Set in late 18th-century Cornwall, "Ross Poldark" by Winston Graham follows the story of Captain Ross Poldark as he returns home from the American Revolutionary War to a disheartening situation. His father has passed away, his inheritance is in ruins, and his beloved Elizabeth is engaged to his cousin. The novel delves into Ross's struggles with loss and betrayal, his interactions with various characters including the young servant Demelza, and his journey towards redemption. The writing style seamlessly weaves historical elements of 18th-century Cornwall with finely drawn characters and believable dialogue, creating a captivating period drama with a focus on relationships and societal norms.

Characters:

The characters are richly drawn, with Ross serving as a flawed yet sympathetic protagonist and Demelza evolving into a significant figure through her strength and growth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by lyrical and evocative descriptions, seamlessly blending literary depth with engaging storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around Ross Poldark's tumultuous return to Cornwall, where he faces significant personal and socio-economic challenges, highlighting melodrama and class struggles.

Setting:

The setting in 18th-century Cornwall is vividly portrayed, reflecting both the beauty of the region and the socio-economic challenges of the time.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally deliberate, with gradual character development; some readers found it slow at the beginning, but it picks up as the narrative progresses.

There were five people in the coach; a thin clerkly man with a pinched face and a shiny suit, and his wife, fat as her husband was thin, and holding to her breast a con fused bundle of pink and white ...

Notes:

Ross Poldark is a veteran of the British Army who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

The story starts in 1783, when Ross returns home to Cornwall to find his father dead and his estate in ruins.

His fiancée, Elizabeth, is engaged to his cousin, Francis.

Ross struggles to revive his family fortune through copper mining and caring for his tenants.

Demelza is introduced as a young girl whom Ross rescues and later marries.

The series features themes of class struggle, economic hardship, and social issues of the time.

Winston Graham wrote a total of 12 books in the Poldark series over a span of about 40 years, with the last published in 2002.

Graham's writing vividly depicts life in 18th century Cornwall, focusing on the local landscape and the lives of its people.

The BBC adapted the series into a popular TV show starting in the 1970s, with a more recent adaptation premiering in 2015.

Readers have praised the character development and emotional depth of the story, particularly the relationship dynamics between Ross and Demelza.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of poverty, violence, class disparity, and some instances of child abuse and domestic issues.

Has Romance?

Romance is a significant element in the story, particularly the evolving relationship between Ross and Demelza.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

The first novel in the Poldark series, Ross Poldark is a heartwarming, gripping and utterly entertaining saga that bring to lfe an unforgettable cast of characters.

Ross Poldark returns home to Cornwall from the Revolutionary War, looking forward to a joyful homecoming with his family and his beloved fiancee Elizabeth. But instead, he discovers that his father has died, his home is overrun by livestock and drunken servants, and Elizabeth, having been told Ross died, is now engaged to his cousin. Ross must start anew.

The Poldark series is the masterwork of Winston Graham's life work, evoking the period and people of the time.

PBS debuted season one in 2015. Season two starts in Fall 2016.

Ratings (12)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (2)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (33):

Read It (11)
Want To Read (19)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (1)

3 comment(s)

Readitordot

2 months

Boring and too muc fat shaming

lulareviewla

Did Not Like

8 months

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I'd hoped to. It's not that it is bad, it's just not what I'm used to reading. The language kind of threw me off, and there was a lot of dialogue that I felt was unnecessary. Ross himself was a pretty good character, but I honestly just couldn't bring myself to feel much for any of the characters.

At this moment, I have no plans on reading the next book in the series. That may change, but it's a pretty slim chance.

Paul Rushworth-Brown

Loved It

2 years

The Poldark series is one of the finest collections of stories about an extended family, friends and enemies, tragedies, triumphs and courageous activities you could ever want to read. The stories are enthralling, covering several years in the lives of the inhabitants of a Cornish north coast district. The attention to detail of the life of the people of the time, particularly the actual historical events of the time, are well researched and are woven with great skill into the narrative. Over the years, I have read all the books several times and never tire of losing myself in the Cornwall and beyond of a bygone age.

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Ross Poldark

Winston Graham

Book 1 in the series:Poldark