Whirlwind: The Sixth Novel Of The Asian Saga Whirlwind Ride Meaning at Caren Knuckles blog Whirlwind Vortex Tornado Water Nature Storm Cyclone Illustration Whirlwind Stock Photo 192055766 : Shutterstock. Whirlwind is the story of three weeks in Tehran in February 1979: three weeks of fanaticism, passion, self sacrifice and heartbreak. Caught between the revolutionaries and the forces of international intrigue is a team of professional pilots. They are ordered to flee to safety with their helicopters. Two of them, both Europeans, have Iranian wives whom they love beyond safety and politics.