Hornblower During the Crisis: An Unfinished Novel from the Hornblower Saga

Synopsis

Hornblower During the Crisis is an unfinished novel by C.S. Forester, the author of the renowned Hornblower saga. It was intended to be the 12th and final book in the series, but Forester passed away before he could complete it. The novel follows the adventures of Horatio Hornblower during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars, as he navigates the perils of battle, command, and personal crisis.

Plot Outline

The novel opens with Hornblower in command of the HMS Sutherland, a 74-gun ship of the line. He has recently been promoted to rear-admiral and is tasked with leading a squadron of ships to the Mediterranean Sea. As the squadron sails through the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Hornblower must contend with storms, enemy ships, and the pressures of command.

Hornblower During the Crisis - an unfinished novel (Hornblower Saga Book 4)

by C. S. Forester

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	465 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	93 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	42 pages
Reading age	:	8 - 12 years
Item Weight	:	3.39 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.09 x 8.5 inches

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Upon reaching the Mediterranean, Hornblower's squadron is assigned to blockade the French port of Toulon. The blockade proves to be a difficult and dangerous task, as the French fleet is superior in both number and firepower. Hornblower must use all of his skill and cunning to keep his ships afloat and maintain the blockade.

While at Toulon, Hornblower becomes embroiled in a personal crisis. He learns that his wife, Barbara, has been unfaithful to him. This revelation shakes Hornblower to his core and threatens to destroy his marriage. He must find a way to reconcile his feelings for Barbara with his duty to his country and his crew.

As the war rages on, Hornblower's squadron is ordered to participate in a major naval battle against the French fleet. The battle is a bloody and chaotic affair, and Hornblower must make life-or-death decisions that will determine the fate of his ships and men.

The novel ends with Hornblower's squadron emerging victorious from the battle. However, the victory is bittersweet, as Hornblower has lost many of his friends and comrades in the fighting. He is also left to ponder the future of his marriage and the toll that the war has taken on him and his country.

Unfinished Masterpiece

Hornblower During the Crisis is a powerful and moving novel that explores the themes of war, command, and personal crisis. It is a fitting to the Hornblower saga and a testament to Forester's skill as a writer. Even though the novel is unfinished, it is still a compelling and rewarding read for fans of the series and historical fiction in general.

Character Development

One of the strengths of Hornblower During the Crisis is its well-developed characters. Hornblower himself is a complex and relatable figure. He is a brilliant naval commander, but he is also flawed and vulnerable. He struggles with self-doubt, anxiety, and the pressures of command. However, he always strives to do his duty and to protect his men.

The novel also features a cast of supporting characters who are equally well-drawn. These characters include Hornblower's loyal friend, Archie Kennedy; his ambitious subordinate, William Bush; and his troubled wife, Barbara. Each of these characters has their own motivations and desires, and they all play an important role in the story.

Historical Accuracy

C.S. Forester was a meticulous researcher, and his novels are known for their historical accuracy. Hornblower During the Crisis is no exception. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, and Forester vividly recreates the battles, the politics, and the social conditions of the period. Readers will come away from the novel with a deeper understanding of this tumultuous time in history.

Legacy

Hornblower During the Crisis is a fitting to the Hornblower saga. It is a powerful and moving novel that explores the themes of war, command, and personal crisis. It is also a testament to Forester's skill as a writer. Even though the novel is unfinished, it is still a compelling and rewarding read for fans of the series and historical fiction in general.

The Hornblower saga has been praised by critics and readers alike for its realism, its excitement, and its memorable characters. The books have been translated into dozens of languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. They have also been adapted into several films and television series.

C.S. Forester's Hornblower saga is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Hornblower During the Crisis is a fitting to this beloved series.

Additional Notes

* The novel was originally intended to be titled Hornblower and the Crisis. * The novel was left unfinished at the time of Forester's death in 1966. * The novel was posthumously published in 1997. * The novel has been adapted into an audiobook read by Patrick Tull.

Hornblower During the Crisis - an unfinished novel (Hornblower Saga Book 4)

by C. S. Forester

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	465 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	93 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	42 pages
Reading age	:	8 - 12 years
Item Weight	:	3.39 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.09 x 8.5 inches

FREE