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cc_modeler's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
3.25
rainy_window's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
bkoser's review against another edition
4.0
Horatio Hornblower is one of my favorite fictional characters.
Hornblower is always thinking about how others think about him. He patterns his behavior on the crew's expectations of a captain. A paradoxical example: fear of his crew makes him act bravely. (Not necessarily a vain fear; mutiny is always a possibility for a weak or hated captain.) How much does the motive matter? Not at all to the crew, of course, but to Hornblower's soul? Aristotle said you become brave by doing brave acts, so maybe you can't answer that question until the end.
Hornblower is always thinking about how others think about him. He patterns his behavior on the crew's expectations of a captain. A paradoxical example: fear of his crew makes him act bravely. (Not necessarily a vain fear; mutiny is always a possibility for a weak or hated captain.) How much does the motive matter? Not at all to the crew, of course, but to Hornblower's soul? Aristotle said you become brave by doing brave acts, so maybe you can't answer that question until the end.
john_raine's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this a lot. I read one of the Aubrey/Maturin novels several years back and I think that I enjoyed Hornblower more. Very readable and I love the history. Will likely keep reading the following books
dotorsojak's review against another edition
4.0
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.)
redgates0742's review against another edition
4.0
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.
1outside's review
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
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.