The Winds of War by Herman Wouk Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.99 You Save: $12.00 (71%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.67 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Winds of War
Book Review: The winds of war: (do not read this review!)
Summary: 4 Stars
Although I haven't actually finished reading "The Winds Of War" yet,(in fact,this is the first of Wouk's books I've read, an apparently massive tome covering almost 800 pages) I think it's probably safe at this point to offer a few comments concerning it.
"The Winds Of War" is a vast, sweeping epic (as well as a component to another book dealing with the Henries) spanning several years in the life of a Naval Commander and his family during the Second World War. It is, at least for the most part, a well written, realistic, completely captivating book, which excites one with it's dramatic backdrop of political history, accessible characters and intrigue. Almost every important figure in the history of WWII figures in it at some point, including Churchill, Roosevelt, Hitler, and Stalin.
The characters in the "Winds of war" are mostly interesting and well developed; ordinary people (relatively anyway), their struggles and adventures involve us and remain engaging throughout.
The "Winds of war" is undoubtedly an entertaining and "fun" book. What it lacks most conspicuously, however, is any degree of genuine charm or energy. The style in which Wouk writes is highly sophisticated and elegant, his expertise on the war and well developed literary skill evident throughout, yet he seems to be trying to disguise himself from his readers' as much as possible; also the narrative has a tendency to grow redundant and is amost completely humorless. This is not to imply that the book is self important, in fact it doesn't take itself seriously enough. Reading it, one gets the uncomfortable impression that Wouk is merely trying to appeal to a very broad audience. He also has a tendency to be somewhat trivializing with his subject matter (i.e "[Hitler] had a firm handshake").
Would I recommend "The Winds of war"? Definitely. It is a consistently enjoyable book that works perfectly on an entertaining level,is unusually articulate and intelligent, has a very appealing if mechanical plot, and, despite it's formidable size, is by no means a challenging read. If you enjoy fast paced war stories then it is more than likely this will satisfy you. If you are looking for a "deep", philosophical read, however, I am not so certain this is the book for you.
Book Review: This book is the best WWII story I've read and I've read them all !
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book from Amazon right after I read it the first time :)
That is, I borrowed it from the library and them bought it so that should tell you that it's worth every penny.
It's 1018 pages of historical warcandy and it's never boring, I read it every night for 2 months so it's a good investment for your entertainment dollar. A real candybox for the war/history buff. I think it's the most comprehensive story I've read on WWII and it covers the historical and especially the political part extremely well although in an exciting family story setting.
I now understand the events of WWII and the reasons for them better.
Have fun and don't hesitate to buy a copy.
Baldur.
Book Review: Tolstoyan
Summary: 5 Stars
There's a scene where Henry is taken to Tolstoy's grave and one wonders if this is a conceit by Wouk; but the comparison is not far fetched and maybe this novel is superior to War and Peace- it's certainly more readable.Book Review: Very, very good.
Summary: 5 Stars
I would have given this book four and a half stars, if
it had been an option. It has a tinge of soap in places,
but that doesn't detract from its impact, in my opinion.
I'm rereading it, particularly for the description of
Byron in Poland during the German invasion. Mr Wouk meant to
write a large scale, sweeping novel, I'm sure. His
characterizations don't seem to me to suffer.
Book Review: Wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Winds of War" by Herman Wouk was one of the best books I have read in a very long time. I have just ordered "War and Remembrance" because I finished the latter today and need to continue with the story. The first half of the story (the first book) was a bit slow at first and I was reluctant to continue on, however it soon picked up pace and I couldn't put it down. The story was heart-rending and I became sympathetic to all of the main characters and felt disdain towards the antagonists, just as the protagonists felt. I recommend this book to anyone who loves America and the struggle to gain freedom in a time when hope seemed far in the distance. This book will enliven the American spirit. I am sure that "War and Remembrance" will be just as well-written as "The Winds of War" and I look forward to reading how the character's lives end up. Read This!