The Caine Mutiny: A Novel
by Herman Wouk

List Price: $15.99
Our Price: $9.01
You Save: $6.98 (44%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $1.99 (click here)
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions

Book Summary Information

Book Reviews of The Caine Mutiny: A Novel

Book Review: I appreciate it even more on my third read
Summary: 5 Stars

The mutiny, the defense and the acquittal of the Executive Office Mayrk, all revolved around psychological theories of mental illness. The officers, especially Keefer, see Queegs erratic behavior as symptomatic of psychological illness. As their dissatisfaction of the Queegs leadership grows, the more they theorize about his mental stability. Of course, as we see at the end of the book, Queeg did not suffer as much from a psychological problem, as he did from character deficiencies. Greenwald, the attorney for the defense, is able to turn the words of the Freudian psychologist (an expert witness for the prosecution) back upon him, so the psychologist admits that Queeg must have been mentally ill at the time of the mutiny. I find it ironic that using that logic, most readers of this review would be found mentally incompetent as well. What makes this novel successful (aside from good writing) is that Wouk taps into Americas love affair with psychology as the explanation for human behavior. The building of character takes second place to the building of ones self-esteem and mental health. It is a formula for disaster for our society today, as it was for the officers and crew of the Caine.

This brings us to the second issue- leadership. It is particularly ironic that Keefer, the real instigator of the mutiny, the junior officer who most lack character, fails when he finally becomes captain of the Caine- he buckles under pressure and prematurely abandons ship after it is attacked leaving our hero, Willie Keith, in charge. As a result of his heroism, Willie becomes the Caines last captain. It is only under the weight of leadership that both Keefer and Keith begin to realize how difficult leadership is and the stress that Queeg was under. They discover that it is easier to complain than to lead, to foment dissension than to encourage, and to second-guess than to take responsibility.

Any complaints? Yes one. The portrayal of the black seamen who served as orderlies reflects that time long past. Was there not one back sailor on board who spoke and acted like a man? Of course there was, but too bad Wouk restored to racist stereotypes in his portrayal of these sailors.

Summary of The Caine Mutiny: A Novel

World War II Books

• Books > Subjects > History > Military
• Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Action & Adventure
• War
• Literary