War and Remembrance

By: Herman Wouk

Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau

Length: 56 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Herman Wouk's sweeping epic of World War II, which begins with The Winds of War and continues here 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.

These multimillion-copy best sellers are stirringly read by Kevin Pariseau for their first appearance in downloadable audio.

Also listen to The Winds of War.

©1978 Herman Wouk (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Brilliant…. An outstanding novel and at the same time a great work of history…. Wouk has more than recaptured the period; he has given it life." (Henry Kissinger)

"Those who lived through World War II can most fully appreciate the resonances in this uncommonly readable book. But it is clearly meant – and recommended – for those who did not." ( Time)

"Moving, thrilling fiction…. Wouk is a magnificent storyteller." ( Boston Globe)

A Hard Act to Follow ... now what?

Would you consider the audio edition of War and Remembrance to be better than the print version?

I only listen to books now.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Pug Henry...He had by far the most interesting life of all...

What does Kevin Pariseau bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Well, certainly, he does the heavy lifting of bringing it to life!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

...an interesting family in an interesting time...

Any additional comments?

I'm not attracted to war stories. What I love about both Winds of War & War & Remembrance is that the history of WWII plays out as a subtext to personal relationships--family, military, professional, romantic, power, control, individual & global.

I did not come to this book with curiosity about the details of war, yet many were presented. I don't want to even think in the most general sense that the Holocaust could ever have happened, never mind become immersed & involved with a detailed account of HOW it may have come to pass...what it may have been like to be a Jew in Germany then. Anne Frank told what it was like to experience hiding. Here we have a more explicit account of what went on when one was found. Here we can have a little bit of an idea about the thousand tiny moments that took a Jew from living a normal life to that last moment—naked, with hundreds of others, hearing the bolt on the door. I didn't want to know any of that and it was sickening to contemplate, difficult to get through. I appreciate it as an irrepressible reminder of the cowardice that is complacency & what could be its result. And there is so much more to the story than that!

This is a work of multidimensional genius. I hate the fact that I've finished it. Now what?? This book makes so many other things I may listen to seem simply trivial.

A good, long read

Wouk's American version of "War and Peace" is perhaps not as profound as Tolstoy, but it is entertaining and informative and much more intelligent than the kind of pot-boiler stuff that historical fiction has mostly become since this was written. Things do not come together perfectly in the end, and maybe Mr. Wouk is showing a bit of fatigue (understandably,) but the overall achievement is still pretty remarkable. I will definitely be listening to this and "Winds of War" again in a couple of years. Now, if Audible will only add "The Caine Mutiny" to its holdings, I will be perfectly satisfied!

Magnificent

I still feel a loss having finished Winds of War and War and Remembrance. I long to hear more about the Henry family.
This book is simply wonderful.
For more details, you can read the many, many other reviews here.

So sad to see this end

In the past month, I have waded through both Winds of War and War and Remembrance. I suppose preferences for narrators are highly personal, but I cannot understand any of the objections to Kevin Pariseau. I found his work delightful, with particular regard for the voice he assigns Pug Henry. With dozens of voices in an epic of this magnitude, Pariseau makes each character recognizably new.

The quality of Wouk's fiction is unimpeachable. The epilogue clarifies historical points and the specific points at which the fiction digresses from history. Within the genre of historical fiction, this work commands both respect and engagement of the reader.

Exceptional On All Counts

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

I recommend this to anyone and everyone. The novel, combined with The Winds of War, is Herman Wouk's masterpiece. And Kevin Pariseau's narration is outstanding in every way. Th work and artistry he puts into every character is masterful.

What other book might you compare War and Remembrance to and why?

You must look at the two epic novels together. Winds of War starts the story of the Henry family through the lead-in to World War II up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, and War and Remembrance takes them through the entirety of the war and even hints at their life after the war.

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

I loved the way he characterizes FDR, with the jaunty lilt we've come to expect from Roosevelt on screen.

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

Since this book comes in seven parts, I doubt anyone can sit that long willingly. But it does inspire you to spend long, relaxing hours listening, and makes you want to sneak in a few minutes whenever you can.

Great sequel to Winds of War

I preferred Winds of War to this sequel, but it was still a great read/listen. You get a dose of WWII history mixed with an epic family story and romance. The narrator is fantastic across the board. Really worth one's time to listen to this story - and what a great deal to get a novel of this length for a single credit. Great job audible!

Tremendous in every way!

Would you consider the audio edition of War and Remembrance to be better than the print version?

Didn't read the book, but what I can say is that the narrator was superb. As many others have indicated, his accents, the way he did female voices and overall pacing is the simply best I've heard.

What other book might you compare War and Remembrance to and why?

That's tough. I've only read a few stories that are as epic as this one. While it's a different genre, I guess Lord of Rings might qualify due to is expansiveness, its rich character development, the writing (his use of English language is first class) and for its sheer ambition. Whether you're a history buff or have any interest in WW II this book really must be listened to. It is compelling in every way and I came out having learned more about this period of history than all my readings and learning combined. In everyway it's something special.

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

He was a perfect match for the book. He nailed all the accents. He did a great job across the board and unlike many narrators, he can portray female voices very well. But if I had to pick, he really hit a home run with the German SS officers, particularly when they were enraged. Gripping really.

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

I don't think you can listen to this book and not have a strong reaction to the Jews and how they were treated. Wouk does an incredible job of describing all of the sad and very maddening details. Like the allied populations, even now it seems unbelievable that a modern country could collectively enact this despicable program. It explains and informs many of today's world events. Very sad and terribly frustrating stuff.

Any additional comments?

I stumbled across this book. I'd never heard of it and hadn't heard of the author. Perhaps it's because I'm Gen X'er. I'm not an expert, but I feel this book deserves to discussed and talked about by my generation, those younger than me. It's a compelling and approachable story that touches on some truisms and realties that should never be forgotten. I guess its length would be part of the problem, but that aside, it really something more of us should be reading.

Great Sequel

I loved The Winds of War, so when I finished that one I immediately downloaded this one. I wanted the entire Henry story. It didn't disappoint. I gave both books 5 stars. If I had to rank them, though, I'd give the first one, Winds of War, a higher rating, if only slightly. I love how great historical fiction gives me insights and new knowledge about times like World War 2. If you haven't read The Winds of War, put this one off until you do. You'll enjoy it a lot more.

World War II fiction, factual and insightful

This incredibly long epic takes Pug Henry and his family through WW II and follows the prequel, Winds of War. Parts of this story were riveting and fascinating, other parts dragged along painfully. Wouk describes the events of the holocaust in pretty graphic detail, a painful reminder of the horrors of WW II and Hitler's regime. The stark contrast between the factual aspects of the retelling of the events surrounding the war through the eyes of this fictional family and their pretty petty personal lives made the story a bit disconnected for me.

This story may be easier to read than listen to...

Sorry it ended. Left me wa ting more.

If you have become curious about Ww11 and like good fiction, then this book is for you!