Hornblower and the "Atropos"

By: C. S. Forester

Narrated by: Nicolas Coster

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

"I find Hornblower admirable, vastly entertaining" - Winston Churchill

In the wake of a humbling incident aboard a canal boat in the Cotswolds, young Captain Horatio Hornblower arrives in London to take command of the Atropos, a 22-gun sloop barely large enough to require a captain. Her first assignment under Hornblower's command is as flagship for the funeral procession of Lord Nelson.

Soon Atropos is part of the Mediterranean Fleet's harassment of Napoleon, recovering treasure that lies deep in Turkish waters and boldly challenging a Spanish frigate several times her size. At the center of each adventure is Hornblower, Forester's most inspired creation, whose blend of cautious preparation and spirited execution dazzles friend and foe alike.

Public Domain (P)2009 Phoenix Audio

Critic reviews

"A rousing tale of history, character, and adventure...For once Hornblower is the mouse Instead of the cat, but he makes that role fully as dramatic as the other." ( Chicago Tribune)

Not the best Hornblower story

This was a bit of a step down in quality of story for Hornblower. Non of the action was that compelling and most of the book was given to talking the reader through nautical problems. These problems exist in the other books but are spread amongst strong action and tension. The over all story was lack luster. On the the next book and hopefully back to the strong standard of story.

Note on the narrator. He is not a good narrator. Slow paced speech meant I had to listen at 1.2x speed and he has no enthusiasm in his voice.

This story made me laugh

I enjoyed the story but didn't enjoy the narrator as much as the previous narrator. He just made Horatio seem very old. And very British.... Very Donald Sutherland.

A good number of parts of the book made me laugh. Another great Horatio Hornblower story.

Engaging story, average reader

For those following the Hornblower series, a recommendation is hardly necessary. And, though there is not another option for a reader, others would be more pleasant.

Solution for slow narration.

Others have said what I found to be true. The narrator’s pace is exhausting. I found the solution was to speed playback to 1.2x. I did this with several titles this narrator was involved in. In truth sped up the narration is perfect.

Hornblower in the Mediterranean

Captain Hornblower finds himself commanding the sloop of war Atropos on a mission to recover treasure from a British wreck off the Turkish coast. This was the highlight of this adventure for me because of how it was done and the tension that was ever present. Ends on a sad cliffhanger, at least when going though this series chronologically.

Huzzah for Horatio!!

Is there anything he can’t do! Enjoying both the story and the narration. Some unexpected turns, as in life.

The little ship

C.S. Forester description of the Hornblower family travelling on the canal boat and the information about the canals was fascinating. When Hornblower arrives in London he takes command of the 22 gun sloop Atropos. He is assigned to plan and command the funeral for Adm. H. Nelson. The description and information about the funeral was great. Then Hornblower is off to the Mediterranean to join the fleet. He is assigned to retrieve the payroll off a ship that sunk in Turkish waters, the suspense of the salvage and the sea battles and long chase were great. Forester has the ability to paint pictures with words. If you enjoy a sea story or are a history buff you will enjoy the book.

Great book: it then all the hornbower books are gr

Great book. I read them all and they are all great. I did not like the reader in this one as much as the others but it was still a great book.

very enjoyable book

love it enjoyed every minute of it beautiful book great story I believe it's time for another Hornblower book very interesting story

Interesting historical detail

I was dubious about this one after reading reviews of the narrarator. I adjusted the reading speed to 1.1 and that fixed it for me.