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forestidylls's review against another edition
4.0
I really debated between three or four stars. I think I would have gone with three and a half if I could. It was, as the two books before, well written and interesting. I am not entirely happy with Hornblower's character development - I felt like he was rather cranky and irritable, hence the lower stars. Still worth a read.
lalalioon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cc_modeler's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-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
4.0
holly_153's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
willdowney's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jonathanpalfrey's review against another edition
3.0
This story begins with Hornblower marrying Maria (a bad move) and ends with him gaining promotion from commander to captain (a good move). In the middle, he has a lot of arduous duty patrolling the western coast of France in all weathers, so he sees almost nothing of his new wife.
I tend to sympathize with the protagonist of a story. When he's happy, I'm happy. When he's unhappy or uncomfortable, so am I. In this story, he does his duty well and gets some credit for it, but he's often cold and wet and stressed, trying to write letters to a wife he never really wanted, and struggling with his own internal conflicts. He remains underpaid, badly clothed, and never gets any prize money.
Partway through, he gains an excellent personal servant named Doughty, but then loses him again. Having read all these stories repeatedly, I'd forgotten that Doughty remains with him for only part of one book. It's a shame; he deserved to have his services for longer.
I tend to sympathize with the protagonist of a story. When he's happy, I'm happy. When he's unhappy or uncomfortable, so am I. In this story, he does his duty well and gets some credit for it, but he's often cold and wet and stressed, trying to write letters to a wife he never really wanted, and struggling with his own internal conflicts. He remains underpaid, badly clothed, and never gets any prize money.
Partway through, he gains an excellent personal servant named Doughty, but then loses him again. Having read all these stories repeatedly, I'd forgotten that Doughty remains with him for only part of one book. It's a shame; he deserved to have his services for longer.
hennerz's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
yvettekeller's review against another edition
5.0
Married to the Sea, and a Woman
I enjoyed Hornblower's trials and tribulations as captain of the Hotspur. Highly recommended to those who like reading about the historical struggles of the Napoleonic Wars, and the psychological efforts of being a captain in the British navy.
I enjoyed Hornblower's trials and tribulations as captain of the Hotspur. Highly recommended to those who like reading about the historical struggles of the Napoleonic Wars, and the psychological efforts of being a captain in the British navy.
megadan777's review against another edition
4.0
The third Hornblower book chronologically is back to the perspective of Hornblower himself. It begins with his recent marriage and journey as a Commander of his own ship the Hotspur. It's interesting to see his growth from the first book and his now advanced leadership skills and care for his men and country. With England and France at war again we follow the naval exploits in the French and Spanish coasts. Foresters knowledge of naval history is superb and makes me want to delve further into its history.
thomas_g's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5