Reviews

The Happy Return by C.S. Forester

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1outside's review against another edition

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4.0

Very enjoyable, the psychology of Hornblower well conveyed, more "graphic" than I expected - which I consider a plus.

megadan777's review against another edition

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3.0

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.

eososray's review

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3.0

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.

waedawson's review against another edition

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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

5.0

mundinova's review against another edition

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4.0

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?

"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