This is the seventh novel in the Horatio Hornblower saga. In it, Hornblower emerges from his apprenticeship as midshipman to assume the responsibilities that await him as a lieutenant. Chronologically this novel falls between MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER and CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER. It works us alongside this lanky and laconic young man who distinguishes himself in his first independent command. "The young Hornblower is all one can wish of a naval hero at the start of his meteoric career." (Library Journal)
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This is the seventh novel in the Horatio Hornblower saga. In it, Hornblower emerges from his apprenticeship as midshipman to assume the responsibilities that await him as a lieutenant. Chronologically this novel falls between MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER and CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER. It works us alongside this lanky and laconic young man who distinguishes himself in his first independent command. "The young Hornblower is all one can wish of a naval hero at the start of his meteoric career." (Library Journal)
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Add this copy of Lieutenant Hornblower (Audio Cd) to cart. $49.99, good condition, Sold by Meadeco Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from VINE GROVE, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Books on Tape.
I read the Hornblower series as a young man, and now I am exploring them again forty years later. I am still impressed by their technical accuracy and strength of character development. In "Lieutenant Hornblower" there is a memorable sequence in which Hornblower is using captured enemy equipment to heat iron cannon balls. He overdoes it, and some of the balls melt. Unlike so many fake macho heroes in adventure novels, he admits that he made a stupid mistake. In other words, this hero is also sometimes a klutz like the rest of us. I also can point out that this book refutes a standard charge that unlike O'Brien, Forester has no sense of humor. The ruminations of the crew about their paranoid, delusional captain are a priceless example of Forester's subtle humor. This novel also depicts the original meeting of Hornblower and his trusted friend Bush, and indeed it is told from Bush's point of view,although still in the third person. And for the first and last time, Hornblower is subordinate to Bush. He is respectful, but obviously the smarter man who will move up the chain of command more rapidly.
The book also has a romantic element, as here Hornblower meets Maria for the first time. A rousing adventure, well-written and a worthy "prequel" to the tales of Captain Hornblower!
nebo57
Apr 14, 2011
Excellent
I love these Hornblower novels. First time thru the series and trying to read them in chronological order. Only wish I had read them years ago.
