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The Caine Mutiny A Novel Herman Wouk Books

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The Caine Mutiny A Novel Herman Wouk Books

Many years ago, I read Winds of War and War and Remembrance. For whatever reason, I neglected to read Wouk's earlier works, including the widely acclaimed Caine Mutiny. Recently, I had the occasion to read Youngblood Hawke, and as a result made a concerted effort to explore other Wouk novels.

Of course, I was familiar with The Caine Mutiny as a result of having seen the film classic starring Humphrey Bogart as the infamous Captain Queeg. I have to admit that previously seeing the movie detracted somewhat from the reading experience. Though the book was every bit as good as the movie (better in fact), knowing many of the details in advance spoiled much of the suspense that might have existed otherwise. Despite physical descriptions, I automatically pictured Bogart fondling the ball bearings or Fred McMurray as the pompous, holier than thou Keefer.

Having said that, even having seen the movie, reading this work was utterly captivating. Rarely have I read a book that better shines light on the human psyche and human nature in the face of sometimes overwhelming pressure and stress. There are so many fascinating characters in this book, from the obvious (Queeg and Willie) to the seemingly peripheral but nevertheless vital (Keefer, Maryk).

The story thread involving Mae, I thought was really unnecessary and perhaps filler, though it allowed the author to more fully explore the character of Willie. The complaints of naval jargon are valid, though in truth, knowledge of technical naval maneuvers or terminology is by no means necessary for enjoyment of the work. Understanding of the issues involved is easily discerned by context and is usually not central to the task of following the story.

If you've never read this novel, you owe it to yourself to invest the time. If you have not seen the movie, I particularly recommend the book. Unquestionably, one of the finest war novels ever written. Having recently read Youngblood Hawke and now The Caine Mutiny, I can only say, it's on to Marjorie Morningstar.


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The Caine Mutiny A Novel Herman Wouk Books Reviews

The Caine Mutiny is one of the greatest books I have ever read - and I've read many. I have read this book so often I couldn't put a number to this reality. It is insightful to an extraordinary degree as to the lives and behaviour of people with a special focus on the WW2 Navy. These insights can only have emerged from a man (Herman Wouk) who has lived them. Perhaps he is one of the characters or perhaps all of them given the infinite complexity of what it is to be human especially under the stress of war time pressures. Tom Keefer's likening ( a key character) of his moment of cowardice to that of "Lord Jim" - he refers to himself as "Lord Tom" with his genius like capacity for irony - and its defining impact on his life is overwhelmingly poignant ("Don't forget Willy - I jumped") and might function as a warning to us all.
I could go on but I have learned much about life from this book. It is so important that I have numerous hard copies and a copy so I can pretty much have it with me wherever I go.
The Caine Mutiny was Herman Wouk’s first post World War II novel. Published in 1951, the novel qualified as contemporary fiction. Sixty-six years later it’s a classic coming-of-age story that reads like historical fiction.
The story isn’t about the U.S.S. Caine or even the ubiquitous Captain Queeg with his ball bearings. The Caine Mutiny is about Willie Keith, a spoiled rich kid who finds himself in a world unlike anything he’s ever known. A world in which he must make a decision that can and does destroy careers.
Willie wants to follow the right path. But which path is that? He could obey the orders of a superior officer, and perhaps go down with his ship. He could believe Lt Keefer’s assessment that the captain is unfit for duty and still obey orders. He could support his friend Lt Maryk, a man with true skills in seamanship. But what does that mean? It could mean dissuading Maryk from taking control of the ship. It could mean supporting Maryk’s decision to do so. And the decision must be made in the middle of a typhoon.
The Caine Mutiny won the Pulitzer Prize in 1951 for good reasons. Wouk’s words effortlessly take the reader aboard the Caine and into World War II mine-sweeping activities. He brings out the stresses of life in close quarters. Even more important, Wouk develops a classic theme as Keith struggles to become a man.
Many years ago, I read Winds of War and War and Remembrance. For whatever reason, I neglected to read Wouk's earlier works, including the widely acclaimed Caine Mutiny. Recently, I had the occasion to read Youngblood Hawke, and as a result made a concerted effort to explore other Wouk novels.

Of course, I was familiar with The Caine Mutiny as a result of having seen the film classic starring Humphrey Bogart as the infamous Captain Queeg. I have to admit that previously seeing the movie detracted somewhat from the reading experience. Though the book was every bit as good as the movie (better in fact), knowing many of the details in advance spoiled much of the suspense that might have existed otherwise. Despite physical descriptions, I automatically pictured Bogart fondling the ball bearings or Fred McMurray as the pompous, holier than thou Keefer.

Having said that, even having seen the movie, reading this work was utterly captivating. Rarely have I read a book that better shines light on the human psyche and human nature in the face of sometimes overwhelming pressure and stress. There are so many fascinating characters in this book, from the obvious (Queeg and Willie) to the seemingly peripheral but nevertheless vital (Keefer, Maryk).

The story thread involving Mae, I thought was really unnecessary and perhaps filler, though it allowed the author to more fully explore the character of Willie. The complaints of naval jargon are valid, though in truth, knowledge of technical naval maneuvers or terminology is by no means necessary for enjoyment of the work. Understanding of the issues involved is easily discerned by context and is usually not central to the task of following the story.

If you've never read this novel, you owe it to yourself to invest the time. If you have not seen the movie, I particularly recommend the book. Unquestionably, one of the finest war novels ever written. Having recently read Youngblood Hawke and now The Caine Mutiny, I can only say, it's on to Marjorie Morningstar.