought this book because the Movie of this novel was one of my favorites. Humphry Bogart was Captain Quieg. The audio performance was so much better than the movie.
About two weeks after completing the audiobook, Turner Classic Movies showed the movie. If you want a reason to listen to audiobooks, and why that is so much better than movies, then listen to the novel, and then watch the movie.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Willie Keith. Not that I liked him particularly, his many flaws came through... but he certainly made the story.

Which character – as performed by Kevin Pariseau – was your favorite?

Commander Quieg. The description of this "little" man brought back memories of some people I have known. The performance of Pariseau certainly brought all the characters to life. So much so, I have purchased the Winds of War because I was so engrossed in this story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I didn't want it to end.

Amazing story with living characterizations

This book is an amazing window into World War II naval challenges. Having previously read “Winds of war” and “War and Remembrance”, this was a different perspective of the characters involved as they were well-designed, detailed and either lovable or despisable easily. The premise that it extolled with all the personalities, weather, mechanics issues, war, love, all merged to manifest into an amazing story that held me riveted the whole time I listened.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone with interest in World War II Naval history much less I nearly pop fiction lake book. And the Oration by Kevin Pariso was exceptional.

definitely a classic worth reading

I truly enjoyed this book probably going to listen to it again Classics never go out of style

Excellent

Would you listen to The Caine Mutiny again? Why?

Perhaps 10 - 20 years from now - the story is very good, but once is enough.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Caine Mutiny?

I enjoyed the author's handling of the growth of the young main character, and particularly the letter to him from his father received after the father's death...very fine.

What does Kevin Pariseau bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A good reader adds much to a good book - listening is now my favorite way of reading books. This performer was very good, handling all the characters in a believable way.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Very hard to put down (turn off) - a fine book that pulls the reader (listener) in.

Wouk's tale is brilliant

I had seen the great movie, but the book is even better! I was surprised at just how much better.