ADRMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES.NFO
"Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies" is the final full-length Hornblower novel, although there are a few short stories set after this one. In this novel, Hornblower has finally made Admiral, and has been posted as Commander-in-Chief of the rather small British naval force in the West Indies. The Napoleonic Wars are over but the times are nonetheless dangerous and complicated. There are several more or less self-contained stories set in this context, and largely they are entertaining and enjoyable. During this time frame South America is in full Revolution against Spain, and of course this ends up involving our hero. In this novel C.S. Forester also evidences a keen understanding of British naval politics of the times, and this is very interesting as well.
My favorite line in this novel, which I have never forgotten, is the one in which Hornblower, now a full Admiral and feeling the full weight of responsibility for the actions of his subordinates, suddenly realizes a sympathy with the Admirals who had been his own superiors as a more junior officer. This observation is true in most walks of life and in its own way is quite profound.
This is an enjoyable Hornblower novel and if not the best of the series nonetheless is authentic Hornblower through and through. Highly recommended. RJB.
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