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crtney's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
krismoon's review against another edition
2.0
You know when a book really bores you when you're listening to it on the I-5 going through central California and it can't hold your attention.
I think I need to take a break from older books for a while. The many references to beating young boys because "it's good for them" had me shaking my head too much for my liking.
I think I need to take a break from older books for a while. The many references to beating young boys because "it's good for them" had me shaking my head too much for my liking.
lonecayt's review against another edition
4.0
It was rather good - much more put-together than Midshipman. An intriguing form of narration as well - as though Hornblower were a supporting character, though he was more fleshed out than even the narrator.
iainkelly_writing's review
5.0
The 2nd novel in the series chronologically. unlike the first it is told from the point of view of Lieutenant Bush, who meets and serves with our hero, the start of a friendship that continues through the rest of the series. Perfect escapism for the current lockdown world, adventures on high seas in foreign sunlit lands, and Forester is a master at managing to convey the workings of a naval ship in detail but never losing the reader and always making it sound exhilerating.
wynwicket's review against another edition
5.0
I'm getting used to much of the naval jargon (the jibs and fo'c'sles and suchlike) and I love that the story's told through Lt. Bush's point of view (though I can't help but picture Paul McGann from the movies--and this is a good thing). A good read, with a lot of action and great characters.
wejustsmiled's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jaburgos1701's review against another edition
4.0
This was the first book of the Hornblower saga that I read and the first C.S. Forester book I have read. I was hooked from the first chapter. I don't think I can say this of any book I have ever read... except for the other Hornblower books I have read since this one.
I love how Forester doesn't bog the reader down with page after page of describing the character's thoughts and ruminations on the things of life. He gives descriptions of characters, scenery, and Hornblower's thoughts but does it quickly and moves on.
I also love that he is focused on telling a fun and exciting adventure. I liked how this book tells the story from the perspective of Lieutenant Bush. Hornblower seems a bit detached and it's sometimes difficult to understand his motive behind the things he does. What is clear is that Hornblower is a heroic and bold character. He comes off as intelligent and thoughtful, daring but not rash. The way the story treats the accident of Captain Sawyer also left me wondering what really happened to him. It almost had wondering if Hornblower was some how more knowledgeable of what happened to the captain then he lets on.
This book was fun and exciting and I recommend it to anyone. It might not be a bad introduction to Hornblower for someone who has never read the character. I don't fell as if something was lost to me by having read this book first.
I love how Forester doesn't bog the reader down with page after page of describing the character's thoughts and ruminations on the things of life. He gives descriptions of characters, scenery, and Hornblower's thoughts but does it quickly and moves on.
I also love that he is focused on telling a fun and exciting adventure. I liked how this book tells the story from the perspective of Lieutenant Bush. Hornblower seems a bit detached and it's sometimes difficult to understand his motive behind the things he does. What is clear is that Hornblower is a heroic and bold character. He comes off as intelligent and thoughtful, daring but not rash. The way the story treats the accident of Captain Sawyer also left me wondering what really happened to him. It almost had wondering if Hornblower was some how more knowledgeable of what happened to the captain then he lets on.
This book was fun and exciting and I recommend it to anyone. It might not be a bad introduction to Hornblower for someone who has never read the character. I don't fell as if something was lost to me by having read this book first.
indio_ink's review against another edition
5.0
Much more of a plot than the first Hornblower novel and better characterization as well. The book offers a more substantial cast of characters"","" from the chillingly insane Capt Sawyer to the diffident first lieutenant Buckham who finds himself in control of HMS Renown and the suffering Mr Wellard.This is also the novel where Hornblower's best friend"","" William Bush first appears. (The contrast between the sensitive"","" intelligent Hornblower and the vigorous old salt Bush reminded me of that other counter-weighted pair of mariners"","" Aubrey and Maturin. This novel in fact is told from the point of view of Bush"","" a device that allows the reader another angle from which to appreciate the development of Hornblower's character.