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jacey
This is the first Hornblower book chronologically, but the sixth in publication order. The series was written in the 1930s, through to the 1960s. This particular one being published in 1950. I can understand why these books made such a good TV series (1998 to 2003). Its nature is episodic and each chapter makes a good story in itself. Set in the French Revolutionary wars, Horatio Hornblower, a green seventeen-year-old midshipman is doubly green when seasick on his way to his first position, Seasick at Spithead are the words that dog his early miserable experiences of being a midshipman under a senior midshipman bully, and a weak captain. He comes into his own when transferred to the Indefatigable, presided over by the excellent Captain Edward Pellew. I read this book in my teen years, then watched the eight-episode series with Ioan Gruffudd perfectly cast as Hornblower, and Robert Lindsay as Pellew. There’s the story of the duel of honour, the cargo of rice, the fireship incident when Hornblower’s examination for Lieutenant is interrupted by an attack on the British fleet in harbour. Forester’s writing is as fresh today as it was when I read it in my youth. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Hornblower on audiobook, beautifully read by Christian Rodska.
