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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
4.2 stars rounded down
The first of CSF's Hornblower books, this is THE classic tale of its kind, that is to say of the lonely, self-doubting military leader, far from home, who must fight impossible odds against an implacable enemy.
One of the great things about this novel is that CSF begins the tale in medias res and only gradually gives biographical details about Hornblower as needed. For example, we learn that he has had two prior commands, though we are never given any details of ship or mission. (Of course, CSF works out some of these biographical details in later books.)
The first of CSF's Hornblower books, this is THE classic tale of its kind, that is to say of the lonely, self-doubting military leader, far from home, who must fight impossible odds against an implacable enemy.
One of the great things about this novel is that CSF begins the tale in medias res and only gradually gives biographical details about Hornblower as needed. For example, we learn that he has had two prior commands, though we are never given any details of ship or mission. (Of course, CSF works out some of these biographical details in later books.)
A friend is a massive fan of this series and has been trying to persuade me to read them for years. Apparently you can either attack them in publishing, or chronological order. I went for the former and and for the sake of a little peace and quiet, I burned some Bezos Bucks and bought the first one.
I wasn't really expecting it to be my cup of tea, but I actually really enjoyed it. I liked the main character as despite being a captain and no sufferer of fools, he was full of anxiety and imposter syndrome, yet got the job done. Something I can identify with. Certainly very refreshing in a world of 'perfect' protagonists.
The eBook seemed to be the best way to read it as there was plenty of naval terminology that the Kindle's built in dictionary made short work of. I now know my mizzens, bulwarks and bowsprits from my carronades. It certainly added a lot of atmosphere.
Some of the language used was certainly a little problematic, but was probably perfectly acceptable in 1937 when the book was written and definitely 'of its time' in 1808 when the story was set. It didn't ruin it and sometimes you just have to put things in context and power through.
Good stuff though, I will be dipping into the series more in the future.
I wasn't really expecting it to be my cup of tea, but I actually really enjoyed it. I liked the main character as despite being a captain and no sufferer of fools, he was full of anxiety and imposter syndrome, yet got the job done. Something I can identify with. Certainly very refreshing in a world of 'perfect' protagonists.
The eBook seemed to be the best way to read it as there was plenty of naval terminology that the Kindle's built in dictionary made short work of. I now know my mizzens, bulwarks and bowsprits from my carronades. It certainly added a lot of atmosphere.
Some of the language used was certainly a little problematic, but was probably perfectly acceptable in 1937 when the book was written and definitely 'of its time' in 1808 when the story was set. It didn't ruin it and sometimes you just have to put things in context and power through.
Good stuff though, I will be dipping into the series more in the future.
adventurous
medium-paced
Very enjoyable, the psychology of Hornblower well conveyed, more "graphic" than I expected - which I consider a plus.
3.5 stars. The 5th Hornblower novel in the series but the first one written chronologically. Really enjoy these novels and reading the previous novels gave me a greater background and insight into his personality and intricacies.
I loved the Horatio Hornblower TV series and thought that if the movies were so good than the books must be worth the read.
My conclusion after reading the first one? Absolutely yes!
The story starts when the frigate Lydia is already on route to her destination in Spanish controled Central America. Hornblower must follow his admiralty issued orders, control his emotions, act the confident captain, win his battles, keep his press-ganged men happy, his ship stocked and repaired and make his way home.
Great characters, exciting battles and stellar storytelling make this a great book and I hope a great series.
My conclusion after reading the first one? Absolutely yes!
The story starts when the frigate Lydia is already on route to her destination in Spanish controled Central America. Hornblower must follow his admiralty issued orders, control his emotions, act the confident captain, win his battles, keep his press-ganged men happy, his ship stocked and repaired and make his way home.
Great characters, exciting battles and stellar storytelling make this a great book and I hope a great series.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A smart and daring hero! Action packed ship battles at sea! Colonial racism, sexism, and classism!
Don't you want to read sentences like this?
Horatio Hornblower blew me away. I was not expecting such an engaging book and would never have read it if it wasn't for book club (thanks Frank!). The pacing of this book is on par with current thrillers. I was never bored, even with all the nautical terminology. On top of a fast paced story, you'll also get a subtle critique of British colonialism, racist bias decision making, sexist and classist assumptions regarding other characters on board the Lydia.
Readers will immediately bond with Hornblower. I wanted him to succeed and cheered this successes. He's harder on himself than anyone else, earns the respect of those around him, and is thankful for his luck. He knows his limits. A character anyone would be honored to know or call a friend.
The cherry on top of this already delightful book is Lady Barbara Wellesley. A woman who challenges Hornblower's assumptions of women and class.
Come for the ship battles that will scratch your Pirates of the Caribbean itch. Stay for the character development and social commentary.
Character Development: 4 stars
Story: 5 stars
Writing/Prose: 4 stars
Don't you want to read sentences like this?
"Hankey the surgeon had died of all the complications of drink and syphilis off the Horn."
Horatio Hornblower blew me away. I was not expecting such an engaging book and would never have read it if it wasn't for book club (thanks Frank!). The pacing of this book is on par with current thrillers. I was never bored, even with all the nautical terminology. On top of a fast paced story, you'll also get a subtle critique of British colonialism, racist bias decision making, sexist and classist assumptions regarding other characters on board the Lydia.
"It was Hornblower's nature to find no pleasure in achieving things he could do; his ambition was always yearning after the impossible, to appear a strong silent capable man, unmoved by emotion."
Readers will immediately bond with Hornblower. I wanted him to succeed and cheered this successes. He's harder on himself than anyone else, earns the respect of those around him, and is thankful for his luck. He knows his limits. A character anyone would be honored to know or call a friend.
The cherry on top of this already delightful book is Lady Barbara Wellesley. A woman who challenges Hornblower's assumptions of women and class.
"Hornblower almost stamped on the deck with rage. He was unused to a woman who could display practical commonsense like this."
Come for the ship battles that will scratch your Pirates of the Caribbean itch. Stay for the character development and social commentary.
Character Development: 4 stars
Story: 5 stars
Writing/Prose: 4 stars
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced