Flying Colours (Hornblower Saga) by C. S. Forester
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Book Reviews of Flying Colours (Hornblower Saga)
Book Review: Escape, daring do, and knigthood.
Summary: 5 Stars
Flying colors begins where Ship of the Line left off. Hornblower is in a Spanish prison in Rosas after sacrificing his ship Sutherland by attacking and destroying an enemy fleet. Along with his loyal lieutenant Bush and his servant Brown, Hornblower is soon loaded on a carriage for the trip to Paris where he is to be hanged as a public display by Napoleon. But of course it's hard to hang a man when the author is on his side. The carriage breaks down in a snowstorm and as luck would have it there is a river and a boat nearby. Always a man of action Hornblower makes his escape and stumbles into the home of a left over royal sympathizer who helps his party to hide until spring when they can make their way down river and escape. In the French port, Hornblower assumes the identity of a Dutch officer, commandeers a captured English cutter, Witch of Endor, and a crew of slave laborers to sail out of the harbor under French noses. Despite his constant self doubt he returns triumphantly to England where he finds out that during his absence his wife died, his beloved Barbara's husband died, and instead of losing his rank for losing his ship he is knighted to the order of the bath for heroism (and politics). The detail of ships and sailing in the early 19th century make the Hornblower series must reading for any man who loves the sea.Book Review: Hornblower's Triumph! The tide of luck turns!
Summary: 5 Stars
In all of the Hornblower books prior to "Flying Colours" Hornblower is a hard luck Captain. Although he generally succeeds in his missions, he does so despite hard luck and bad breaks, by the sheer virtue of his intelligence and determination. Prize money has eluded him for years, he marries poorly, and he is not of high birth. The first several Hornblower novels are the tale of an officer who succeeds in spite of a long run of bad luck and hard circumstances in a merciless and unforgiving service.In Flying Colors, this all changes, and Hornblower manages to finally capitalize on his achievements and success. This is a satisfying story of a brilliant man overcoming hardship and finally getting the rewards and fame that are justly his. While this novel is not quite in the class of "Beat to Quarters," "Ship of the Line," "Hotspur" and several other of the Hornblower novels, it is nevertheless a well-written and satisfying tale. In this novel, Hornblower's life finally comes together, and even in the class-ridden British Navy, competence finally shines through and our hero gets the rewards due him.
This is a fine novel that anyone will enjoy, and Hornblower afficianados must not miss.
Book Review: a passionate tale of love and courage
Summary: 5 Stars
Those who have made C. S. Forester's Captain Hornblower a lifelong companion , would differ on the best way to introduce newcomers to this great naval hero.
The orthodox would suggest starting from the very beginning (described in "Mr Midshipman Hornblower").
I would however suggest "Flying Colors" as an introduction to the adventures of Horatio Hornblower.
Set at the time of the Napoleonic wars, the book relates the adventures of a british captain who, having fallen captive, faces dishonor and probable death.
The tale of his struggle against defeat, though passionate, romantic and heroic, is told with true british understatement,
which for me is a hallmark of C. S. Forester's writing.
The meticulous historical detail creates the illusion of a true story and will lure the most consumate landlubber.
For those who will complete the Hornblower Saga, a tour of the British Maritime Museum at Greenwich is a must.
There, surrounded by familiar times, objects and persons, their sole regret would be the absence of the figure
of the most loved, though fictional, sea captaiBook Review: Flying Colours Indeed!
Summary: 5 Stars
Last year, my wife and I were in the Loire valley. We drove along the portion of the river from Orleans to Blois, where we stayed for two nights. HH, Bush and Brown made their escape disguised as anglers on the Loire. 'They passed Blois, Its steeply-humped bridge crowned by the pyramid whose inscription proclaimed the bridge to be the first public work of the infant Louis XV...' During our stay in Blois, we walked across the bridge a few times and I did see people fishing nearby in small boats.Our heroes' escape from France in the Witch of Endor incites the Admiral of the Channel Fleet to promote Bush into the cutter as Commander. Later HH, cleared by a court-martial aboard the Victory, is cheered by sailors manning the yards of the flagship. The midshipman who was seasick in Spitshead, receives the salute of the whole fleet at anchor there. Flying colours indeed. Hookham Frere, a historical personality, takes HH to London, where more fame and fortune await (even Palmerston makes an appearance)! Finally our hero is reunited with Lady Barbara and his son.
Book Review: Something for everyone
Summary: 5 Stars
Drama, romance, battle, excitement, escape. All are combined in the finale of the original Hornblower series.Our hero's quest begins as a French POW awaiting a firing squad, his friend and 1st Lt. Bush facing the same. Can Hornblower somehow with a wounded man it tow somehow escape a squad of French soldiers and their cruel officer and return to the white cliffs of Dover?
Since this is not the last book in the series we of course know the answer. A book with style and class, and with Hornblower still not shaking the fears and phobias or his future which seem to forever haunt him.
We also see the character of Brown developed more fully as a feature of the series. The playing off of Brown physical abilities and the class differences between him and the officers make for great reading.
Not to be missed. Of course you can say that about every book in the series.