Hornblower and The Island

by James Keffer

Even as a prisoner on the remote island of St. Helena, Napoleon Bonaparte is embarrassing the British, and England is now the laughing stock of Europe. The answer is a new Lord Horatio Hornblower. The British government is betting that Hornblower's background, being so similar to Bonaparte's, will earn the Corsican's respect. Both men rose from humble beginnings to nobility by his achievements alone. Both have commanded men and lead them to victories. Hornblower's mission is deal with the greatest military genius of the modern era and make him behave. Hornblower discovers a Bonaparte that history never knew, and learns the truth about the man who would be Emperor of the world.

284 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2021

Reviews

[Charles van Buren]

A believable pastiche of C. S. Forester

Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hornblower and the Island (Kindle Edition)

Reread June 5, 2023

This is well written but with one odd editing error in which a tall man is short of stature. However that is the only glaring error I noticed. Hornblower's activities in this novel are more cerebral than physical as befits his status as a civilian governor with subordinates. The nature of the plot does not allow for much combat action, one short fight against pirates is all. The clash of wills and growing understanding between the prisoner Napoleon and Governor Hornblower are the interesting focus of this story. Mr. Keffer paints a sympathetic portrait of both Napoleon and Hornblower. The action in this novel occurs before Hornblower's sojourn in the West Indies. Those who read Bernard Cornwell will probably think of SHARPE's DEVIL when reading this. I suspect that this may be intentional on the part of Mr. Keffer.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to give this a try to see how they did writing Hornblower and continuing the story. Honestly, they did a halfway good job, but there were some pretty strong flaws. First, this writer inexplicably resurrected Bush, who died in Russia, and stayed dead in all the books afterward (clearly Hornblower mourns the loss of him in a story set after this one).

Second, having brought Bush back to life, the author changed the entire personality of Bush, making him clever, thoughtful and innovative. Then finally the entire story is Hornblower without a ship, and very little actually happens -- and what does happen, happens off camera and involves people other than Hornblower.

There are some good points: Barbara is well characterized, Napoleon is interesting and the discussions between he and Hornblower are clever and thoughtful examinations of history. But overall, I cannot recommend this.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

well done

James Keefer does know how to write Horatio Hornblower. This was a real treat for someone who spent the 1950-1960 ‘s with a copy of sea tales the daily reading.
Moving to the next Hornblower and Bonaparte.

[Robert Schinschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

It was great to have Hornblower and Bush back together. Very interesting story line. My knowledge of the history is limited but it seems to me very believable. I look forward to reading more by Keffler.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story

It continued the characters of the men, Hornblower and Bush. And had eighty five percent of the story take place on the island of St Helena. I do believe it could have had better editing

[Cindy Irish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than expected really. Thanks

This book deserves to be a hornblower. I have read the entire series. I would recommend it very highly. Thanks

[William Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable alternative history

I could pick at details and assumptions; others might not, but i was reading later into the night than I’ve done for years.

[ROBERT B · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining. a good take on Hornblower

[James Baldini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found it an interesting take

Interesting take on Hornblower! A credible run. Looking forward to more stories and adventures of Hornblower and his life on the water. Keep going!

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched and a decent job for a first novel.
The prose is rather pedestrian and the story told in linear fashion.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it! A few typos in the kindle version. A good addition to Hornblower's story!