A modern classic indeed
One of the great war WW II novels, war at sea novels, and maritime (in any category) novels. And a great "people study"
In short, the story follows the thread of young Midshipman Willie Keith growing through initial training, deployment to sea, battle, and eventually command. Along the way he encounters a romance with a woman, romance with the navy and the sea, dances with death, and hardship under the command of a horrifically unfit captain . . . Captain Queeg, which name has become synonymous with tyranical and world class eccentric leadership. Willie Keith is tested, tried and in the end . . . (I'll let the reader find out).
Wonderful tale, told by one of my favorite novelists, Herman Wouk. In this particular work, besides the gripping tale, I was especially impressed with Wouk's accomplishment in creating the assortment of characters in play. The personalities remain faithful to their created character throughout. An incredible array it is --novelists, lawyers, crude mariners, singers, doting mothers, et al.
A long time ago I was in the Navy (submarine navy) with over four years at sea. It is quite apparent to me that Wouk wrote from personal naval experience, and wartime experience to boot.
Do read this one. It's a novel that educates, gives pause to self-evaluate, and is an absolute "page-turner".
Equally Rebuke and Tribute
Herman Wouk's novel of a young ensign entering the Navy an irresponsible youth and exiting as a man he first abhors begins as a coming of age story and ends as a personal rebuke. For most of the story, this rebuke is hidden behind the supposed madness of the ship's unfortunate captain and the increasing angst of the ship's officers. Once removed from the stresses of sea duty and filtered through the hindsight of a Navy lawyer, though, the rebuke becomes clear, as does Wouk's lasting tribute to those who guard our shores and borders in war and in peace.
For most, Wouk's story of mutiny at sea has become a classic tale for its empathic characters, twisting plot, and hair raising mutiny. The subsequent trial is absorbing, its cross examinations especially withering. All of these aspects of the story are well appreciated. But for me, the highlight of the book was discovering the rebuke and tribute above--first in Wouk's heroic lawyer, next in his eventually competent protagonist, and finally throughout the midst of his fascinating tale.
One of the classic novels of World War Two
The Caine Mutiny is one of great novels about World War Two. Instead of great sea battles, Wouk tells the war from a viewpoint more common to the service of most naval officers and men in WW II. And that common experience is one of boredom, being stuck in out of the way places doing mundane jobs, the intense clash between second rate career officers and officers and men only in the US Navy for "the duration." This is the book which made Wouk's career and justly so. I have spoken to US Navy vets from WW II over the years and they have often told me that The Caine Mutiny is by far the best representation of US navy life in WW Two which has ever been written.
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