The Commodore

Hornblower Saga: Chronological Order #9

by C.S. Forester

1812 and the fate of Europe lies in the hands of newly appointed Commodore Hornblower . . . Dispatched to northern waters to protect Britain's Baltic interests, Horatio Hornblower must halt the advance of Napoleon's empire into Sweden and Russia. But first he must battle the terrible Baltic fog, snow and icebound waterways; overcome Russian political and commercial intrigues; avoid the seductive charms of royalty as well as the deadly reach of assassins in the imperial palace; and contend with hostile armies and French privateers. With the fate of Europe balanced on a knife edge, the responsibility lies heavy on a Commodore's shoulders ... This is the eighth of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C. S. Forester's inimitable nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower. 'A recipe for pure pleasure' Bernard Cornwell

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Adventure, Classics, War, Nautical

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1945

About the author

Cecil Scott Forester was the pen name of Cecil Louis Troughton Smith, an English novelist who rose to fame with tales of adventure and military crusades. His most notable works were the 11-book Horatio Hornblower series, about naval warfare during the Napoleonic era, and The African Queen (1935; filmed in 1951 by John Huston). His novels A Ship of the Line and Flying Colours were jointly awarded the 1938 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction.

Reviews

[Mr. Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horatio Hornblower is recouping in the pastoral English countryside, enjoying - or trying to enjoy - his forced time on shore with his wife and child. He finds life away from the sea dull and grinding. He has to answer to his wife, convention and his neighbors. A poor comparison with life as lord and master on an English ship of the line. How fortunate it is then that Hornblower receives an urgent summons by the Admiralty. He is requested and commanded to sail for the Baltic to harass the French advance into Eastern Europe. Only this time Hornblower is not just a Captain. Thanks to his wife's connections he finds himself promoted to Commodore - only one step below a full Admiral!

In the ensuing pages Hornblower and his armada bedevil the French, sinking merchant ships and burning a privateer. He even has the opportunity to journey to Riga, on the Eastern Baltic coast where, thanks to his tact and diplomacy, he helps along Russian defiance to Napoleon's ever increasing demands. In short order the French invade and, thanks to his location, he provides invaluable assistance to the Russian defenders of Riga. He is present all the way to the inglorious French retreat westward, leaving dead and dying behind them. As a history buff I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Not only does Hornblower meet Alexander, but he also gets to meet the great military strategist Clausewitz.

The problem is not with the history. The problem is that Hornblower is just too darn good. He is giving advice to Clausewitz on how to run a land campaign. He is everywhere, and everything he touches turns to gold. Moreover, the book suffers, I think, from Hornblower being ranked too high. I find that I enjoy more the stories of this ilk where the main character is of significantly lower rank - where half of his battles come from fighting not just the bad guys, but their own beaurocracy.

Regardless, a fun read. Three broadsides out of five.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*
2024 reread. Definitely one of the better Horatio Hornblower books, this has HH knocking around the Baltic, confusing the French, hobnobbing with the Tsar and fooling about with countesses.
Forester's simple but elegant prose skips you from adventure to adventure so convincingly you almost never wonder why the breaks always fall Hornblower's way. A comfort read to distract from a nasty cold.

[Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story marks a major turning point for Captain Sir Horatio Hornblower, in more ways than one can count. He is no longer young, no longer poor, no longer trapped in a bad marriage. For the first time, he is based in the chill waters of the Baltic Sea. And for the first time, he is truly calling all the shots, in charge of his own flotilla and given a free hand by the Admiralty.

But there is a price to all this advancement. While the complex politics of a Baltic teetering on the brink are quite interesting, and there are some clever battle scenes, Hornblower never seems to be in any real danger here. He sees limited naval action, and always commands the superior force at sea. But more than that, as Commodore, he is one step removed from the teeth of the action, letting others manage the details. On land, he is largely relegated to the role of an observer, dodging random cannonballs while proving a more brilliant strategist than even the famed Carl von Clausewitz.

Which brings us to the other problem. While facing too little peril, Hornblower achieves too much in this book. As he racks up history-changing score after score, the story's plausibility becomes ever more stretched. Can Hornblower single-handedly decide the fates of wavering Russia and Sweden? Of course he can. And let's throw in Prussia while we're at it. And why not have the sea captain lead a decisive infantry charge from horseback too? And foil an assassination to boot! It's just too much, and Hornblower's new invincibility makes his usual episodes of self-doubt seem egotistical and phony.

There are two more volumes in C.S. Forester's epic series, and I'll read them. But I can't help but feel that something magical has been lost along with Hornblower's youth, and I'm not sure it can ever come back.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like reading a sea story and you can't go wrong with Hornblower. This is one of the later books in the series. Horatio Hornblower is older and more mature--and the commodore of a squadron. It's 1812 and Napoleon dominates on land in Europe while the Royal Navy rules the waves ( the young American republic will challenge the Brits at sea in the War of 1812, but that's not part of this story!). Hornblower is sent on a mission into the cold Northern waters of the Baltic Sea, to protect trade and support Russia if war between Napoleon and Czar Alexander breaks out. While Hornblower is in the Baltic, Napoleon's mighty Grand Army invades Russia, so Hornblower sails to St. Petersburg to offer what help he can to the Czar. Russia's chances look bleak as the Corsican emperor of the French has never been defeated--on land ( English Lord Nelson had destroyed the French fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar). As Hornblower finds ways to aid the Russians, it all makes for a rousing adventure story. Forester does distort history somewhat in having his hero save the day--but it all adds to the enjoyment. Hornblower is a genuinely likeable hero and you really root for him to beat those wicked Frenchmen!

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having finally advanced beyond the finical problems that have dogged him from his days as a midshipman. Now he's married Lady Barbra and moved on now as a well known hero of the British nation.

I like these books and recommend you start this journey from it's beginning with Hornblower as a young midshipman.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the series. As Commodore, Hornblower has more ships under his command & bigger problems to deal with. Napoleon is marching on Moscow & Hornblower has to disrupt the French armies around the Baltic & protect England's allies - if he can figure out who they are. The politics are complicated since many of Napoleon's allies aren't really. They're just unable to oppose him while others are in uneasy states of neutrality. It was very interesting from a political standpoint, although there was still plenty of action.

Again, we end on a cliff hanger. Damn Forester & his editor!

I also read the short story, really just a few paragraph outline of "The Point and the Edge". Basically, Hornblower is on shore for a while, takes sword lessons, & stops a mugger with his cane. Rather than turning him over to the Watch, he foists him off on a captain to put the guy to work since he's just desperate & out of work.

On to Lord Hornblower! Can't stop now!!!

[Jim Puskas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arguably the best of the series, presenting the mature Hornblower in what becomes his most far-reaching adventure, culminating in his key role in the defense of Riga against Napoleon's armies, stalling their attempt to march on St. Petersburg. This book has all the attributes that make Hornblower such an intriguing figure -- resourcefulness, determination, ability to act decisively in a crisis. Above all, he's depicted as the complete man, beset by self-doubts about his own character, especially his deep-set fear of being killed (or worse, maimed or disgraced) and yet boldly risking everything on seemingly hare-brained schemes to gain his ends. Despite having achieved fame, wealth, high rank and social standing as Knight of the Bath, squire of his own estate and village, linked by marriage to one of the most powerful families in England, he still retains much of the social awkwardness left over from his disadvantaged youth. He discovers to his astonishment that his subordinates not only admire but love him, a fondness that he feels for them in return; and that love for his devoted men causes him great agony when inevitably some of those closest to him die in carrying out his orders.

[Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite achieving both fame and fortune, Hornblower is still the same man that many readers, including myself, have come to know and love. Even though his skill and worth was finally confirmed by the various rewards he gained in the previous book, Hornblower is still riddled with the ever-present sense of self-doubt and restless energy which drive him. These characteristics make it so that Commodore Hornblower, in command of an independent flotilla is instantly recognizable to the reader as the same man that Lieutenant Hornblower, commander of the Hotspur was. Commodore Hornblower quite closely resembled the younger Hornblower novels in style and story – to me, this was vintage Hornblower all over again (as insensible that is to say). Here was Hornblower grappling with intense difficulties and creating miraculous solutions, the only difference being that now he had to deal with the complexities of leading a large number of ships and men, coordinating their actions just as he would have managed the rigging on a ship to produce its best point of sail. It was interesting to read about Hornblower’s evolution of command from the tactical to the strategic senses. I enjoyed these changes because it keeps the books from becoming too repetitive and stale.

It is worth mentioning that Hornblower does open up, just a little bit, but that little bit is enough to make him that much more likable. At this point in his career, Hornblower is getting older and finds it difficult to resist becoming attached to several competent and enthusiastic subordinates, not to mention his friendship with Bush and even Brown. As I said above, Hornblower still remains the same self-critical person he is, but there is just a little more sympathy in him; perhaps a result of his long-awaited marriage with Lady Barabara.

For an author who consistently kept Hornblower out of the major historical events of the time in the previous books, Forester gave Hornblower an extraordinary influence on history in this book – in fact a little too much influence for my taste. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say that Hornblower is given command of a flotilla in the Baltic in late 1811 or early 1812. Looming just out of sight is Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. However, the diplomatic situation is already fraught with tension. The Prussians are the unwilling subjects of Napoleon; Russia is nominally allies with France, but is favorably inclined towards the British; the de facto ruler of Sweden, Karl XIV Johan (the late Marshal of the French Empire) could favor either side. It is into this atmosphere of confusion that Hornblower is sent to pursue interests favorable to the British government. Going back to my original point about Hornblower’s historically inaccurate interventions, some of Hornblower’s exploits were much too far-fetched to be believable. It is quite ridiculous that Hornblower was the man to convince Tsar Alexander I that he should fight France. It is equally absurd that Hornblower initiated the defection of the Prussians from the French forces. Forester’s heavily anti-Napoleon/pro-British sentiment also rears its head just a little too much as well. While this theme has always been present in these books, most of the time I could just pass it off as what Hornblower was thinking and not what the author was thinking. That wasn’t the case with this book and I found it a little grating to constantly hear about French tyranny and British liberty like the two countries weren’t both good and bad.

The last segment of the novel takes place during the climax of Napoleon’s invasion. Hornblower and his ships are assisting the Russians in the defence of Riga while it is being besieged by Marshal Macdonald and his troops. I really enjoyed this section, probably because I am more inclined towards the conflicts on land rather than sea in the Napoleonic Wars. Forester’s descriptions are just as good on land as they are at sea. I was glued to the book for the last hundred pages or so, totally immersed in the text – eager to discover how Hornblower would survive this ordeal.

I’ll conclude this review by stating that Commodore Hornblower was one of the best Hornblower books, in my opinion. I’m might be in the minority for feeling thus, but I thought this book was a riveting read from start to finish.

[K.M. Weiland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite Hornblower book. I don’t know if that’s just because it’s been a while since I’ve read the others (they do all kind of run together in my memory), or because this one seemed much tighter and more cohesive than many of them. I also loved the setting: we don’t generally read too much about the British Navy in the Baltic or in Russia during the Napoleonic wars, so it was a pleasure to learn about that.

My delight in this volume might also have resulted from sheer comparison with the BBC adaptations of the series, which I’ve been watching recently. The narrative—from the perspective Hornblower’s tortured psyche—is an absolute wonder in comparison with the visual attempts. This is one of those instances where the book simply has much more to offer than the movie ever could.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the Hornblower series. This is a high point in his career and he finally "has it all," in some sense, but Hornblower still struggles with the same self-criticism, doubt in his decisions, and a fiery temper towards incompetent subordinates as well as the tedium of inaction. He seems to be assuming a more generous nature towards the younger officers, putting himself in their shoes. He also has a much happier family life. As far as the action in this book, Hornblower is dealing with events in the Baltic region. He also visits Russia, which is interesting to read about the relations between those countries in that time period. At this time, Bonaparte is trying to invade Russia and the allegiance of Russia and Sweden are in limbo. Commodore Hornblower is involved in some diplomatic actions, deftly stops an assasination attempt, and leads a land-based charge against the beseiging Prussians.

[Iain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Napoleon finally meets defeat in Russia, and Hornblower plays his part in the north, this time as a Commodore in charge of a small fleet. Full of adventure as always.

[russell barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compared to the earlier novels, The Commodore is a much easier read, possibly because Hornblower himself unbends much more as a character, so he's more reminiscent of the youthful Midshipman and a lot more likable. He even gets smashed at a party and makes away with a Countess!

Also there's a touch of Sharpe about this one (well obviously the other way around) because this feels much more like HH changing history, rather than the action being confined to whatever ship he's in, and whatever one he's going to sink. In fact this theme is pretty explicitly expanded on throughout as Hornblower meditates on the outcomes of his actions decisively changing the war as he first attacks the French invasion force, indulges in nefarious propaganda ruses, delays the siege of Riga, and leads a counter-attack that turns back a French column. Forester does *slightly* overplay his hand when he has his hero single-handedly convincing the Prussians to switch sides. Still - hurrah!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another rousing tale of heroics in the fine nautical series by Forester. Hoo hoo HH single-handedly repulses a French siege leading the counter charge on horseback. Stops an assassination attempt on Czar Alexander of Russia, and gets the Prussian Army to join the side of the British. All this after swinging Sweden from neutrality to the British side against Nappie. Could you ask any more from one man? I think not!

[Noah Goats · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series when I was a teenager, but I didn't read this one. The reason I skipped it was that Hornblower is a Commodore in it. I thought, "Well, he's not going to be doing cool stuff as a commodore in the way he was always doing cool stuff as a captain," and, having read this book, I can see that my suspicions weren't entirely wrong. Hornblower spends a significant amount of time on diplomacy in this one, and there are a couple times where he sends people out on missions, and since he can only watch these missions from afar (or not at all) we can't help but feel as left out as he does.

Also, a number or real historical characters appear in this one, including Tsar Alexander I, and there's a whole scene where we suspect that a certain person may try to assassinate the Tsar. There were two irritating things about this chapter, a) if we know any history at all (and the people who are attracted to these books probably usually know a fair amount of history) we know that the tsar will not be assassinated (few writers of historical fiction are as willing as Quentin Tarantino is to throw history out the window and just COMPLETELY make things up), and we are also irritated that Hornblower, our brilliant and beloved Hornblower, does not see the obvious danger.

But the good outweighs the bad here. Hornblower continues to be a great character. Forester gives us the self-conscious, self-doubting, and sometimes self-hating man behind the mask of command. We feel the loneliness of command right there with him as he makes difficult decisions that will affect life and death and the fates of empires.

Also, there is plenty of entertaining action, and Hornblower is sometimes directly involved. Once the diplomatic issues are sorted (what side are Russia and Sweden going to be on?) things hot up and the cannonballs fly. Also, it's an all-the-naval-jargon-you-can-eat buffet.

[David Eppenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ordinarily I would have rated one of these Hornblower books at 3 stars but this one was a bit of an exception to the other books in this classic series. First, there is some naval combat actions but not the usual amount. There is also less of the unknowable sailing jargon that all books in the genre revel in. The action in this book focuses on the support of the British Navy to the defense of the people and city of Riga, Latvia as their city is attacked by an army of Napoleon. At the time the city is under siege Napoleon and the rest of his armies are on their way to Moscow. Most of the combat activity in this story, therefore, concerns naval support of land based actions which is an enjoyable relief from non-stop naval engagements. However, what is really refreshing and what earned this book its fourth star is the treatment of its hero, Hornblower.

In this book Hornblower is now a veteran naval captain given the temporary rank of commodore which is the commanding officer of a naval task force or flotilla of ships in a navy. The commodore rank is removed if the task force is dissolved or the officer is removed from command. Hornblower is aging and he is aware of it. He is now early in his second marriage and has an infant son from his deceased first wife. He had accumulated some wealth and enjoys a notable and rewarding naval and public reputation and therein lies the focus of the author's treatment of this character in this book. Hornblower now struggles with the benefits and consequences of the changes in his life and is constantly testing his decisions and how they might affect his future, his reputation, his financial stability, and his health. In short, Hornblower is approaching the pinnacle of his life and career and he is facing his personal realities, his humanity, and his frailties. This made the book better than your typical Age of Fighting Sail genre novel and something for the reader to think about. Enjoy.

[Sid Nuncius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another terrific Hornblower book.

Here, Hornblower is appointed as the eponymous Commodore of a naval task force in the Baltic as Bonaparte launches his offensive against Russia. There are a number of thrilling action scenes, both naval and military, plus an insight into the extreme importance of Hornblower’s tactical and diplomatic decisions in a time when communication with England took weeks. The whole thing is engrossing and fascinating; Forester’s grasp of the politics of the time and the importance of relatively small acts in determining great outcomes is a great feature, as is Hornblower’s introspective character.

I have been thoroughly enjoying re-reading these books for the fifth or sixth time, and The Commodore is among the best. Warmly recommended.

[Mk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good integration of Hornblower (Horny?) into the shaping of European historical developments of 1812. Interesting historical characters and Hornblower fantasy "facts". I enjoyed this read despite the low number of stars I've awarded. Maybe I'll re-read in his language.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hornblower was the inspiration for Star Trek's Captain James Kirk, as well as Cornwell's Sharpe. Hornblower is more cerebral and socially awkward than Kirk, more educated and refined than Sharpe. In his own right, Hornblower is certainly an engaging and complex character and the series is an interesting study in leadership, and a fascinating portrait of life at sea in the age of sail.

This book catches Hornblower at an interesting time in his life and career--after, seemingly, he's gotten everything he could possibly want. And I admit, at times I was a little irritated with him--particularly when he so casually falls into bed with a Russian Countess. Because yes, here Hornblower is based in the Baltic, and his doings have more to do with navigating politics and diplomacy than weathering a storm at sea or maneuvering for the best position for battle. And I do think the series lost something after Hornblower gained so much in rank and position. I think the best books run from Hornblower and the Hotspur to Flying Colours when he captained ships of his own. Which is not to say this book didn't have it's pleasures--I find all the Hornblower books worth a read--I've loved them since my teens.

[Nancy Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hornblower is a hero, but he does not see things that way. It's interesting that he is exceptionally brave, an excellent seaman and commander, and is admired, even loved, by all who serve under his command. Yet in his own mind, he is a fraud. He thinks of himself truly as a coward who merely puts on a show of bravery and tries to hide his insecurity and low self-esteem with a mask of coldness and/or indifference. By this book, though, he is finally beginning to loosen up a bit and realizes that his men do love him and it's all right for him to receive that love and return it. He is happily married now to his love, Lady Barbara, who adores his son as well, and he is very well off materially so he no longer has to scrimp for uniforms and provisions. He carries off his mission to the Baltic and Russia in a spectacularly successful fashion, but ends the book struck down by typhus. Never fear! There's a book to follow, so we know he survives! :)

[Paul Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more in the Hornblower series . This one take us to the Baltic at the time Napoleon is invading Russia with a two prong attack, one to Moscow and one to St. Petersburg. Hornblower is the decisive element in confronting German troops on their march to St. Petersburg. Quite a bit of history here that i was unaware of though I knoew something of the French campaign against Moscow. Very enjoyable getting more to know about the Baltic and how the Scandinavians dealt with the French, Germans and Russians. Hornblower is as creative in his strategy as ever with a little romantic interest thrown in. A great read and a must for all Hornblower fans.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hornblower's rise continues. This time around, he's been appointed commodore of a small squadron (one ship of the line, a couple of sloops, two bomb ketches (basically floating mortar platforms) and a cutter) and sent into the Baltic to try to do what he can to make things difficult for Boney in the midst of a very complicated political situation (French-allied Sweden on the left of him, French-menaced Russia on the right, and he's stuck in the middle) as Bonaparte's army starts to march on Moscow (because that always ends well).

[Stephanie Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fun! Lots more political intrigue involved as Hornblower is now Commodore. Looking back at him as a midshipman, i can see that growth. He's definitely older and kinda shocked at it himself lol. I love all his crazy ideas that seem to work out.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story about our hero. Through intelligence and good luck he delivers another nail in the coffin of Napoleon during his time in the Baltic.

[Michael Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hornblower seems to do his best work when he's left to his own devices at sea. This is one of the better Hornblower books, might be the best one.

Hornblower is getting a bit older, and his sudden attacks of self doubt have all but passed. He commands a small squadron and is given free reign to do all he can in the Baltic Sea.

It's an interesting read with lots of insight into the politics of the eastern front of the war. That was very interesting for me, as the only other book I've read which discussed the eastern front was the obvious book by Tolstoy.

I enjoyed it and am sad at how little Hornblower remains for me, as I'll be left hungering for another historical fiction series for when I feel that specific urge.

[Nate Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hornblower is coming up in the world. He is wealthy, he is married to the woman he loves and he is in command of a small fleet. What more could he want? I love this series and I have enjoyed just about everything that Forester has written. The Gun, a Forester novel, was the last book that I read to my father before he died.

[Steve B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read in the CS Forester Hornblower series. In this rendition, Hornblower has been promoted to Commodore...as the title suggests. He and his squadron have a diplomatic mission to keep the Russians on the side of Britain against Napoleon as the French and their allies march to the gates of Moscow and St Petersburg. Hornblower proves to be masterful in the world of diplomacy but as is always the case, Hornblower shows his uncanny ability as a military/naval commander as well. A very good yarn of the early 19th century Napoleonic wars.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. C.S. Forester’s Hornblower novels are my guilty pleasure. This was another ripping nautical yarn, this time about Hornblower’s role in helping Russia repel Napoleon’s 1812 invasion.

Forester writes wonderfully, and his development of Hornblower’s complex character brings an added dimension to this tale of naval adventure.

[Christian Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adventure with Hornblower - this time in the Baltic. It's almost sad to see that he's now a Commodore and can't get involved with the action directly. However, the tide is firmly turning against the Corsican tyrant, and as legions defect and rebel against him, we will have to read the next instalment to see what happens!

[Jeffrey Schmieder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Commodore is sent to the Baltic Sea in an attempt to convince both Sweden and Russia to fight against Napolean. Another good swashbuckler as Horatio fights the French and the fleas, and with his daring raids combined with brilliant diplomacy, he helps turn the tide of war.

[Matthew Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

the more of this series I read, the more I realise how flawed Hornblower is as a man, and how incredibly well written he is. this book is not the most action packed book in the series, but it might be the deepest. can't wait to pick up the next one, 5/5