Hornblower : Beat to Quarters by C. S. Forester
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Book Reviews of Hornblower : Beat to Quarters
Book Review: The book that started it all
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the book which launched the tale of the greatest navel hero in fiction. For that alone it rates at least four stars. Forester however goes one better. At a time when the traditional hero is confident, invunerable, and a rock he makes what could be considered the first of the "modern heroes." Yet this modern hero doesn't let doubt freeze him in situations. He has the dreads and doubts but does his duty anyway.
This book is the father of not only the rest of the series, but of all the naval sagas that would follow and a fine series of movies for the big screen (Peck) and small (A&E). Quite a legacy.
Book Review: In my opinion the best Hornblower book written.
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read BEAT TO QUARTERS when I borrowed it from a public library in 1940. It is now 1998 and the third copy of the book is in my book case, the other two copies, being paper-backs, having been read until worn out. I might add that, in my opinion, any aspiring writer would do well to read Forester, not to copy his style, but to realise that any good author can entertain, but only the great can enthrall; and only the greatest can make you "see" a character (even a minor one) in only two short lines of print.
His death robbed the reading world of one of its most readable authors.
Book Review: Beat to Quarters------8th Grader
Summary: 5 Stars
Beat to Quarters is a wonderfully written novel. Captivating from the very beginning, they start out at sea so you don't have to get through any boring introduction of the book. Although it has a rather complex plot, with Captain Horatio Hornblower having to deal with his worries about the French and Spanish, the Natividad, and later on El Supremo as well as his newly found feelings for Lady Barbara, it is a very interesting read. It is a good place to start reading the Hornblower series. Although it isn't first in chronological order, it was written first and it does introduce the series quite well.Book Review: Start with this one.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're new to the Hornblower series, start with this one. Then read Ship of the Line, then Flying Colors. The three are practically a triptych, whereas the others all feel like they have space between them. Also, since Forester actually wrote Beat To Quarters first, there's in 'introductory' quality to it that no other book in the series has. The series compares favorably with the Aubrey/Maturin series I think. Odd that they were both cut short by the deaths of their respective authors.In short, start with this and the next two as a trilogy, then proceed in any order you want.
Book Review: All Naval Historical Fiction began with this book
Summary: 5 Stars
A Character loosely based on Nelson, Hornblower's series takes you through being a Midshipman to being an Admiral in the Napoleanic Wars. This series was created during WWII and was the most popular series in England until James Bond came along. The author went on to write other books (like the African Queen), but will always be remembered for this great combination of action, character-development and historical realism. This is a great book for anyone; but as a teen, it was the first series to introduce me to how fascinating and worthwhile reading could be.