Sailor and Fiddler

Reflections of a 100-Year-Old Author

By: Herman Wouk

Narrated by: Arthur Morey, Herman Wouk - introduction

In an unprecedented literary accomplishment, Herman Wouk, one of America's most beloved and enduring authors, reflects on his life and times from the remarkable vantage point of 100 years old.

Many years ago, the great British philosopher Sir Isaiah Berlin urged Herman Wouk to write his autobiography. Wouk responded, "Why me? I'm nobody." Berlin answered, "No, no. You've traveled. You've known many people. You have interesting ideas. It would do a lot of good."

Now, in the same year he has celebrated his 100th birthday, Herman Wouk finally reflects on the life experiences that inspired his most beloved novels. Among those experiences are his days writing for comedian Fred Allen's radio show, one of the most popular shows in the history of the medium; enlisting in the US Navy during World War II; falling in love with Betty Sarah Brown, the woman who would become his wife (and literary agent) for 66 years; writing his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Caine Mutiny as well as a big hit Broadway play, The Caine Mutiny Court Martial; and the surprising inspirations and people behind such masterpieces as The Winds of War, War and Remembrance, Marjorie Morningstar, and Youngblood Hawke.

Written with the wisdom of a man who has lived through two centuries and the wit of someone who began his career as a professional comedy writer, the first part of Wouk's memoir ("Sailor") refers to his Navy experience and writing career, the second ("Fiddler") to what he's learned from living a life of faith. Ultimately, Sailor and Fiddler is an unprecedented reflection from a vantage point few people have lived to experience.

©2016 Herman Wouk (P)2016 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

A pleasant bow to all of us

This autobiography is a rarity. Herman Wouk is a 100 yeas old! He wrote his autobiography from a standpoint of why he wrote. No self-aggrandizing, simple, and clear truth. A one of my all time favorite authors, I learned a lot about him in this short work. For example, I didn't know his wife was his manager. Without exaggeration, his books and mini-series Winds of War and War and Remembrance should be on everyone's bucket list whether you like history or not. They are a tour def force in writing.

Although this book is quite lite in facts, you get a real feel for the nature of his development. He don't shine much light on his personal affairs except to make sure you know how much he loved his wife, his faith and his opportunity to write for us and tell a story.

Wouk narrates the prologue and epilogue and leave the bulk of it to Arthur Morey. I teared up at the end when he declares that he has no more commitments, no more books to write, no more public stories to tell, his next chapter it to join he beloved deceased wife. Listen to this or not, but you must read what he call his main task in life: Winds of War and War and Remembrance.

8 tower of a man

I do not recommend reading this book if you are unfamiliar with Soul's fictional Works, especially Winds of War and War and Remembrance. it would be difficult to appreciate this man's life without first understanding his immense contribution 2 literature and the historical novel genre. once you have read one or more of his sweeping novels, you will Delight in learning about the source of his characters and his writing process.

Herman Wouk autobiography

Wouk is a great famous God fearing Jewish novelist. He writes this autobography as he approaches age 100. His religious beliefs did not hamper him from living in modern times beginning with his three years in the Navy mostly on a U.S. Destroyer. I envy his life and its diversity. The four stars rather than five is because the narrator had marbels in his mouth when trying to read somr Jewish Hebrew ,names and places. There were not that many but especially when he could not properly pronounce the Israel's most popular literary author and Nobel prize winner S. Y. Agnon.

Great expose.

After reading and listening to almost all of Wouk's books, I wanted to know more about him. This autobiography is detailed, funny and serious. How did he do that?

I adore Herman Wouk!

Herman Wouk has long been one of my favorite authors. Winds of War and War and Remembrance are two of my top 5 books I have ever read. I have read each of them several times. This book popped up on my screen two days ago, I believe. I listened to the entire thing (yes, it is short) today. I especially loved the prologue and epilogue as Mr Wouk read those himself. I was very interested to hear the longing and sadness he shared with the mention of his son Abe; I was touched by his respect and loving talk of his wife. Mr Wouk shared about his writing life. He is humble and humorous. He is brilliant, and I love him.

Fascinating insight into the author's craft

I recently listened to Kevin Pariseau's excellent reading of Wouk's "Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance" and was eager to know more about this great author and how he came to write these epics of WWII. This book reads like a bit of a collection of rough notes but it did its job giving me a real insight into his craft.