Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, by C.S. Forester

June 30, 2009 by Nekkidblogger
Filed under: C. S. Forester, Horatio Hornblower, Main character, bestseller, book review, historical fiction

Lots of new historical fiction book reviews!

Naval fiction:

The Horatio Hornblower Saga, by C. S. Forester
Alan Lewrie series, by Dewey Lambdin
Richard Bolitho series, by Alexander Kent
Lord Ramage series, by Dudley Pope
Kydd series, by Julian Stockwin
Frederick Marryat
Charles Edgemont series, by Jay Worrall
Nathaniel Drinkwater series, by Richard Woodman
Richard Delancey series, by C. Northcote Parkinson
The Fury series, by G.S. Beard

Other historical fiction:

Genghis Khan, by Conn Iggulden
Emperor, by Conn Iggulden
Gladiators of Empire, by James Duffy

Mr. Midshipman Hornblower is actually the sixth book in the Hornblower saga, even though it is the first in terms of chronology. The first book C. S. Forester wrote about this now very famous fictional character, was Beat to Quarters, and that is still arguably the best Hornblower book to read first. However, many readers want to start with Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, even though it is a little bit of a slow start.

In Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, young Horatio Hornblower is introduced to nautical life in a rather undistinguished fashion, as he arrives wet and a little seasick to the warship HMS Justinian while it is still in harbor! He is a painfully shy lad, and he soon falls under the power of one of those sadistic bullies the Royal Navy seemed to have so many of.

Midshipman Simpson, age thirty-three, has failed his examination for lieutenant too many times to ever expect promotion. He is said to be “diabolically clever at making other people’s lives a burden to them”. And as Hornblower outshines him in the required mathematical studies on board, he soon receives Simpson’s special attention.

Hornblower is desperate, and even briefly considers desertion and suicide. Then the bully accuses Horatio of cheating in cards – one of Hornblower’s great passions, and something which he excels in. This gives him an opportunity for an honorable escape from the bullying: Hornblower challenges him to a duel. However, as Hornblower is neither a great fencing master nor good with a pistol, he devices a smart scheme for the duel which will equalize the chances for him: The duelists are to have one loaded and one unloaded gun, and chose guns randomly. They are to fire at one another at a distance of on step. This, he considers, will give him an “even chance.”

Horatio Hornblower is very intelligent, but he is also an awkward neophyte, both socially and nautically speaking. However, he learns fast, does not do the same mistake twice, has a strong will, and a willingness to learn. His superiors quickly recognize him as a man who will accomplish great things. And, through a series of challenges and adventures both in and out of combat, Hornblower discovers he is actually talented in both seamanship and leadership.

This first novel in the series is packed with action, and C. S. Forester is the grand master of naval action scenes. The storytelling is wonderful. As well, the book has lots of fascinating incident and detail. While certainly not the best in the magnificent Hornblower saga, it is a book you must read. The question is whether to do it sooner or later, but not whether or not.

Links to C. S. Forester’s books at amazon US, amazon UK, and amazon CAN.