The Winds of War by Herman Wouk Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Winds of War
Book Review: An Enthralling History Lesson
Summary: 4 Stars
Never a fan of war epics, and a pacifist to boot, I found myself thrust into the book after a friend coerced me to read it. After a couple hundred chapters of standard introductions and sluggish war rumblings from afar, the saga started to pick up. Two main characters are tossed in a simple Jewish countrytown in Poland as the Nazis attack unsparingly. Woulk waters down the blatant social commentary and WWII strategem with a winding plot that places protagonists in a lavish party of Goering's (Hitler's right-hand man), with a guestlist including Hitler himself, at the cockpit of a British fighter plane soaring across Berlin, and the private office of FDR, as he seeks for guidance. The subtle, romantic fumblings of lovers even squirm their way into the plot to complete a deliciously factual fiction.Book Review: An Incredible Book
Summary: 5 Stars
Every Herman Wouk book I have read has been incredible, but this one takes first prize.The Winds of War is a work of historical fiction about the lead up to the outbreak of World War II in Europe (it had, of course already begun in Asia between Japan and China and other Asian neighbors) and the effect of the war on an American military family. It ends when America enters the war. The sequel, War and Remembrance continues the story through the end of the war.
The main character, Victor Henry, a Commander in the United States Navy is sent to Germany just before the beginning of the war as a naval attache in the American embassy. He is the gruff career military man with compassion and love just below the surface and easily recognized by anyone except his family. His wife Rhoda is a Washington, DC socialite who was captivated by Victor but is now restless in her life as an officer's wife.
Victor and Rhoda have three children, Warren, the eldest who follows his father into the Navy and puts in for flight training, a daughter who is a less developed character and the aptly named Byron, a dreamer and a sensitive man who bridles under his father's influence and flees college to Siena, Italy, where he becomes an assistant to the American Jewish writer, Aaron Jastrow and falls in love with his daughter Natalie.
Victor Henry has something of Zelig in him and is a bit player in many important events of the time. He attends a weekend retreat of high-ranking Nazis and has meetings with FDR.
Byron's employer Aaron Jastrow is a complex man, both running from his roots as a Yeshiva boy in Poland, and the product of those roots. Natalie is a perfect picture of an American ex-pat woman living in Europe (first Paris than Italy) in the heyday of Americans living abroad. And all of us can empathize with Byron, the young man who has not yet found his way in the world.
All these characters are set against the backdrop of the precursor to war and the beginning of the war. For instance, one of the best sections of the book is an extremely harrowing but vivid section in which Byron, Natalie and Natalie's lover get stuck in Poland as the Nazis begin their occupation of that country.
The fact that Wouk can seamlessly weave this web of characters into the tumultuous time in the late 1930s and early 1940s is a testament to a great author. Indeed, I am writing this review at least 10 years after finishing the book, yet it is all vivid in my mind.
One final note that deserves mention: Wouk treats us to several sections of a fictional book within a book. After the war, Victor Henry translates a book by a German World War II general. Wouk intersperses excerpts of this fictional book throughout the story, providing a seemingly totally realistic view from a German nationalist who fought for the Nazis (although was not a Nazi himself).
A must read for anyone who would describe himself or herself as any of the following: (a) a history or historical fiction fan, (b) a fan of epic romance, (c) anyone interested in World War II, (d) anyone interested in the Navy.
Book Review: An archetype.........
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read many WWII-related novels and works of non-fiction over the years. Therefore, I'm somewhat surprised it took me this long to arrive at Herman Wouk. Winds of War is a sweeping, magnificent epic that captured me in a way few novels do. Herman Wouk tells the story of a fictional USN family as the events leading up to America's entry into war cast them hither and yon. London, Berlin, Moscow, Pearl Harbor, New York City, Rome, Manila, and Washington DC all figure prominently as do the leaders of each Axis and Allied country.
Having read much about WWII, I especially enjoyed Wouk's flawless chronology and the detail with which it was adorned. Indeed, one could absorb a better understanding of the WWII event timeline from Winds of War than from many non-fictional accounts.
I do most of my reading at night before sleep. Winds of War had me looking forward to bedtime on my commute home from work. I loved this book. I loved it's character formation, it's pace, it's geographical range, and it's towering level of suspense. Every ingredient required for a memorable epic is present in an impeccable weave.
Winds of War rates 5 stars and more.
Book Review: Best book I've ever read -- at least in the top 10
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a must-read for every American. I thought it would be dry. I opened it to do some dutiful reading. Instead, I was captivated, and now can't wait to read War and Remembrance. Sure it's a thick book, but you are so sorry when you come to the end -- you want more! It gives every country's perspective on World War II, and insight into the leaders of countries on both sides of the war. Amazing! Somebody make sure Herman Wouk stays healthy and keeps working! Pure genius!Book Review: Don't Miss This One
Summary: 5 Stars
Short but sweet: A great epic book full of all the things that make great epic books. It's all here, even if you could care less about war or history. It is also, by far, the very best way for non-historical-researcher-types to not only learn about, but fully understand WWII, and have great fun in the process. This is a war which not only changed the world 70 years ago, but whose re-drawing of borders and alliances still affects the world today, though few realize it. Learn all about it, and have great fun in the process. And don't forget the sequel.