A series of stories from the point of view of the flawed but likable Captain Hornblower, ending in a naval battle against long odds with a cliffhanger to lead in to the next book in the series. I admire the clarity of Forester's writing despite the unfamiliarity of the terminology as well as the customs of the time. It's a quick and engaging read, a good way to cleanse the palate between books of more gravitas.