“This is the first book that C.S. Forester wrote of the Hornblower series. It's a tale of seamanship and adventure. The character of Captain Hornblower is put before us with a mixture of action and narration of the character's internal thoughts.
Another fascinating aspect of the book is the insight that Forester provides us of the workings of a British Naval ship from the Napoleonic era - the hardship, discipline and technical challenges. He also paints a picture of the political and social context of the time - a backdrop of the Napoleonic wars - uneasy relations with Spain in the South American seas - the distinct splits between classes.
All in all, a book with many layers and with a strong likeable central character. I have loved to read all of the Hornblower books since I was a child and they still hold me captivated with the way they are written, and the quirky characterisaion of Captain Hornblower.”
