The Winds of War

By: Herman Wouk

Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau

Length: 45 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

A masterpiece of historical fiction, this is the Great Novel of America's "Greatest Generation".

Herman Wouk's sweeping epic of World War II, which begins with The Winds of War and continues in War and Remembrance, stands as the crowning achievement of one of America's most celebrated storytellers. Like no other books about the war, Wouk's spellbinding narrative captures the tide of global events - and all the drama, romance, heroism, and tragedy of World War II - as it immerses us in the lives of a single American family drawn into the very center of the war's maelstrom.

Also listen to War and Remembrance.

©1971 Herman Wouk (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Wouk's real genius lies not just in the narrative power of his books, but in his empathy with the people and the times of which he writes…. The genius of The Winds of War and War and Remembrance is that they not only tell the story of the Holocaust, but tell it within the context of World War II, without which there is no understanding it." ( The Washington Post)

Holy smokes is this a long and wandering book

I think I would have enjoyed the book more with about 25 percent less. There is a lot of extra wandering and off track detail. I appreciate the deep dive into character building but wow did we rent a submarine for this one. some of the chapters just go way off and I forget what I'm reading about at times. a few spots it simply became uninteresting. I would recommend the anridged version. iade it to the last few hours and just couldn't make it.

Enjoyed ReLearning WWII History! Enjoyable!

What did you love best about The Winds of War?

The story, learning details about WWII and all the players that wasn't taught in school. Interesting characters that get you hooked. I immediately bought the sequel, War and Remembrance.

What did you like best about this story?

The way historical figures are brought to life eg: Meeting Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, etc.

What about Kevin Pariseau’s performance did you like?

His diction was precise and easy to understand. However, I didn't find him riveting as I did other narrators (Eduardo Ballerini, Michael Beck, Davina Porter). He was better than adequate but his mispronunciation of some naval words bugged me - "forecastle" instead of the widely used "foke'sol". Overall, I'd recommend him but he wasn't the best at clearly delineating the characters so you'd know immediately who was speaking.

Any additional comments?

Despite the small drawback of Kevin Pariseau's slightly lackluster narration, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to War and Remembrance.

Excellent narrator

Sweeping drama with multiple story lines that are very successfully woven together. Narrator makes each indiviual unique with great accents, both men and women. Can't wait to hear the sequel in another week!

good speed, emphasis, and overall delivery

Would you consider the audio edition of The Winds of War to be better than the print version?

no, reading is still great for involving the reader's imagination

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

the book did, hearing it less so.

Any additional comments?

pariseau did a very good job. but some place names and jewish/yiddish words were warped, and his reading of women's voices was poor

Classic,,, Well Worth the Listen

This Novel is as relevant today, as it was when it was 1st released! I will listen to War and Remembrance now.... having been born in 1955 I can relate to the history/novel most honestly through the stories I grew up with....the tragedy of the 2nd World War was very real to 'us' the baby-boomers',, As our Parents, and close relations lived the experience....

Wonderful, Insightful

Great historical war novel with keen perspectives. The premise that one individual would meet all of these world leaders seems ridiculous, but the author somehow pulled it off so naturally and believably. Just HATE the ending!

Tremendous performance of a great story

The hours will fly by as you loose yourself in the imagery, history, and human drama. So well done!

Nothing short of great!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Winds of War to be better than the print version?

I prefer the printed version, as I do for all books. However, If you're not in a position to read but can listen this book is fantastic.

GREAT book, story continues in War & Rememberance

Would you listen to The Winds of War again? Why?

Yes, but I would wait a long time. It was like living and being a part of those times.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Winds of War?

One very exciting part was the flying over Berlin dropping bombs in an RAF bomber.

What about Kevin Pariseau’s performance did you like?

As good as it gets. The very best.

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

The book is very long (thank goodness) and very hard to put down.

Any additional comments?

The story continues in War and Rememberance. 5 Stars. These two books or one book in two parts were one of the best reads (listens) I have ever had. One of those books that you are sorry when it ends. So well written, very educational and like being there as the events happened. The performance made it even more realistic. I really want another book as good as this. I am afreid I will be disappointed in future reads.

Outstanding Story

Where does The Winds of War rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The book is well written and documents some of the lessor known facts about WWII (or at least lessor thought about facts). The story is engaging and while not at the top of my list, certainly in the "must read" section.

What other book might you compare The Winds of War to and why?

Written in the same flavor as Gone with the Wind, The Winds of War simply happens in a different era.

Have you listened to any of Kevin Pariseau’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I would not say that this book engages the reader emotionally, but from the perspective of an "onlooker."

Any additional comments?

It's a great read. Put it on your list, albeit not at the top.