Youngblood Hawke

By: Herman Wouk

Narrated by: Nick Sullivan

Length: 41 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Arthur Youngblood Hawke, an ex-Navy man moves from rural Kentucky to New York to assault the citadel of New York publishing with his first novel, an oversized manuscript that becomes an instant success. Toasted by critics and swept along on a tide of popularity, he gives himself over to the lush life that gilds artistic success. Love comes with an affair with an older married woman and an unfulfilled flame with his editor, while wealth pours in with the publication of his second novel, and participation in real-estate developments. Yet the gilt of the New York high life can only last so long, before it wears off, sending Arthur into a downward, self-destructive spiral.

Inspired by the life of Thomas Wolfe, Herman Wouk has captured a poignant tale of success and downfall.

©1962, 1990 Herman Wouk (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

It's a Hernan Wouk

A long narrative with a lot of interacting characters &'action in the world of writing publishing in the mid 20 th century. Follows a talented writer through his career. String characters & plot, engaging writing, like all Wouk. Kudos to Nick Sullivan for vocal stylings.

Awesome book

Herman Wouk is just such an excellent writer. This was a very long book, yet no time at all we’re there any slow spots. And Nick Sullivan’s narration was outstanding.

Fantastic Narrator and Story

I won’t say much about the story because Wouk is a writer beyond anything I can say, but I will take a moment to praise the narrator. It is phenomenal how he can give each character such an individualized and distinguishable voice. It made the story such a great listen. A wonderful combination of talents. I hated for it to end.

One of the unforgettable works

A Classic. Great story and performance. Somehow just now reading this and so glad I did.

Another Wouk masterpiece

In the 70’s I read The Winds of War and several years later War and Rembrance. They are my all time literary favorites. Youngblood Hawk is an American Tragedy , as the truth of government taxation malfeasance drove young Hawk to his death.

I enjoyed the book very much and it seemed to me that to a large extent, it was an autobiography of Herman Wouk, one of the greatest writers of our time.

Waited a long time for my favorite novel by Wouk..

...and this was worth the long wait. This is a great, sweeping story narrated beautifully. Don't hesitate.

A classic

I first read this novel when I was in high school, and I enjoyed it very much. Many years later, the audible version still kept me engaged, although my reading preferences have changed somewhat. I tuned out of some lengthy passages where the author seemed to pontificate about art, communism, literature and much more. It was still a powerful story, but I would have enjoyed it more today if several hours had been edited out.

Classic

Fantastic story with an even better narrator. Mr. Sullivan does a marvelous job with the narration!!! Strongly recommend!!

A highly entertaining first half

The first half of the book is highly entertaining with some very interesting and amusing characters. The second half of the book meanders about with occasional bright spots. The narrator does a spectacular job.

Not what I expected…

…although it is an interesting snapshot of another time. I was 7 in 1962 (when the book was originally published) & the only part that felt familiar to me was the smoking. Otherwise it was of a place & time that was alien to me—thank goodness! The racism, though probably common in 1962, was uncomfortable to my ears, as was the acceptance of a different standard for the behaviors of women & men. I have always experienced an emotional attachment to many of Wouk’s characters & I was disappointed that I didn’t even form a benign attraction to any of the people in this book. I finished it & I thought that the narrator did a terrific job & the writing was technically very good. I just didn’t enjoy it very much.