Williwaw (novel)

Williwaw is a 1946 novel by American author Gore Vidal. It was Vidal's first published novel, written when he was 19 years old while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.

The novel is a coming-of-age story set in the Aleutian Islands during the war. It follows the experiences of Private Edgar "Ed" Newgate, a young soldier stationed on an isolated island base. Newgate grapples with the harsh realities of military life, the boredom and isolation of his surroundings, and his own burgeoning homosexuality.

The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, the psychological effects of war, and the search for identity. The titular "williwaw" refers to a sudden, violent wind that is common in the Aleutians, and serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable and often destructive forces that shape the characters' lives.

While Williwaw received mixed reviews upon its initial publication, it is now considered a significant work in Vidal's oeuvre, offering insights into his early writing style and his exploration of themes that would recur throughout his career. It is also noted for its frank depiction of homosexual desire, which was relatively rare in American literature at the time.