Hornblower : Beat to Quarters by C. S. Forester
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Book Reviews of Hornblower : Beat to Quarters
Book Review: 4.5 stars
Summary: 4 Stars
Although it was the first book C.S. Forester wrote, Beat To Quarters is chronologically the sixth book in the Hornblower Series. One can see instantly why the series took off when this book hit the press. It is not only a thrilling adventure but establishes a depth of character rarely seen in its genre.This book is the first of a trilogy of connected titles that cover Horatio's rise from an unknown frigate's captain to one of the most famous officers in the Royal Navy. Posted to duty west of Central America, he is expected to navigate not only the water of the Pacific, but the troubled political waters of rebellion and shifting alliances that characterized the Napoleonic wars. He's required to engage a ship of twice his might not once but three times. And of course, he meets Lady Barbara -- destined to become one of the most intruiging characters in his life.
I was surprised to find little discontinuity with the "prequel" books that were written after Beat to Quarters. The book almost seamlessly blends with the cannon of Horatio's life, referencing his previous adventures with the Castilla and Captain Pellow. The only real continuity problem is that Bush seems to have lost his memory of the events in the second and third books.
This books works because it doesn't try to confine itself to a simple genre. It is, of course, a splendid action adventure and wonderful historical fiction. But it also works as a simple character drama -- establishing three powerful characters -- the taciturn Hornblower, efervescent Bush and charming Barbara -- and creates memorable scenes built solely from conversation and interaction.
Book Review: carrying out duty in a challenging environment
Summary: 4 Stars
Forester brings forth a crisp view of the misfortunes encountered by the British frigate, Lydia. Its orders were to seek an alliance with a rebel government against Spanish America and to take, sink, burn or destroy a ship with three times the firepower of the Lydia. The book displays the shrewdness of its captain, Horatio Hornblower, who's calculated leadership accomplishes its duties and does it with effienciency. However there are twists in the plot that derail Hornblower's orders from the admirality in the Pacific as well as the need to take on board a female passenger seeking a way home due to unforseen circumstances. One note to take interest in the book is the introspection from the captain. As the captain of the ship, Hornblower must seem imperturbed even in the most distressful situations in order to maintain calm amongst his crew. But in private Hornblower anguishes about keeping the crew in control, maintain the operation of the ship, devising the tactics of the battle of maneuvering the ship and determining when to fire upon an enemy ship, as well as other problems that can come up. He also has a wife in England whom he thinks about. The female passenger in the book didn't really develop a romantic relationship until the second to the last chapter and the author isn't very thorough in developing those kinds of plots anyway. The battles were the most intriguing in the book and the aftermath of both battles left the captain with some challenging problems of which you needed to read on in order to find out.
All in all one of the better books in the series.
Book Review: This is the book that launched a series and a genre
Summary: 4 Stars
"Beat to Quarters" was the first book that C.S. Forester wrote in the Horatio Hornblower series. In "Beat to Quarters," Captain Hornblower commands a Royal Navy frigate on a mission to Central America. This book is full of diplomatic intrigue and naval action and serves as a great introduction to the series (although you should not start with this book if you want to read them in chronological order).
This was the first Horatio Hornblower book that I read, although I had seen the A&E TV series. As a devotee of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series, I was pleasantly surprised with this Hornblower book and I found Hornblower a much more authentic character than the superman of the TV series. Still, it is hard for me not to compare Hornblower with Captain Aubrey: although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I find Aubrey a much more fun and likable character than Hornblower. Hornblower is a much more serious and deep character who is driven by self-doubt.
This is a very good book, and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in naval warfare or historical fiction. It is a great account of naval life and warfare during the Napoleonic era. C.S. Forester started a genre with Horatio Hornblower, and this is the book that started the Horatio Hornblower series.
Book Review: Exciting Adventure on the High Seas
Summary: 4 Stars
Beat to Quarters is the sixth book in the eleven book series covering the exploits of Horatio Hornblower. It is also, in my opinion, the best one out of the ones I have read. It's story flows from one point to the next and there is plenty of action in this installment.The first thing I should mention is that Mr. Forrester's description of life onboard a War Ship is quite accurate. Being a member of today's Navy, it's amazing to see just how little has changed in 200 years. Sure, the ships are made of steel, we have satellite communications, etc... However, much has remained the same. We still spend hour after hour cleaning the ship, drilling for action, etc... and Mr. Forrester does a wonderful job capturing this.
The second thing about this novel I enjoyed was the description of the battle between the Spanish Warship and Hornblower's Frigate. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how Captain Hornblower would be able to win a battle against the much more powerful Spanish ship. I'm sure you will enjoy this book for these reasons and many others. IF you like good historial Drama then I would HIGHLY recommend this one!
Book Review: Hornblower: Beat to Quarters
Summary: 4 Stars
My father had mentioned many years ago how he enjoyed the Hornblower series of novels. I finally took the time to order the 1st book and experience it myself. My background as a long time boater (sail) and having worked as a commercial fisherman endear all maritime books anyway. I found this first Hornblower novel by Forester to be a quick and enjoyable read - very detailed in the life aboard a British Naval frigate and Hornblower wins the reader over as he display's the many offsets between normal human vulnerabilities and the rigors of command. I highly recommend reading this book before watching "Master and Commander" it provides a wonderful primer to the film. I chose to read the 1st novel written as opposed to keeping with chronological order of Hornblowers career - I'm not sure if it makes a difference. My goal was to follow the authors creative schedule - I think chronologically Midshipman Hornblower would be the 1st in the series.
If you like books about the Age of Sail you will enjoy this novel...
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