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ameserole's review against another edition
3.0
For the most part, The Winds of War was pretty interesting. I definitely learned a lot more than I originally thought I was going to. Now I just have to get the sequel because not knowing what that's about will bug me until I do.
carolann331's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic! This is How History Should be Told
If you're looking for an impactful, compelling, unputdownable, entertaining family drama packed with historical facts leading up to and into WWII, this is the series! I learned more about WWII from this book than from any other. Most history books tend to be a snooze for me, regardless of how badly I want to learn the information. But not this one. Herman Wouk is masterful storyteller. His telling of history works because he humanizes it. You experience it through his characters.
Members of the fictional Henry family are completely believable characters; some lovable, some admirable, some total morons, and all with flaws we can relate to. As the members of this military family are spread across the world, we learn about the struggles of those affected by the war be it due to location, heritage, or personal convictions. We learn about the political players and strategic political plays. We learn historical details from different characters with different perspectives. I especially enjoyed that some chapters were devoted to Victor Henry's translation of "World Empire Lost", a history book written by a fictional German general, Armin von Roon, and to which Victor Henry offers his own insights.
My review hardly does justice to this series. But believe me, you don't want to pass this one by. This is how history should be told.
If you're looking for an impactful, compelling, unputdownable, entertaining family drama packed with historical facts leading up to and into WWII, this is the series! I learned more about WWII from this book than from any other. Most history books tend to be a snooze for me, regardless of how badly I want to learn the information. But not this one. Herman Wouk is masterful storyteller. His telling of history works because he humanizes it. You experience it through his characters.
Members of the fictional Henry family are completely believable characters; some lovable, some admirable, some total morons, and all with flaws we can relate to. As the members of this military family are spread across the world, we learn about the struggles of those affected by the war be it due to location, heritage, or personal convictions. We learn about the political players and strategic political plays. We learn historical details from different characters with different perspectives. I especially enjoyed that some chapters were devoted to Victor Henry's translation of "World Empire Lost", a history book written by a fictional German general, Armin von Roon, and to which Victor Henry offers his own insights.
My review hardly does justice to this series. But believe me, you don't want to pass this one by. This is how history should be told.
sassyporcupine's review against another edition
2.0
This book took me quite awhile to get through. I enjoyed the history of it but I had no real love for any of the characters. Ending wasn't satisfying at all. But, I admit I care enough to attempt to read the follow up.
dooo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
expatally's review against another edition
3.0
Just not my cup of tea. Interesting parts, but I didn't find the characters multi dimensional enough that I wanted to read the 2nd part in the series to complete the 1800 page saga.
beingshort's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
gregcagle's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite books. I think it boils down to having read it at an impressionable age, and really getting onboard with the scope and the themes and the characters.
bonnielucasnelson's review against another edition
5.0
Now this is a real ww2 novel.
I found out about this book while reading through reviews of The Nightingale, which doesn't even exist in the same planetary orbit as this behemoth masterpiece. This is hands down the best work of historical fiction I have ever read. I didn't expect to fall for some of the characters as hard as I did. Amazing read!!!
I found out about this book while reading through reviews of The Nightingale, which doesn't even exist in the same planetary orbit as this behemoth masterpiece. This is hands down the best work of historical fiction I have ever read. I didn't expect to fall for some of the characters as hard as I did. Amazing read!!!
dputiger's review against another edition
5.0
Just as good as I remember. Enjoyed the audio recording (book on CD) as well.