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)

In depth History

I really liked this book because it dealt with the over arching war situation of WWII. I read many stories from that era and this is the first that did not focus on all of Hitler's atrocities. IT helped me understand the chronology and psychology behind the war moves of the different nations. The written German perspective, with dissenting response from an American was an ingenious way to set the whole picture. Occasionally there is a bit too much detail for me, but definitely doesn't destroy the experience.

Love This Book!

I have listened to this book a couple times and enjoy it more each time. I feel as if the Henry’s are my family. Beautiful written and narrated, as if one is there. I have this in hard copy, DVD and audible. Now preparing for the sequel, War and Remembrance. I know it will be enjoyed by all.

Global perspective of pre-WW II events

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

Wouk interweaves the narrative of the Henry family with a volume by a fictitious German historian to produce comprehensive historical fiction of the main events around the world that preceded the United States' entry into WW II. I am eager to listen to the next book, which is narrated by the same reader who does an excellent job conveying various characters in the book.

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

The book compares well to the multigenerational, historical novels about precedents of WWI by Ken Follet or the recent non-fiction In the Garden of Beasts by Eric Larson.

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

Tudsbury & his daughter exemplified Pariseau's talent as a reader. He was great throughout.

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

When Pug Henry finally gets back on a destroyer & contemplates the night at sea.

Any additional comments?

A pleasure to read, especially for those who love history but want a rest from the myriad details of non-fiction works.

My favorite book ever.

I have read TWOW at least twice and listened to the audiobook twice. In a lifetime of reading it is my favorite novel, and Victor Henry is to me the greatest fictional character of all time.

Wouk’s work, here and in the subsequent War & Remembrance, creates an opus worthy of Tolstoy. The two books are, in fact, a 20th Century War & Peace.

The best read ever!

I enjoyed hearing this very much! It started out with a bang and it didn’t stop until the end of the book! If you’re wondering if it’s worth the credit, it is!

masterful !

the ultimate war story, if u’ve ever imagined even trying to understand the scale of WWII. listen to this author’s incredible research brot to vivid life thru a far-flung navy family’s struggles. and the sequel !!
thank u, mr. wouk.

Awesome

Excellent job
Beautifully written I recommend this to anyone and everyone
Well done most enjoyable

Superb! Excellent!

Accurate WWII historical information woven into a compelling life story. We were hooked in the first few minutes. This is a great audio book to listen to on a road trip. can't wait to listen to War And Remembrance, it's sequel. Bravo Herman Wouk.

Excellent

Saw the mini series decades ago. Hearing the whole work, rather than snippets, was awesome. Highly recommend

Simply Outstanding

I have listened to or read this book and War of Remembrance 5-6 times. I begin again every 2 years or so. The story, the characters and the performance are all simply superb. This is a masterpiece indeed