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Mr Midshipman Hornblower

By: C. S. Forester
Narrated by: Christian Rodska
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Publisher's Summary

Exclusively from Audible

The first episode, initially created as a prequel, of C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series, sees 17-year-old Horatio as he embarks upon a navy career aboard HMS Justinian. Older than most other seamen training to become naval officers, Hornblower is initially ridiculed for his dull attitude and inexperience at sea. However, against all odds, Horatio rises to become an unlikely hero and faces a myriad of challenges aboard the ship and on foot in native lands. Set in January 1794, Hornblower works alongside his fellow officers, eventually rising through the ranks to battle against Napoleon as he tries to conquer Europe.

In this episodic audiobook, Forester treats listeners to ten chapters with self-contained incidents and adventures. From duels to shipwrecks and Spanish galleys to French ports, we follow Horatio as he becomes a formidable man of the sea. Adding depth and feeling to the narrative, he also comes to see the atrocities of war and the often unfortunate and needless suffering of the many who are involved. Whilst showing himself to be brave, principled and ingenious, Forester's hero is singular in his unrelenting feelings of self-doubt and reserve, which render him a more likeable and relatable leader and protagonist. Commended by the San Francisco Chronicle as 'one of the great masters of narrative' C.S. Forester wrote 10 other books in the Hornblower series, all of which can be found at Audible.

Narrator Biography

Christian Rodska is an English television and voice actor best known for his role in the 1970's series Follyfoot. From The Monuments Men and The Eagle of the Ninth to The Likely Lads, Z Cars, The Tomorrow People, Coronation Street, Bergerac and Casualty, his extensive and diverse acting career has led him to become a highly solicited radio and audiobook narrator.

He has now voiced over 150 unabridged audiobooks including Winston Churchill's biographies, Evelyn Waugh's Men at Arms and Sebastian Faulks' A Possible Life. He has been praised for his ability to vary in vocal pace and style and as such, Christian boasts 12 Earphone Awards from Audiofile Magazine.

©1950 C. S. Forester (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Mr Midshipman Hornblower

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Brilliant

Just wish there was a boxset for the entire collection so I could listen to the whole series.

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4 people found this helpful

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Decent historical adventure well read

Good historical adventure novel, but one that suffered from its episodic style, which caused a lack of consistency. It's redeemed by some pretty thrilling battle scenes.

The narrator was amazing, and put on each accent very well. Overall it was an enjoyable listen - definitely worth the $3.00 I paid for it.

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1 person found this helpful

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Classic sea adventure

A great character brought to life by a fine reading. A great story too if an honourable man

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Rollicking story, excellent reading

I fell in love with Hornblower, when the TV series came out, then read the books, which got me pouring over diagrams of frigates and sloops so I could follow the technical language. But I think this audiobook is better than any. The characterisation is delightful, it’s impossible to turn off, and like another reviewer, I can’t wait for the next one.

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Can’t wait for the next one

Cracking story and characters and great narration…feel right there amidst the action. Look forward to the rest of the series.

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Thoroughly enjoyed it.

My first Hornblower novel. Enjoyed it thoroughly and an excellent performance. I’m going back for more.

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Riveting

All action seafaring battles and adventures, beautifully performed, great voices. Historical detail and plenty of swashbuckling.

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A Horatio Hornblower MUST listen

Christian Rodska's narration fills your mind with action, drama and adventure of Horatio Hornblower

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Awesome adventure

Loved the escapism the chivalry and the adventure of the simple lieutenant Hornblower! Great read.

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Thoroughly entertaining

An excellent, excellent book. You felt as if you were with Hornblower. Am looking forward to the next book in the Hornblower series

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