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 historical fiction of World War II

Any additional comments?

Thoroughly researched, immensely realistic work that would a major challenge for any performer, but Mr. Pariseau has done a fine job transitioning through numerous characters.

Engaging. Enjoy it often.

Wouk seamlessly introduces into the historical timeline and it's people a group of characters that I found appealing and relatable. I am a bit of a 'recent history' buff, and have always enjoyed the 20th century time frame. For the most part Wouk also sticks to accepted 'fact'; when he deviates from or reinterprets history it is set within the context of the character's opinions and thoughts. A very nice way to present the story and express the emotional reaction to events that are history to us, the reader, but are fresh and happening to the characters. I also felt Wouk stayed true in many ways to the time- the characters speak differently than now, their thoughts are couched in such a way as to create a sense of the time and place.
The narration is excellent. Mr. Periseau does the things one expects of good narrators- different voices/accents for each character, and he doesn't speak too quickly either. I didn't find him slow; I felt his delivery allowed the story to include me. As a side note, he also narrates the sequel "War and Remembrance".

A WW II classic

I saw this book on a list of books from David McCullough that everyone should read. It’s an exciting story about events, most of them observed at the personal level, leading up to World War II. It follows the members of a single-family that manage to get involved in a lot of history. The reader can also learn a lot about American life and mores at that point in history. Noticeable items include pregnant women tossing back martinis and chain smoking.

Wonderful!!

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

I loved this book and the following book War and Remembrance (i mixed up the titles in my review on War and Remembrance)I loved the historical side of the books and became very involved with the characters. I lived and breathed nothing else for weeks as i listened to them both.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Pug!! Understated, earthy, old fashioned and loveable.

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

Pug .... I loved his voice

Any additional comments?

Thanks for a great many hours of enjoyment, long to be remembered!

Wonderful book. I hated for it to end.

If you could sum up The Winds of War in three words, what would they be?

Well written & narrated. I have learned more about what led up to our involvement in WWII even after reading The Rise & Fall of theThird Reich!

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

No

Who was the most memorable character of The Winds of War and why?

Pug Henry. Because of his cool observation & assesment of people & events.

Sigh, this book

I listened to this book for the first time 3 years ago and it was so impactful I've come back to review it now. This has truly stuck with me since my first listen. So much so that I actually listened to it again... Which is outrageous because it is a 40 hour book and hey, who doesn't have 40 hours to spare? Turns out I did (I drive a lot for work, ok).

I am a twenty-something female who couldn't have enjoyed it more and firmly believe it is for all ages! To all you ladies out there, don't be deterred buy this seemingly historical military genre, because it is SO much more.

The history, characters and romance are all so beautifully intertwined in such a turbulent and fascinating period in modern history, you will finish this epic saga and immediately want move on to War and Remembrance. Bring on the next 40 hour book Herman.

Worth it!!

Long, yes, but I fell in love with the characters. I was fascinated by how Wouk was able to bring history alive!! The addition of the translation of Empire Lost just added the historical element I look for in my readings. I didn't want it to end!!!!

Great Read

Great read. Spell Binding. Even learned a little history. Will recommend to my friends.

Even better that reading the book

I loved The Winds of War when I read it 15 years ago. Listening to it has been an even better experience. Kevin Pariseau does a fantastic job of capturing the myriad of characters and all of their different accents.

OUTSTANDING...

... on all fronts. Human, real, powerful, and memorable. Hated for it to end. Still thinking about the characters and the complex yet clear story.