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A review by thisotherbookaccount
Hornblower and the Hotspur by C.S. Forester
4.0
If finding your sea legs takes time, then the same can be said about ancient naval terminology. Three books into CS Forester's Hornblower series, and I am finally finding my way around commonplace naval terms that seamen used to yell at each other on deck and below. It's still a work in progress, of course, but now I know what it means when a ship is 'close-hauled', for example.
With some naval literacy in mind, it is now much easier to slip into Hornblower's adventures — and what an adventure thus far! Hornblower and the Hotspur is likely the most exciting chapter yet, with our titular character assuming the lead role onboard Hotspur. Again, this book is filled with battles at sea, some of which even spilling onto dry land. What makes this book a notch above the rest is how Forester develops Hornblower as a character beyond his role as the captain of the ship. As a newly wed, Hornblower is also trying to get used to his new role as husband, and you gradually see him slide into his shoes throughout the story. Maybe it's because this book was the last book Forester wrote for the series (though chronologically the third in the series), but this one feels a lot more mature and thought out.
Looking forward to the next book in this series!
With some naval literacy in mind, it is now much easier to slip into Hornblower's adventures — and what an adventure thus far! Hornblower and the Hotspur is likely the most exciting chapter yet, with our titular character assuming the lead role onboard Hotspur. Again, this book is filled with battles at sea, some of which even spilling onto dry land. What makes this book a notch above the rest is how Forester develops Hornblower as a character beyond his role as the captain of the ship. As a newly wed, Hornblower is also trying to get used to his new role as husband, and you gradually see him slide into his shoes throughout the story. Maybe it's because this book was the last book Forester wrote for the series (though chronologically the third in the series), but this one feels a lot more mature and thought out.
Looking forward to the next book in this series!