Hornblower and the “Hotspur” by C.S. Forester

(Originally posted to Instagram on August 17th, 2024)

In one of my earlier posts this week, I mentioned that “classics” were in the top three categories for my 2024 storygraph rankings, and I’m pretty sure these books are a large part of it. Light spoilers for earlier books in the series, I suppose, though nothing serious that ruins anything (in my opinion).

The premise is: England is at peace with France, though a newly declared war is expected in the near future. Napoleon wants to be emperor of Europe, and that means England stands in his way. Hornblower, newly promoted to Commander, is the captain of the Royal Navy sloop (three-masted ship) the Hotspur, who is sent to the French Coast to spy on the French navy. He also starts this book getting married to Maria, a woman he has only just met. But no time for that, it’s off to war!

Forrester continues his record of nailing Navy service almost perfectly. Hornblower goes to sea both for duty and to escape his new, mostly unwanted family. In many ways, Hornblower’s conflicted feelings about his family and his duty mirror his life–he loves the Navy, but the Navy don’t love him. Despite his constant daring excellence, his future is murky because of his lack of connections to the gentry and people with political power. He’s also torn by a love for Maria and a desire to get back out to sea. (His shrewish mother-in-law makes that conflict easier to resolve).

This book is more adventure on the high seas, with Hornblower repeatedly sparring with the best the French navy can offer. Hornblower is a relatable protagonist who walks the line between Gary Stu invincibility and main-character-unlucky very well. Lieutenant Bush from the second book is back as the first lieutenant, and he’s a good partner for Hornblower. His dour pragmatism is a nice contrast to Hornblower’s starry eyed “we-can-do-it-ism” There are other fun characters rounding out the cast, including fatherly Admiral Cornwallis, who is doing his best to help Hornblower without cheating for him.

Definitely recommended. Read the first two books for full effect, but they’re very fast reads. Great way to spend an evening or two