It has the underlying sense of values of Tales of the South Pacific. The Caine Mutiny traced Willie Keith’s development from his pampered beginnings, his commissioning and early years as a naval officer through his participation in the most insubordinate act an armed services member can commit. I'm not a navy man. 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. With the word "mutiny" in the title the mutiny gets the attention, and it is the center piece, but the book is more than that. I've always enjoyed the film version of The Caine Mutiny and hence was excited at last to find an old 1951 printing of the novel itself. This has the sombre and dramatic values of Mister Roberts. I can relate. Read 976 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. This is a good book. It is a good picture of military life, both the good and the bad. Book Review – The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk Herman Wouk crafted the most brilliant bildungsroman I’ve had the pleasure of reading. If you have not read it and are interested in World War II or military life, read it. I received an "F" on my 9th grade book report on THE CAINE MUTINY. The Caine Mutiny book. I spent my time in the army. As I rather expected, Herman Wouk indeed had done a marvelous job, both more detailed and also subtler than the ensuing film. It lacks the quick "gag" play, but the situations, even when tragic, are brightened by humor.