Lieutenant Hornblower by C.S. Forester Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Lieutenant Hornblower
Book Review: An interesting perspective on Hornblower
Summary: 5 Stars
This book in the Hornblower series gives us the opportunity to observe Lieutenant Hornblower through the eyes of Lieutenant William Bush. Bush's perspective on Hornblower allows us to see some of why Hornblower is so able to advance in his naval career. Horblower's "moral and physical courage" make him attractive to his fellow naval officers and most likely this is what attracts the reader to Hornblower as well. Throughout the book we see Hornblower's courageous initiative mingled with his great respect for authority. He always knows just what to say to his commanding officers to move them in the right direction and he knows just how to say it so as not to usurp their authority or show disrespect. In the closing chapters we are also able to see that Hornblower is not simply a risk-taker when engaged in naval battle, but it is a part of his character in all situations and he always faces those risks with courage.I have now read Mr. Midshipman Hornblower and Lieutenant Hornblower - next up, Hornblower and the Hotspur.
If you have seen the A&E video series based on this book, you will find that there is quite a difference in the ending. I found the mutiny resolution to be much more satisfactory in the book.
Book Review: Hornblower as we wished he were
Summary: 4 Stars
Hornblower has a "hand?" in a near-mutiny against a paranoid and exasperatingly capricious captain (who has none of the real brilliance and fortitude of Capt. Bly of Mutiny on the Bounty), spurs gallant plans and vaulting action against the Spanish on Hayte during Toussaint's slave revolt, suffers an inquiry, and is put ashore to live by his card-wits. Despite being set on the West Indies station, the deadliest in all the budding British Empire, no seamen here suffer from tropical disease. Forester writes unevenly here, rather than sustaining the glories of the original trilogy (Books 6-8). This is partially due to our viewing Hornblower only through the eyes of another lieutenant, Bush, who is stolidly dull (Forester resorts to telling us what Bush's inchoate feelings WOULD be if only he could express them!). At least we can't see Hornblower's self-doubt that tiresomely emerges in later books whenever he awaits the onset of action (a small price to pay for such glorious stories). In this story, Bush witnesses the emergence of Hornblower's seeming deference and the brilliant tactical and interpersonal skills that blossom in his later commands.Book Review: The Most Renowned Officer in Naval Fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
Surely, Horatio Hornblower is the most gallant of all in historical fiction. Throughout all the Hornblower novels, C.S Forester introduce us the naval career of Hornblower. Despite Hornblower's sad family background, he endures the hardship of life in the Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, when he starts off as a Midshipman. Through the years, he gains reputation- the "Terror of the Mediterranean". In Lieutenant Hornblower, he suffers under the command of the crazy Captain Sawyer. Although he is the Junior Lieutenant, he saves the ship from the batteries of Samana, by coming up with his ingenious ideas. Near the end, they are in danger of declared guilty of mutiny.Book Review: A Bush's eye view of Hornblower
Summary: 5 Stars
Unique in the Hornblower series we see the story written from the perspective of Lieutenant Bush who begins as his superior officer and finishes as his junior (maybe?) It is a well written book which gives a better perspective to both characters. As always a ripping and accurate yarn of the sea and the times. Strangely it sufferes in comparison to the latest of the Hornblower series from A&E simply since the Characters of Hobbs and Captian Sawyer are fleshed out in the series but not in this book as much. Since the book is written in the eyes of Bush this could not be helped but it is a minor point. As always we see resourcefullness , action and of course Whist. A great book from a great series. It's worth the money.Book Review: One of the best books in the series!
Summary: 5 Stars
Lieutenant Hornblower is definitely one of the best books in C.S. Forrester's classic series! Set aboard the 74 gun ship of the line Renown, we see a Hornblower that is only apparent in this book. He still young enough to be the boyish hero, but with a maturity that gives him a presence that everyone from the lowest seaman to the highest admiral recognizes and respects. We see the birth of the lifelong friendship that forms between the loyal lieutenant William Bush and Hornblower. Bush outranks him, and is initially suspicious of our brilliant young hero, but soon grows to respect and like him as their captain's madness threatens the ship. This novel is unique in the Hornblower saga as it is told entirely from the perspective of Bush. This prevents the reader from having to listen to all the self doubt that plagues poor Horatio, which can get rather annoying after you've read 10 books of it. I wouldn't recommend starting with this book, as it is set between Mr. Midshipman Hornblower and Hornblower and the Hotspur. Follow a loyal reader's advice, and start with one of the Captain books. But, definitely read this one as soon as you can. The battles, the scenery, and even the characters are described in Forrester's typical fashion, in deep detail. The details really make the novel come to life. I would also recommend seeing the excellent Horatio Hornblower movies done by A&E. The Welsh actor who portrays Hornblower, Ioan Gruffudd, does an absolutely amazing job. See the movies, it doesn't matter whether you've read the books or not. Start these books when you've got a lot of free time, because I guarantee that you won't be able to put them down!