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)

Ate it Up!

What took me so long? When I wasn't listening to this, I was thinking or talking about it. Don't miss this great family wartime saga!

Outstanding!!!

Great book and great reader! Highly recommend. My wife and I are listening on long trips and I have to pay attention so that I don't miss my exits.

An extrodinary pairing of author and narrator

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

It is hard to fathom the amount of research that went into this book. I have a moderate professional's knowledge of the period and was struck over and over by the way Wouk wove real events and real people into a wonderful story that managed to give insight into a period and some fascinating people. The narration was better than I had thought possible. Actually, narration s not the word for this - it was an outstanding theatrical performance. I became so used to the vocal characterizations that I accepted that it was the character speaking. Age, ethnicity, personal style, all were captured in the voices used by the narrator.I had read this book thirty years ago and had liked it but listening to it was a far more engrossing experience.

If I were asked to say what are my favorite three books of the hundred or so I have listened to, I would include this and the sequel, Winds of War. Everything I have said about this book I could say about Winds of War also.

WWII lovers should snap this up!!

This is very long, but it moves along with only a few slow side stories. The performace was so entertaining it sometimes seemed like more than one person was reading.

Exceptional story and performance!

I loved both Wouk's narrative and Parieseau's reading of it. You really do get caught up in the characters, and you learn about WWII along the way. As for the reading, this may be the best performance I have heard. First, despite all the many different characters, you never get confused about who is speaking, because Parieseau voices them so distinctly. Secondly, he does the accents wonderfully: British, German, Russian, Italian, Polish. He has Churchill down -- including "Nazzy" instead of "Not-zee". Really a superb performance of a wonderful story, and I look forward to hearing "War and Remembrance."

Fantastic so good I’m going to listen again.

History at an enjoyable pace. I recommend all four of his great books. I love this author.

Great

Great book to go along with with facts . Narrative keeps historical accounts lively to students.

The story is just beginning

I enjoyed this audio.i saw the movie and thought it was fantastic, fixing to order the sequel

My favourite book?

This might be my favourite book. The writing has held up for decades. Such greatness.

Amazing all time classic

I’ve listened to this book several times and watched the mini series twice. I just can’t get enough of this historical fiction that touches on so many big pre-WWII events. It keeps my attention and transports me back in time.