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)

Outstanding

I enjoy accurate historical fiction. Would fleshes out the history in an enjoyable read. If you haven't seen the miniseries it's well worth the time as well.

Read it if u enjoy history

Narration super fantastic Story set amidst factual historical events made the book informative and gripping.

Outstanding

I usually find myself wondering from time to time when some of my books get a little strung along... It didn't happen once during the whole book... Highly recommend. One of my top 5

Couldn't put it down, had me mesmerized!

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

Yes, it was like listening to a movie.

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

The love affair in Warsaw.

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

NO.

Any additional comments?

It was a wonderful story and so well read, he did each character with a different accent.

Fabulous!

What an amazing adventure. Can't wait to dive into War n Remembrance. The characters are so diverse yet familiar.

Wouk is a classic story teller

This is my second Wouk book and he does not disappoint. He gets you so involved in the characters that the story line really comes in second. I never thought he would be able to keep my attention for this entire book but after reading the Cain Mutiny I had to give it a chance and it was great. Highly recommend.

Great historical novel!

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

If you are a fan of historical novels (which I am) you will love this book. The interesting characters are expertly woven into history. I did not want the story to end, and am now on War and Remembrance.

Did Kevin Pariseau do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I was not thrilled with his narration of the female characters, and it took me a while to get past my annoyance with this.

The Winds of War

When the book first began I was unimpressed because I thought it was just another "war" story. But as the story went on I completely changed my mind and found I couldn't get enough of the Henry family saga. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book, War and Remembrance.

Phenomenal on Many Levels

My comments apply to The Winds of War and War and Remembrance. They are the same novel with the second spending very little time bringing the reader up to the present. I find the works a masterpiece. In the overall scope of the work, it has to approach fine literature. It definitely is one of the finest stories you will ever listen to. I had not previously read the books and bet they could be captivating but also could be daunting do to the length and the forays into the occasional history lessons. I would venture that the listener would do best listening to the epilogue at the end of War and Remembrance before starting The Winds of War. The epilogue only clarifies the factual people, locations, event and ships from the fictional. The epilogue will allow you to appreciate the effort in research necessary to achieve this wonderful book.

WOW i'm so glad I found this

I've read so much WWII historical fiction, history, and never had I been directed to this book. But I'm glad I didn't find it 10 years or more ago. It has reached me at the perfect time. Do not let the length spook you away ... it is much too short. I'm ready to start book 2 now.