The Caine Mutiny, Herman Wouk
Maybe you have to be ex-military for military books to
really appeal, but I have to believe that this one would easily cross into the
mainstream readership of any civilian bibliophile. As a former sailor myself, The Caine Mutiny was easy to relate to,
and the concept of incompetent leadership – and the untouchable dream of maybe
actually being able to do something about it – is certainly nothing new to
anyone who has ever put on a uniform.
The problem with The
Caine Mutiny is that it seems like it’s going to be a totally justifying
ride; you see the incompetence – bordering
on what appears to be insanity – and you can’t help but smile and nod when
comeuppance finally walks in the door.
And then, just when you’re ready to close the book in self-righteous
completion, Wouk does something really dirty.
And as much as you hate it, you know he’s right. I won’t elaborate any more than that; read the book and find out.
(also: Das Boot; Run
Silent, Run Deep; The Circle; The Hunt for Red October; Sand in the Wind; Fields of Fire; All Quiet on the Western Front; The Thin Red Line)
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