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The Winds of War

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The Winds of War

By: Herman Wouk
Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau
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About this listen

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.

©1971 Herman Wouk (P)2011 Audible, Inc. Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction War & Military War Military Thought-Provoking Imperialism Submarine Interwar Period

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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)
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What did you like most about The Winds of War?

The scope and size of the drama and the characters. It's epic as it goes from one country to the next, one set of characters. All brought together brilliantly.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Victor Henry - the main character is a well thought out, brilliant character. Flawed in his own way, quiet, and harsh. The growth of this character over the course of the book is a strength of the novel.

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

Really great reader. Good characterisation. Kept the pace up. The only disturbing character was Pamela esp. when she was being seductive...weird ;-) but not sure how else Kevin could have played it!

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

Not possible, it's too long. However, I did listen to it over a period of weeks when commuting, flying overseas and going off to sleep.

Any additional comments?

Thankfully this is just part one of two and have already started War and Remembrance, which starts exactly where this one leaves off. Another 50+ hours of great story telling awaits.

Epic World War 2 story - compelling.

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Can’t fault it- absolutely brilliant! Learnt so much and will now start on the sequel!

Excellent

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Superb
Superb
Superb
Superb

Get the picture??!

This is outstandingly well written and performed. Brilliant.

Superb

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the story is great, narrator is superb, I enjoyed every minute, onto the sequel now!

absolutely fantastic

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Compelling.. there is so much in this book to digest that it will have to be reread, it will be no hardship. I thought I was pretty knowledgeable on the WWII but I was wrong, and it was so refreshing to see it from different POV's, it only takes you up to Pearl Harbour so looking forward to the next one in series... recommended.. the type of novel that does not get old or out of date, wonderful wish I had read it years ago.. I know it will stay with me in many years to come.

Absolutely Wonderful..

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I read the book many years ago and also watched the TV mini series, both of which were outstanding. But, this audiobook is an amazing experience, mainly due to the incredible performance from Kevin Pariseau. He is a master at pace and accents and is able to convince no matter which of the many characters he is portraying. Although it is an extremely long listen, I doubt you will be disappointed.

One of the best audiobooks ever

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Great listen. narration excellent and the characters and story draw you in. can't wait to hear the follow up

Great saga

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Don’t miss this wonderfully related epic of history & an engaging family saga.I was sorry that it came to an end -always a sign of a great book !

Tremendous Epic

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Wasn't sure how I would take to this work, am currently 20hrs in and have found myself completely drawn into the narrative. It is a slow burn, there are heavy going chapters, but this actually adds to the appeal. The subject matter is weighty, it demands your attention and your thoughts about the content. It is in no way a 'light, easy listen'. I feel the narrator does a good job overall... he manages to keep my attention.
If you are looking for a listen that has meat on its bones...this really might be what you're looking for.
Update 17/12..completed, absolutely loved it, currently downloading book 2 war & remembrance, the scene is now well and truly set, characters established Pearl Harbour has happened. Cannot recommend this first book enough, I like weight to my books and this has satisfied wonderfully. Bravo!

Worthy marathon listen

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really well narrated, the book captures the historical events of the time whilst interweaving them with a fictional family and how life must have been through the eyes of character

really great listen

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