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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Lot of fun if you're into nautical adventures. Get ready to look up a lot of terminology, though. I look forward to more of this series.
adventurous
lighthearted
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
BEAT TO QUARTERS!
This is a classic historical adventure, and it's easy to see why. Thrilling battle sequences mix with tales of horror at sea and daring heroism. The historical research, for the most part (I'm a bit annoyed about Forester's simplistic portrayal of the fascinatingly complex Ottoman Empire), was impeccable.
Unfortunately, the VERY episodic narrative of this book was to its detriment. Some battle scenes were thrilling (the battle with the Spanish galleys comes to mind) but some of these action scenes just felt like more of the same. As a whole, the story lacked cohesion. I think this book should be marketed as a short story collection, not a novel.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading about the struggles of the unfortunately named Horatio Hornblower. It seems that not all Hornblower books share this structure, and, seeing as that is the case, I would definitely read more Hornblower.
I'll finish off by addressing the controversial Patrick O'Brien VS. C S Forester argument. I personally haven't read any Patrick O'Brien (although I definitely plan to), but judging from Peter Weir's phenomenal adaptation, I would say I'll probably end up on O'Brien's side of the camp. Sorry, Forester!
CONTENT ADVISORY (for parents and sensitive readers)
Sex: a few very subtle references.
Violence: somewhat strong. Characters are stabbed, shot, drowned etc. Blood and carnage are described. There is a particularly disturbing scene involving a rat biting a man's face.
Language: 'damn', 'hell' and other similar expletives.
This is a classic historical adventure, and it's easy to see why. Thrilling battle sequences mix with tales of horror at sea and daring heroism. The historical research, for the most part (I'm a bit annoyed about Forester's simplistic portrayal of the fascinatingly complex Ottoman Empire), was impeccable.
Unfortunately, the VERY episodic narrative of this book was to its detriment. Some battle scenes were thrilling (the battle with the Spanish galleys comes to mind) but some of these action scenes just felt like more of the same. As a whole, the story lacked cohesion. I think this book should be marketed as a short story collection, not a novel.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading about the struggles of the unfortunately named Horatio Hornblower. It seems that not all Hornblower books share this structure, and, seeing as that is the case, I would definitely read more Hornblower.
I'll finish off by addressing the controversial Patrick O'Brien VS. C S Forester argument. I personally haven't read any Patrick O'Brien (although I definitely plan to), but judging from Peter Weir's phenomenal adaptation, I would say I'll probably end up on O'Brien's side of the camp. Sorry, Forester!
CONTENT ADVISORY (for parents and sensitive readers)
Sex: a few very subtle references.
Violence: somewhat strong. Characters are stabbed, shot, drowned etc. Blood and carnage are described. There is a particularly disturbing scene involving a rat biting a man's face.
Language: 'damn', 'hell' and other similar expletives.
Surprisingly more fast paced that I anticipated. I got somewhat lost in the details of battle scenes and in the description of card game. There are a few scenes that I would not recommend for children or anyone sensitive to the realities of war, etc.. Although those scenes are brief. I kept reminding myself that this Mr. Hornblower is very young, mind-blowingly young to be experiencing such situations. I appreciate the peek into the contradictions between his mind and what is seen by others, and the fastly maturing young man and the decisions he makes. I enjoyed this read and look forward to the rest of the series!
I've been curious about this series for a long while, so I'm glad I finally made the time to read this first book. I liked it but I'm not crazy for it; there are many nautical terms I am unfamiliar with so perhaps being in the know would spur me on, but I doubt I'll keep going.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
the movies are so much better in my opinion, they connect all the stories, add more interesting dialogue which makes characters more relatable and includes more dramatic scenes.
I also don't know any seamanship terminology which made this so hard to read. After loving the movies I was hoping to love this but oh well 🥲
I also don't know any seamanship terminology which made this so hard to read. After loving the movies I was hoping to love this but oh well 🥲
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower is a compelling and well-read piece of age of sail fiction, its writing style is easy to follow and C.S. Forester knows when and what historical details to include and what to omit, unlike some historical fiction writers. His character of Horatio Hornblower is compelling enough as the freshly commissioned Midshipman he is and his character growth feels natural and engaging to see.
Fan-freaking-tastic book!
I need to pick up the rest of these ASAP.
For those, like me, who have no idea what it's about, it's a naval tale about Mr. Hornblower as he embarks upon his career in the British Navy around the 1790s.
It's amazingly well-written in that it gives enough detail to really let you know what's happening on the various ships, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed or like you need to know more about saililng to understand.
It's broken into short-story chapters, which is great if you're coming off of reading a long epic of a book and need something you can put down.
I wish I'd found these 15 years ago.
I need to pick up the rest of these ASAP.
For those, like me, who have no idea what it's about, it's a naval tale about Mr. Hornblower as he embarks upon his career in the British Navy around the 1790s.
It's amazingly well-written in that it gives enough detail to really let you know what's happening on the various ships, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed or like you need to know more about saililng to understand.
It's broken into short-story chapters, which is great if you're coming off of reading a long epic of a book and need something you can put down.
I wish I'd found these 15 years ago.