Meet the quiet, gawky, strangely impressive young man, newly commissioned into Nelson's navy, and sail with him aboard H.M.S. Indefatigable to the Western Atlantic, through a... more...series of dramatic battles and scrapes.
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Best Deals for Mr Midshipman Hornblower - C. S. Foreste...
Once you start it, you won't be able to switch it off!
How does it compare to similar audio books?
Excellent
How does it compare to audio works by the same author?
Excellent
Advantages:
A good read for anyone who likes naval history and a ripping yarn
Disadvantages:
If you dont like naval history or a good story you wont like it
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The Hornblower series of books by C.S. Forester is a must for anyone who enjoys both naval history and a 'ripping yarn'.
Each book is individually well written with excellent plots woven into actual historical events. The character of Horatio Hornblower is both likeable and believeable as he is flawed with his own self doubts.
The Hornblower series covers Hornblowers career from Midshipman to Admiral and can be picked up at any point. However if you want to start at the beginning 'Mr Midshipman Hornblower' is where he first joins the Royal Navy and his first ship with a sick captain.
The recent TV series does not do justice to the stories and actually made the mistake of making the character a stereotype 'hero'. Part of the charm of Hornblower is he is not a strong, self assured leader of men but full of self doubt.
For instance in this the first of the Hornblower novels our hero, bullied by a tyrant to the point where he no longer wishes to live, (which anyone who has suffered bullying will identify with) realises that a duel with the bully would provide a way out. As a form of suicide or his antagonists death. CS Forestor provides an unexpected outcome and leads on to the next instalment aboard a frigate with action and adventure.
(The TV series ruins this storyline because they cannot make the character anything but 'strong' so came up with a non-sensical explanation for the duel.)
For some great stories of life in Nelsons navy then beat to quarters, set course for Mr Midshipman Hornblower and prepare for action and adventure.
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