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I received an "F" on my 9th grade book report on THE CAINE MUTINY. One would
think that I'd hate a book that threatened to smudge my otherwise pristine academic
record, but because of the message, which to me resounded clearly of "it's okay to
buck the system," the Pulitzer Prize winning, best-selling novel about World War II
has always held a very special place in my heart. I chose the book at the suggestion of
the assistant city librarian, Sarah Elwell, a neighbor and good friend of my mother. The
Central Junior High School teacher who gave the assignment didn't count on upstarts like
me having access to the adult stacks in the Public Library (I'd owned the coveted
"A" card since the fifth grade). Thank you, Sarah, for your guidance, wisdom and
courage in the face of the wrath of Mrs. Whatsername. See? I bear no grudges.
Why the "F?" First, THE CAINE MUTINY contained swear words. The four letter kind
--- including a phrase that shall forever remain in my driving repertoire: "Jesus H.
Roosevelt Christ!!" Worse, THE CAINE MUTINY promoted antiestablishment thought at
least a decade ahead of the '60s free thought movement. It was clearly not suitable
reading material for a well-bred young lady of tender years.
Meanwhile in the real world, the book launched Herman Wouk's writing career. The
characters and their expressions, nervous tics and foibles have become a part of
Americana. Commander Queeg and his one-handed ball bearing rolling that drove Ensign
Willie Keith and his shipmates on the ill-fated U.S.S. Caine to the edge of mutiny clings
to the collective memory. Humphrey Bogart was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal as
Captain Queeg in the 1954 movie, which received nominations in several other
categories.
The fateful action takes place in the South Seas between September 1943 and December 1944.
Wouk, who served under two captains in World War II on a destroyer minesweeper, apologizes
in his forward for the salty language, which he claims to have severely edited to prevent
"annoying some readers." The book now rightfully appears on the reading lists of
most young readers as a rewarding, enjoyable chronicle of the U.S. Navy in time of war.
And rightfully so. As for the language and message that so assaulted the tender
sensibilities of Mrs. Whatsername --- it's a very good thing she's probably no longer
around to see today's books.
One more thanks is in order to Sarah Elwell. She went to bat for me, and I got an
"A."
--- Reviewed by Roz Shea
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