The two volumes of War and Remembrance are a continuation of the story Wouk begins in The Winds of War. Indeed, much of the exposition that allows the reader to make sense of the various major plot lines of War and Remembrance is provided in the earlier novel. Thematically, these volumes are also closely allied to The Caine Mutiny.

Wouk is consistent over the decades in touting the virtues of the career military officer, the capability and adaptability of the non-careerist under pressure, and the courage of Americans when faced with adversity.