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  • Whirlwind

  • The Asian Saga, Book 6
  • By: James Clavell
  • Narrated by: Derek Perkins
  • Length: 52 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (32 ratings)

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Whirlwind

By: James Clavell
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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Publisher's Summary

The gripping epic novel of the 1979 Iranian Revolution by the #1 New York Times bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction, James Clavell

Tehran, Iran 1979: Simmering religious tensions finally explode, and the Iranian people rise up against the Shah. The country, once secular, is now thrown back into an orthodoxy that threatens to tear it apart. The United States and Russia go on high alert, with warships heading to the Middle East. The region becomes a powder keg, waiting to explode. Caught up in the revolution are a British helicopter company and its pilots. The oil fields of Iran need helicopters to ferry workers and administrators, and when the main US aviation company pulls out of Iran fearing what might come next, S-G Helicopters steps in to fill the void. Soon they realize that they, too, must leave or risk losing all their machines to whomever takes control of the country. The company risks bankruptcy if that happens—which would ruin Andrew Gallavan and reveal that the company is actually owned by a secret Hong Kong–based consortium: Noble House, controlled by the Struan family. Caught in between is his son, Scot, a pilot in Iran who must help save his father’s company, but also the other pilots and their families. In a risky move, the pilots concoct a plan to get their choppers out of Iran. But will they be able to escape a country crumbling around them before it’s too late?

A rich panoply of characters brings to life the events of forty years ago, events that even now have ramifications throughout the Middle East and beyond. Fast-paced and full of action and intrigue, Whirlwind is an intricately plotted and detailed tale of war, love, and the ingenuity of the human spirit, told by James Clavell, the unparalleled master of historical fiction.

©2013 James Clavell (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Whirlwind

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Whirlwind was a hard listen

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I loved the Asain Saga when I was younger and having now re-read or listened to books 1-5 I have no problem recommending them, but his 6th book just seemed to drag on and I found it a labour to finish. Go for books 1-5 (Shogun, Taipan, Gai-jin, King Rat and Noble House) and forget 6 (Whirlwind) and Escape which is just a cut down version of Whirlwind.

Has Whirlwind put you off other books in this genre?

No. But if you do read this definitely don't read Escape, it is a cut-down version of this novel with no new material.

Was Whirlwind worth the listening time?

I didn't think so. Loved Shogun, Taipan, Gai-jin, King Rat and Noble House but less so Whirlwind.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Despite its age the story is as captivating as ever.

The best of Clavell's works. The story is detailed, technically and historically accurate and he brings the characters to life in style. This is ably supported by the narrator who does a great job of the reading.

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