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)

BEHIND THE SCENE CLOSEUP

Through the eyes of a naval family we are taken to Berlin, London, the Kremlin and the White House where we get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes in world dramas. One family member marries a Jew hence we also get a thorough look at the attempted genocide of the Jewish citizens who come under the sway of the Nazis. The author also attempts to show us a history of World War II from the point of view of a German historian.

The Narrator's stulted rendition takes a bit of getting used to but the story is so riveting this can be forgiven.

A great story and a wonderful way to absorb history! I didn't want the book to end.

Simply great

The performance is top notch, which is fitting for such a top notch piece of literature. Wonderful historic novel. Recommend listening several times in your lifetime.

Why did it end there?!

Loved the story, although was a bit snobby about how 'low-brow' it seemed at first. Came to love following the different tracks of the characters (even those I thought were awful!), but was rather peeved to be cut off less than halfway through the war! The extent of the bok wasn't apparent, and certainly wasn't indicated by audible...

the greatest generation THANK YOU TO THEM ALL

If you wonder what we've lost
by forgetting who we are give a listent soonest

Great novel, great performance

The array of distinct voices by the single narrator is amazing. It felt like a full-cast production. The novel is great, the "War and Peace" of WWII.

Rare Masterpiece! 10 stars!

It's been said that a masterpiece is perfect intersection of intention and execution; thus is The Winds of War. The voice acting couldn't be more perfectly paired with such a timeless story - the
way Herman Wouk's characters are brought to life by Kevin Pariseau is unmatched in the audio book world where the sometimes the wrong actor is voicing the wrong book. This is my second listen of both The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, and if i could give it 10 stars, I would.

Fantastic

Very good story and history lesson combined. I enjoyed every minute. The narrator was phenomenal. I will listen to War and Remembrance next.

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.