I finally got the book Das Boot

gdogghenrikson · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 899

*topic* sure took waldon books long enough to get it though!

Sailor Steve · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 1:52 pm Post subject:

I got a copy at my local Barnes & Noble just a few weeks ago.

Haven't had time to read it yet.

gdogghenrikson · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 899

yea im only on page 14

Sailor Steve · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 3:25 pm Post subject:

I've finally started reading Das Boot, and I'm having trouble putting it down. I've read many novels featuring submarines, and more than a few technical and historical books. Das Boot surprised me, being a little of all three. Bucheim did a great job of avoiding the usual 'novelish' storytelling, about the captain's relationship with the first mate's wife and how it affects the crew. His characters are fictionalized versions of people he knew, and everyone seems to have his place in the story.

Those who said it earlier were right: the book IS better than the movie.

I still love the 5-hour 'Uncut' version, though.

gdogghenrikson · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 899

Torplexed · Joined: 25 Dec 2001 Posts: 1194 Location: Seattle, WA

I still have my battered paperback copy from 1976. Should learn to take better care of my things. Always got a kick out of how the cover art resembled a certain famous movie poster of about the same era. Curious as to what they are using for cover art nowdays.

Sailor Steve · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 1:13 pm Post subject:

I'm about 1/3 through now; just finished the chapter "First Attack". After my gentle critique of the movie I'm now enjoying the recognition of how faithful the long version of the movie actually is-almost word-for-word in some cases.

This seems to be the current cover: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0304352314/qid=1139076615/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-0494111-5396722?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

This taped version has the same cover as the book I'm reading: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0752866737/qid=1139076797/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/104-0494111-5396722?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

gdogghenrikson · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 899

Torplexed · Joined: 25 Dec 2001 Posts: 1194 Location: Seattle, WA

Thanks for the link. Cool

It's kinda mute testimony to how famous the motion picture has become that in the modern version they've put "Das Boot" on the cover with "The Boat" in smaller type beneath.

I enjoy the book more than the movie. Gets more personal and detailed about what the long weeks cooped up in a dank steel tube are like as opposed to the film. In particular, the "Storm" chapter. On the whole I found the novel quite a eye-opener when I first read it. Surprised

Sailor Steve · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 5:42 pm Post subject:

Have you seen the "Original, Uncut Version" (also known as the Miniseries)? It adds a lot, and follows the book pretty faithfully (at least the parts I've read so far).

As I read the book I'm also watching it for I think the fifth time.

Oh, I'm also halfway through now. I just finished reading the "Contact" chapter.

XabbaRus · Joined: 21 Sep 2001 Posts: 6949

$116 for the audio CD version

Wow

gdogghenrikson · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 899

Torplexed · Joined: 25 Dec 2001 Posts: 1194 Location: Seattle, WA

I have seen the "mini-series" version. Still enjoy the book more. Just me. Smile