Lieutenant Hornblower

This book is a mixed bag, in which Hornblower's luck runs back and forth between bad and good. He has his first meeting with Bush, who turns out to be a loyal colleague and friend. But they're both initially subject to the tyranny of an insane captain.

After they get past that, the middle part of the book is mostly relatively cheerful, and Hornblower's career seems to be progressing well; until peace is declared and he finds himself abandoned in poverty in England. As the book ends, war is looming again, and his career begins to recover.

Overall, the book shows the young Hornblower gaining confidence and maturity, and becoming fit for an independent command. His abilities help him to make his way forward even in dire circumstances.

Unfortunately, just as his luck is turning for the better, he saddles himself with a wife who doesn't suit him. I find Maria frankly tiresome, and she remains for the next five books (8 years of his life), mostly but not always offstage.