Hornblower Contra El Natividad

Forester's vivid descriptions make the naval world feel so authentic. I'm curious if he drew from personal experience or extensive research.

Their interactions are filled with tension and restraint, which feels very true to the era. How did others interpret their relationship?

The pacing feels steady, but I wonder if the focus on ship life sometimes slows the plot. Do others think the ship scenes enhance or hinder the story?