Hornblower and the "Hotspur" (1962)

הפיקוד הראשון של הורנבלאואר​ ( )

Hornblower may be even more miserable in this book than in some others. He is a mere commander with no realistic hope of promotion, so his pay is meager and his vessel is small. Poverty and seasickness are a constant trouble for him. In spite of all this, he plans and carries out many audacious and technically interesting actions appropriate for a commander of a sloop-of-war. As always, he exposes himself to danger frequently because he cannot be confident that any of his subordinates will do the job correctly. The absolute discipline of the Royal Navy and the necessity for any able officer to offer suggestions and even to contradict his superior provide an interesting tension as does the conflict between Hornblower's essential humanity and the harsh discipline of the navy.

As with other books, Hornblower's misery and self-contempt are a recurrent motif employed for comic effect. At the same time they are realistic enough to excite empathy and provide a kind of catharsis to equally neurotic readers, even those who don't have to deal with French frigates firing at close range into the delicate vessel under their command. ( )

An easy and captivating read. The details of sailing back in the days when the wind ruled and the life that was lead on the seas working these technically difficult ship is laid out well by Forester. The action and a sense of place all combine for pleasant reading. If only Hornblower would lose every once in a while and the French and Spanish not be so inept. But looking forward to the next one. ( )

Towards the end, Hornblower's steward Doughty is convicted of striking a superior office, a hanging offense. Hornblower points out to Doughty how a man could escape the ship before leaving on a distant, urgent mission. Doughty escapes to an American frigate. ( )

Didn't care for this one quite as much as "Lieutenant Hornblower". The naval action was every bit as good, in fact the intial showdown with a larger French frigate was outstanding, but the book didn't manage to keep up the same pace as it went along. I think the theme that Hornblower tries too hard to be everything to everybody here is a bit overplayed. Still a strong effort and I want to keep right along reading this series. Loved the ending and will miss the character that bows out at the end, as I'm afraid Hornblower will as well. ( )