Mr Midshipman Hornblower (A Horatio Hornblower Tale of the Sea)

Of my growing list of Hornblower-books-read I found this to be most helpful in seeing how the gallant Hornblower found his way into the British Navy (he was apparently gang-pressed, but as a midshipman). This book is pretty much a compendium of short stories that light the way by which we know this wonderful character. We see him when he comes aboard and promptly gets seasick, but then how he rises to many occasions of dealing with the seas or his enemies. Forester is a wonderful writer and though the book is rich in nautical chat of the period, Forester spoons it out skillfully so that we can tell what's going on. So, it's another top-notch Hornblower book -- just not as good as the others I've read. But, as I say in my headline, average Hornblower is better than the adventure than most other writers offer up. Gonna just keep readin' till the end.

Reading CS Forester's Horatio Hornblower series is always great. His stories are definitely different from Paul O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series. Different styles, but both great. CS Forester writes a simpler tale that doesn't need as much "translation" of sea terms as O'Brian novels.

Sea stories are my favorite genre. Some of the English language's best writing, fiction or non-fiction, has centered on the oceans. A short list of authors: Melville, Conrad, O'Brian, Marryat, Wouk, Hemingway, Steinbeck, Nathaniel Philbrick, Rachel Carson, and Jacques Cousteau.

This first book of the Hornblower series is filled with one great adventure after another. There are images which have stayed in my mind for years since my first reading long ago. Absolutely essential sea saga.

C.S. Forester never ceases to entertain me and teach me about the
age the novels are set in. He not only weaves exciting stories, but is extremely
knowledgeable when it comes to history and the fighting ships of the era.

This historical fiction book was entertaining and captured my attention from the very beginning. My daughter needed a book to read for her Global history class. The other books on the selection list were all written around or the early 1900's. I chose this book because it was written more recently. I began reading the book to preview it but couldn't put it down. My daughter enjoyed reading the book as well.

I have little to say about Hornblower per se. Excellent adventure stories with a fine naval setting. The quality of print and binding of the book (trade paperback size) was excellent. What more needs to be said?

C.S. Forrester captures the true feel of being at sea. For those who have no knowledge of sailing ships, it would be very difficult reading. I can't claim to understand it completely but that didn't keep me from enjoying it thoroughly.

Plot, setting, character development. All there.
The plot was as expected, midshipmen are what they are, beginning sailors. Setting is developed enough to bring you back to difficulties of wooden ships, and Mr Hornblower is as expected surrounded by life and personnel of the period.
All in all, an enjoyable experience which I will follow up with his next promotion, and Hotspur.

this is my first hornblower book. i have read the complete series by patrick obrien of the tales of jack aubrey. as a comparison, i think the jack aubrey series is superior, but i am enjoying the hornblower story very much.

Reading the entire Hornblower Saga in sequence which I never did as a youth. Hemingway is right, NOBODY tells a story better than C.S.Forester. I am passing the series (in book form) to my nieces (girls need to learn the principles of leadership, as well as or better than boys) and nephews. Reading Hornblower was my father's gift to me.

Perhaps Forester was anxious to get on with the sea story to focus much attention to the dialogue. The character development is a bit muddled. But the story line was gripping and he did a good job describing what life must have been like back in those days. It's good reading for lovers of sea and sail. It's a real testosterone rush. I'm now on the second (Lieutenant) story and it does get better. So far I favor Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series.