Again, I write...although it has been much time

I agree lieutenant has been my most enjoyed book out of the saga, I too loved getting Mr. Bush's view of things. Bush's character is so interesting. Why is it that such a seemingly good man does not find a wife or lover in Forester's tale? I'm sure he had his reasons. But imagine if Bush became husband? Father? The once so emotionally unavailable Bush would become open to flaws in his character which would change the man into someone else less perfect, or interesting in Forester's case. Because isn't Bush so great because he is so single and dedicated only to his work, his patriotism?

I started the books in the middle, with the trilogy, under the guidance of my dad. I've got 43 (?!) years into Hornblower and no idea how often I've read the books. Often.
It caused me to read other books of and about that period.
hmm...I wouldn't be so sure that HH is unappealing or unattractive, but he's certainly the boy to think so.
I don't think he found Maria to be very satisfying for long. Certainly, he was appreciative and proper in his concern for her, but ...he was quite ready to escape her fluff and vapid personality. Now, whether she was really the dumpling he allows us to perceive is a good question. My impression, though it's been awhile since I last read the books, was that he felt gratitude towards her, primarily. She gave him children and a home. Anchor.

> Compared to their peers, they were doing okay, and I think that the early years were pretty happy for both of them. If not in love, it was certainly important to Horatio that Maria feel loved-and that was way, way more than many women of that time got from their
husbands!>

Did you begin reading them at the chronological beginning, or did you start in the middle of the series, as I did? Until now, it never occurred to me that I might be judging Horatio based on characteristics that did not develop until the chronologically later books. I've always tended to see the Horatio of Hotspur as being the same as the person in BTQ, especially as (at least to me) both books seem to have the same basic tone. On second thought, though, I think you're quite right -- Horatio and Maria probably were very happy at first, having no experience against which to judge their happiness relative to that of other relationships, and inasmuch as Horatio can *ever* be happy about anything!

Quarterdeck

I don't wander by here as much as I used to, but I'm glad I did today, since it's always nice to see a new book enthusiast. Yes, I'm a book!Hornblower junkie myself -- or rather, I'm a book!Bush junkie who just happens to keep Captain Hornblower in tow.:D

I came across Hornblower when I was about ten (in a volume of Readers's Digest Condensed Books), and like you, when I discovered the high school library is when I discovered there was a lot more to the Hornblower universe than just Beat To Quarters (The Happy Return for you folks from across the pond). I'm in my late forties now, so it's been an longstanding and very satisfying association -- well, with one pretty noticeable exception, especially if you happen to be a Bush fan.

Very interesting insight into Hornblower's character too, especially about Horatio's motivations for his "posturing" in trying to be worthy of the affection people show him. I think you'll fit in here just fine!

Quarterdeck

I first discovered Hornblower browsing through the school library when I was about 12. I have since read the series, oh, maybe 10 times over the years (I'm 47 now). I enjoy "visiting" the time and places and this person that Forester really allows one to "put on" and walk around in, and I've found that my appreciation and understanding of the books and character changes by virtue of my "vantage point". I never fail to find something new to ponder.
On my most recent reading of Commodore, I came on a line (it may be in Lord Hornblower) describing Hornblower's realization of his need for love and attention, beyond just the normal human requirement. So many places throughout the series point out his surprised pleasure at unexpected demonstrations of affection from people (waking to find a snoring Bush beside him with an arm thrown protectively over him, his poeverty-stricken cabin decorated as a gift by his officers), and those people are the one's he attaches himself to: Bush, absolutely Maria, Brown, Barbara-and, very notably, entire crews. He is as loyal to them as they are to him, even as he may question their judgement in loving someone like him. In a way, I think much of his posturing and evolving personality are based on his desire to appear, if not create, the person who would truly be worthy of the their regard.
Maria held out the first helping of this acceptance and love at a time when Hornblower's very identity was in limbo; there are few times when he is more vulnerable. One of my favorite aspects of "Hotspur" is that Forester allows us to see Hornblower gamely playing the family man; what could be more charming than his announcement, to Doughty, that "Horatio Hornblower would dine with Horatio Hornblower" that night He falls truly in love with family life, and embraces his responsibilities. It really isn't until he meets his soul mate in Lady Barbara that he begins to understand what passionate love might be, and that it isn't what he feels for Maria.
I know that this doesn't much address Lt Hornblower directly, but it's tough to take any of the books singly, and really impossible without the centerpiece of the Captain trilogy-especially the last few paragraphs of "Flying Colours".

I'm always game for discussion, and I'm too lazy to go the archives and read the old ones. I always like reading what you've got to say, FoF, and as a Mr. Bush fan, I'm rather fond of Lieutenant Hornblower myself. Maybe if we can get a good discussion going, someone else may wander in as well.:D

Quarterdeck