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Ross Poldark

(The Poldark Saga #1)

Winston Graham

4.08 · Rating details · 27,253 ratings · 2,830 reviews

Cornovaglia, 1783. Ross Poldark, figlio di un piccolo possidente morto da poco, torna a casa, esausto e provato, dopo aver combattuto per l’esercito inglese nella Rivoluzione americana. Ora è un uomo maturo, non più l’avventato ed estroverso ragazzo che aveva dovuto abbandonare l’Inghilterra per problemi con la legge. Desidera soltanto lasciarsi il passato alle spalle e ri ...more

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ebook, 464 pages

Published August 1st 2011 by Pan MacMillan (first published 1945)

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Jul 26, 2017 Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own

Some of my friends in two different groups I'm in started reading this series so I thought, let me watch a little bit of the show on Amazon Prime. Um, yeah, then I decided I needed all of the books even though there is something going to happen that I didn't like but let the pictures do the talking =)

*******LET ME JUST SAY THERE WILL BE SPOILERS*******

Okay, so we have the beautiful Ross Poldark going off off to war thinking he would be coming home to his wonderful Elizabeth that he had fell in ...more

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Jan 18, 2019 Jaline rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-completed, x-favrit-series

There are so many outstanding qualities within this first novel in a series of twelve. Thank you to Goodreads friend Candi for first introducing me to this series with her wonderful reviews. Thank you, too, for the inspiration from Goodreads friend Diane, who decided last year to read this series at the rate of one per month and whose reviews were a monthly reminder to finally start reading this series. I loved the idea of one per month for the entire year, and it became one of my first personal There are so many outstanding qualities within this first novel in a series of twelve. Thank you to Goodreads friend Candi for first introducing me to this series with her wonderful reviews. Thank you, too, for the inspiration from Goodreads friend Diane, who decided last year to read this series at the rate of one per month and whose reviews were a monthly reminder to finally start reading this series. I loved the idea of one per month for the entire year, and it became one of my first personal reading goals for 2019.

This novel was first published in 1945 and the last novel of this series was published in 2002. I did not know that this series began so many years ago: it is as fresh and feels as new as if it had been written yesterday. The writing is outstanding in all ways: rich in historical fact, dynamic characters, beautifully descriptive and atmospheric, and rich in its storyline of family, culture, ventures, and adventures.

The novel covers the period of time in Cornwall from 1783 to 1787. It is the time when copper mines and tin mines accounted for a large proportion of the wealth for those in the upper social classes, while fishing, working in the mines, and servitude were the primary occupations of the lower classes. Both classes have a dark side to their ‘occupations’, too. The wealthy indulged themselves in excesses of food and drink (to the detriment of their health) as well as gambling and affairs. The poorer folks’ dark side is more desperate: largely poaching and petty theft to feed hungry bodies.

There is a huge cast of characters in this novel, yet they are introduced so smoothly and with such a strong imprint of their personalities that I ‘knew’ them immediately and intimately from the beginning.

The Poldark family has two branches: (1) Elder brother Charles, the inheritor and caretaker of the ancient family’s lands and mines, his children Francis and Verity, and (2) Younger brother Joshua who dies early, leaving his son Ross the small farm and holdings that Ross returns to after his service in the War of Independence in America. This novel traces the time of transition when control and responsibility pass from the older generation to the younger.

I was especially fascinated with Cornwall as the setting for this novel because it was a part of England that I was particularly drawn to many years ago when I spent a month exploring the English southwest. This book contains a richness of information about the Cornish countryside, its people, and its even more ancient history - all liberally sprinkled throughout the story.

As a family saga, this first of the series sets a tone of time and place that finds me eagerly looking forward to the second novel next month.
...more

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Apr 12, 2016 Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, library-has, book-club-reads

Ross Poldark, published in 1945, tells the story of Ross, a British man in his twenties, from the time he returns from the war in America in 1783 until about four years later. It's the first of a series of a dozen Poldark books that has spawned a couple of BBC miniseries, one in 1975 and a remake in 2015:

description

I think it's safe to say that Ross v. 2.0 was a serious upgrade. Even though someone at Cosmopolitan magazine disagrees:

description

Ross is landed gentry, but not particularly wealthy. In fact, he's skirti Ross Poldark, published in 1945, tells the story of Ross, a British man in his twenties, from the time he returns from the war in America in 1783 until about four years later. It's the first of a series of a dozen Poldark books that has spawned a couple of BBC miniseries, one in 1975 and a remake in 2015:

description

I think it's safe to say that Ross v. 2.0 was a serious upgrade. Even though someone at Cosmopolitan magazine disagrees:

description

Ross is landed gentry, but not particularly wealthy. In fact, he's skirting the edge of poverty, and his father had let their home and land fall to pieces in his later years, especially in his final illness. When Ross returns from the war, with some lingering physical injuries, he's further injured when he finds out that his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth, with whom he had an "understanding," is about to marry his cousin Francis. If this were a historical romance his love would prevail in the end, but this isn't that kind of book. Elizabeth says sorry, she's really going to marry Francis, and Francis is so in love that he doesn't see how deeply he's hurt Ross. The wedding goes on as planned, and Ross is left to pick up the pieces and try to put his life and his estate back together.

This is the story of how that happens.

It's told in a very leisurely manner, and more than one reader has foundered on the slow pace. I almost did myself. But it's well-told, if you don't mind the pacing, and it gives you a real feel for living in the area of Cornwall, England in the late 1700s. Winston Graham really did his research. This is a warts and all type of tale; bad stuff happens and it's not always made right. But this volume, at least, has an ultimately hopeful feel to it.

A soft 4 stars for me. Even if the plot is rather slow and meandering (and leaves a few plot threads hanging for resolution in later books), Ross Poldark has some lovely moments and great, detailed characters and settings that suck you in. I don't regret the time I spent with it. It wasn't entirely my cuppa tea so I probably won't read the sequels, but I paged through some of them in the library to see what happened with a couple of those loose plot threads. :) (view spoiler) ...more

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Mar 28, 2018 Maria rated it liked it · review of another edition

3/5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

“The greatest thing is to have someone who loves you and—and to love in return.”

This was a very charming book with very charming characters. I had watched the show before I started with this series so I knew the characters and the plot pretty well. I have to admit, this is literally the first time I like the show more than the book. It took me by surprise.

This book is about a man called Ross Poldark who after a grim war in America comes back to his home to find his father dead, the girl he loves engaged to his cousin and his estate derelict. Then a girl named Demelza comes into his life and changes everything.

I believe this book being old as fuck had a different writing style than I prefer. Too many characters who had no point in being mentioned, too many difficult words, the narrator being changed right in the middle of the chapter with no warning, sometimes it made me confused. But I have to admit, it didn't get me bored at all. Probably the pace was a tiny bit slower than I like, but it didn't get me bored at all.

The relationship of Ross and Demelza was the best part of the book, it made my ship heart die. They were literally adorable and they kept this beautiful aspect in this show.

I think the show did a better job of gripping my interest with the mine and copper affairs. The book didn't really succeed in that. Also, the show made some characters more likable and hatable than the book did.

Also, where is the George I like to hate? Where is this son of a bitch? WHERE IS HE? The show did an amazing job with making me feel strong things about the characters. Love and hate. There was no middle ground. I need to feel the hate for George in these books! I need to hate a character in these books!!!

My opinion about this book has been conflicting but I have ordered the next one and I want to get into it. I'll certainly rewatch the show in the summer. One of my favorites of its kind I have to say. I hope I will like the next book best and give it a better rating.

Also.... DEMELZA GO GIRL WE'RE ALL WITH YA!

SO... TILL THE NEXT ONE K BYE! ...more

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Apr 02, 2017 Candi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, historical-fiction, kindle

4.5 stars rounded up

"A wet October evening is depressing, but it drapes some soft shadows on the rough edges of ruin and decay. Not so the light of morning."

Captain Ross Poldark is eager to return to his land and his love after fighting for the British in the Revolutionary War. He is jolted into reality when he finds that with the death of his father, his property has been neglected and ruined, and that his beloved is now engaged to his cousin. It will require much hard work and determination i 4.5 stars rounded up

"A wet October evening is depressing, but it drapes some soft shadows on the rough edges of ruin and decay. Not so the light of morning."

Captain Ross Poldark is eager to return to his land and his love after fighting for the British in the Revolutionary War. He is jolted into reality when he finds that with the death of his father, his property has been neglected and ruined, and that his beloved is now engaged to his cousin. It will require much hard work and determination if he is to save his estate and rebuild all that has been precious to his family. Regarding the girl, well that will take a different sort of resolve to face this reversal in his fortune.

It’s been quite some time since I’ve immersed myself in a saga such as this, and I am ready to see this one through to the end! If the first book is any indication, then this series is going to be excellent and well worth the commitment! The Cornwall landscape is somehow so very alluring to my travel-hungry imagination, and the descriptions here are beautiful. The characters are developed skillfully and the differing social classes from the gentry to the mineworkers are well-drawn. I love Ross’s interactions with the people that earn their living by working his land or by submerging themselves in the depths of the earth in order to bring copper ore to the surface. He’s not above sitting and having a drink with these rougher sorts of men and is bold enough to stand up for those that cannot defend themselves, despite the risk of gossip that such acts inevitably attract. "He wondered if the real world was that one in which men fought for policies and principles and died or lived gloriously – or more often miserably – for the sake of an abstract word like patriotism or independence, or if reality belonged to the humble people and the common land."

I was thoroughly entertained with my introduction to Ross Poldark and all the other wonderful people I have met during my excursion to late eighteenth century Cornwall. I look forward to spending more time with loyal cousin Verity, carefree Demelza, unpredictable Aunt Agatha, and of course the unconventional (and yes, somewhat irresistible!) Ross - and a host of others as well. Am I a fan of the television series? Well, having just finished episode one of the first season, I am happy to say yes indeed! I have a bit of catching up to do, and it is safe to say that I am hooked! I highly recommend the book (and most likely the series) for lovers of historical fiction and engaging family sagas. ...more

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Mar 09, 2018 Matthew rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Historical fiction fans. Masterpiece Theater lovers.

Recommended to Matthew by: Julia Mclean

Shelves: 2018, audio, library, historical-fiction

This was another audiobook with my wife. I love having the alternative to TV and it is cool that we have some similar interests in books so that it easy to find ones we both want to listen to.

3.5 to 4 Stars

A couple years ago, my wife’s parents got the 1970s version of the Poldark mini-series. This was in response to the popularity of Downton Abbey and they remembered watching it and enjoying it back in the day. I just thought it was a funny name and didn’t give it much thought. Then I found out ...more

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Jul 14, 2015 Mischenko rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book is featured on this week's Shabby Sunday @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2017/...

It’s 1783, and Ross Poldark is returning home after fighting in the American Revolutionary War. When he arrives he learns that his father is dead, his copper mine is failing, and his sweetheart Elizabeth, whom he loves, is engaged to his cousin Francis. Not only that, but the servants haven’t been keeping up with the estate, and it’s in shambles. His joyful homecoming is crushed and everything is a mess This book is featured on this week's Shabby Sunday @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2017/...

It’s 1783, and Ross Poldark is returning home after fighting in the American Revolutionary War. When he arrives he learns that his father is dead, his copper mine is failing, and his sweetheart Elizabeth, whom he loves, is engaged to his cousin Francis. Not only that, but the servants haven’t been keeping up with the estate, and it’s in shambles. His joyful homecoming is crushed and everything is a mess with chickens scattered around in his living room.

Ross plans to get back on his feet again, but his finances are a mess and he struggles to fit back into society. The future is looking fairly grim. He meets a fourteen-year-old girl named Demelza, rescues her from her abusive father, and gives her a job as a kitchen maid at Nampara where he resides. As time moves on, Demelza grows up into a beautiful young woman, their relationship changes, and they get married against everyone’s wishes. There’s hardly a single soul who approves of their marriage and Demelza will have to prove that she’s a worthy wife. Not only does she struggle with society, she struggles with herself because she knows Ross still loves Elizabeth and Demelza is the one who wants to be number one in Ross’s life.

The book is full of memorable characters with Demelza being my favorite. Winston Graham has a way of making the wind, sea, weather, and landscape connect to the feelings of the characters and the imagery of Cornwall pulls you in with all the vivid details.

“He felt he would like one more look at the sea, which even now was licking at the rocks behind the house. He had no sentimental notions about the sea; he had no regard for its dangers or its beauties; to him it was a close acquaintance whose every virtue and failing, every smile and tantrum he had come to understand.”

The book started off slow for me, but once I got into the story I loved it and couldn’t wait to read the other books in the series. I ended up reading every single book in The Poldark Saga and highly recommend it to all that enjoy reading historical fiction.

My rating on this is 5***** ...more

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Jun 28, 2014 Tracie Banister rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I've been hearing a lot about the new Poldark TV-series that's being filmed for the BBC and thought the multi-generational saga sounded like something I'd enjoy, so I decided to give the first book a read. I'm so glad I did! I was instantly drawn into the story of Ross Poldark, the young officer who returns to Cornwall after fighting in the Revolutionary War, sporting a scar on his face and a limp, to find that his father is dead, his family home is in ruins, and his love, the beautiful and gent I've been hearing a lot about the new Poldark TV-series that's being filmed for the BBC and thought the multi-generational saga sounded like something I'd enjoy, so I decided to give the first book a read. I'm so glad I did! I was instantly drawn into the story of Ross Poldark, the young officer who returns to Cornwall after fighting in the Revolutionary War, sporting a scar on his face and a limp, to find that his father is dead, his family home is in ruins, and his love, the beautiful and genteel Elizabeth, is now engaged to his cousin. The latter is the most difficult cross for Ross to bear, and he must throw himself into the restoration of his property and the Poldarks' mining business in order to distract himself from his loss. As you can imagine, family gatherings, which force Ross to break bread and exchange polite conversation with his cousin, Francis, and Elizabeth are both awkward and torturous.

But Ross is a strong man and he discovers new purpose in rebuilding his family's small empire and in providing counsel to the tenants on his land. He's helped along the way by several very entertaining and well-drawn supporting characters, including Jud and Prudie, the comically lazy and foul-mouthed couple who are caretakers of the Poldark estate, his cousin Verity who provides moral support, and a feisty ragamuffin named Demelza whom Ross rescues from a street brawl and brings home to work in his kitchen.

Winston Graham did such a wonderful job in describing the Cornish land and its people; I was so transported by his words that I could almost feel the sea spray on my face while I was reading! And I loved the complexities of all the relationships in this book. How conflicted Ross continues to be over his feelings for Elizabeth, how there are so many different levels to his interactions with Demelza, how kindhearted Verity falls in love with a man who has a dark past which leads to discord in her family. It's all great, soapy stuff, and I stayed up late several nights in a row because I couldn't put the book down!

The story ended with several storylines left up in the air, so I had to immediately download the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next in the lives of Ross & Co. and I highly recommend this read to anyone who loves Historical Fiction. You won't find a more compelling protagonist than Ross Poldark. ...more

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Sep 19, 2007 Jill rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

These books are totally under-rated. Although they may be slightly trashy Pre-Victorian love stories, so was Jane Eyre when it was written. Graham is a very good writer and these books are full of powerful and descriptive pros which ignite the imagination - even if said imagination is that of a hopeless romantic who watches too much Masterpiece Theater and too many Lifetime movies. As the title suggests, it is a saga - melodramatic like 'Gone with the Wind,' but like 'Gone with the Wind' it is g ...more

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Sep 03, 2016 Linda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

"But in the depths of horror and despair one comes to a new steadiness. There is no farther to fall."

And I've fallen into the depths of this historical fiction series by Winston Graham. PBS has taken it to new heights in their offering which will debut Season 2 later in September.

Ross Poldark is a returning British soldier having served in America during the uprise of the Revolutionary War. March of 1783 brings news of his father's death. Setting foot upon this once beloved estate, Ross is conf "But in the depths of horror and despair one comes to a new steadiness. There is no farther to fall."

And I've fallen into the depths of this historical fiction series by Winston Graham. PBS has taken it to new heights in their offering which will debut Season 2 later in September.

Ross Poldark is a returning British soldier having served in America during the uprise of the Revolutionary War. March of 1783 brings news of his father's death. Setting foot upon this once beloved estate, Ross is confronted with a wide array of discouraging upheaval battles. The house and adjoining buildings have been left to decay and abandonment. The former prosperous mine is no longer functioning. Money and a source of credit is not even within reach.

And then the heart suffers even more rebuke. Elizabeth, the love of his life and beyond, is marrying his questionable cousin, Francis. Elizabeth had believed that Ross was dead. Fickleness runs in this girl's veins as frigid as ice water as she still has time to turn the tide before the ceremony. Marbles must be rolling in this girl's head as she willfully chooses Francis over the dashing, but broke, Ross. Oh, clueless Liz will regret that move most certainly.

Winston Graham presents this story set in Cornwall through a currently rendered trilogy. I'm already into the second book of this series, Demelza. I find the characters, and there are many of them, to be well-drawn and painfully human. The theme throughout seems to be of Ross' rising from the ashes breaking through the mire of heartbreak, family treachery, injustice, and despair. All the goodies that make for an intriguing work of historical fiction.

I believe that once you pick up the first book in this series you will be drawn in as well. And there's also the PBS version that adheres quite well to the book series. It's the perfect answer to shoring up a depleted, dry book craving. And who couldn't use a dashing figure riding a dark horse galloping across the fields of your mind about now?

...more

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Jan 06, 2017 Sara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-purchase, pleasure-reading, historical-fiction

4.5 rounded up.

I couldn’t resist this book...it has a picture of Aidan Turner on its cover. Seriously, I have loved watching the Poldark series on PBS and I find the book it is based on to be just as interesting and fulfilling. I will be reading the entire book series, although at what pace I am not sure.

Book 1 deals with Ross Poldark, who comes home to England (Cornwall, no less) from the American Revolution to find that his father has died, his land is in complete disrepair, and his love is ab ...more

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Oct 09, 2011 Tim Vicary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This site is called Goodreads and this book, together with the eleven other Poldark novels which follow it, is one of the best reads you could possibly find. Winston Graham is not just a good writer - he is in in my view a great writer. He has all the gifts and skills you could possibly want in a novelist: he creates wonderful, well-drawn characters, he has a brilliant, accurate ear for dialogue, he writes beautiful, concise description, he creates dramatic, page-turning plots - what more could This site is called Goodreads and this book, together with the eleven other Poldark novels which follow it, is one of the best reads you could possibly find. Winston Graham is not just a good writer - he is in in my view a great writer. He has all the gifts and skills you could possibly want in a novelist: he creates wonderful, well-drawn characters, he has a brilliant, accurate ear for dialogue, he writes beautiful, concise description, he creates dramatic, page-turning plots - what more could you want? The plots of these novels are wonderfully crafted; he is the master of setting a little time-bomb which will tick away in the back of your mind for hundreds of pages before it explodes. His plots are very dramatic - these believable, very real characters do things of quite breath-taking audacity which the author has the skill to develop thoroughly so that all the consequences are quite fully worked out. The villains are truly evil but in human terms thoroughly understandable, and the good characters sympathetic but satisfyingly flawed. He has a great gift for comedy too - particularly in the early books where the antics of Jud and Judie Paynter had me laughing out loud. The historical research should not be forgotten either - he paints a wholly believable picture of nineteenth century Cornwall during the Napoleonic Wars and the early Industrial Revolution, which brings a bygone world to life.

Like many people of my age, I first knew of these books through the TV series which was a great hit at the time. I think I read the first two books then, before university, work and family took over. But coming back to them in later life I realise what an enormous achievement they really are. I started with this book about two months ago and I have just finished book ten, with two more to go. After that I think I shall explore Winston Graham's other books - he wrote about 40 novels all told, many made into films. If I could write half as well as him I would be proud. If you are looking for a long, well-written, fully realised series of historical novels to sink into and enjoy, these are the books for you!

Tim Vicary. www.timvicary.com
...more

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Jul 11, 2015 Julio Genao marked it as no · review of another edition

fuck this book.

description

fuck this show

fuck the day this story shat on my life

i don't care how hot this character is

or wossiname from being human

who always kinda looked like a concussed goat to me anyway

all i know is

this one time this fictional person was more important than

anything i am or could ever be or

could ever have lost

so

this shit

right here

can die in a dumpster fire

surrounded by solemn hobos

and like four confused hipsters who think they're at bonnaroo

the end ...more

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Jan 15, 2018 Diane Barnes rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Long story short, this book and the next five in the series have been on my shelves for 13 years. I remember when and where I bought them, but not why. This was way before the recent PBS series, and way before I joined GR, but I must have heard about them in some way. Despite being mass market paperbacks, I have lugged them around with me from house to house, from NC to SC, intending to read them at some point.

Last year I resolved to read any 2017 book purchase before year's end, and was fairly ...more

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Jul 25, 2015 Jaylia3 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015

I have a shameful confession. Other than a few notable exceptions (Tolstoy, Anthony Trollope, Jasper Fforde) I rarely enjoy fiction written by men. I can’t even discuss it without resorting to stereotypes I would resent if it was women being lumped together, but if I was forced to say something it would be that even when I’m intrigued by the stories male authors have to tell, their characterizations, particularly of women, tend to make my skin crawl.

So while I’ve been eagerly awaiting each TV ep I have a shameful confession. Other than a few notable exceptions (Tolstoy, Anthony Trollope, Jasper Fforde) I rarely enjoy fiction written by men. I can’t even discuss it without resorting to stereotypes I would resent if it was women being lumped together, but if I was forced to say something it would be that even when I’m intrigued by the stories male authors have to tell, their characterizations, particularly of women, tend to make my skin crawl.

So while I’ve been eagerly awaiting each TV episode of BBC’s Poldark, I remained hesitant to try the books by Winston Graham that the series is based on. Hesitant, that is, until I read the opening pages of this first book and got hooked.

The prose is beautiful, even graceful, without being ornate or fussy and Graham writes his characters, female and male, with clear-eyed but sympathetic insight that reminds me of George Eliot. There are touches of history (the doings of mad King George, the unrest in France, etc.) and humor, but the heart of the story centers on the families--noble and not--of Cornwall. We see their courtships, their marriages, and their home lives, and we travel to the mines, farm fields, and ocean waters where they earn their livings. It’s a credit to Graham’s skill as a writer that I was actually interested in the sections on copper mining.

In the first chapter of the book--and first episode of the TV series--Ross Poldark returns to Cornwall after fighting with the British in the American Revolution, only to find his father dead, his property in ruins, and his girlfriend engaged to his cousin. Ross is the son of a younger son, and not much interested in the niceties of class and society, making him an appealing character for modern sensibilities. His quick to learn but almost feral kitchen maid Demelza also plays a major role in the story, and so does Elizabeth, his former girlfriend, and his cousins Verity and Francis.

The book and the TV show complement each other wonderfully. The gorgeous scenery of the BBC production made my reading pleasure all the more vivid, and the book fills in details that the show has to skim over. The novel also gave me a chance to dwell in the story a little longer--an addictive pleasure. Immediately after finishing the first book I started the second volume in the series.
...more

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Mar 16, 2015 Anna rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, 3-stars, read-in-2015

Rating 3.5 stars

The BBC recently aired their new version of Poldark, and whilst I and a nation of women went gaga for the brooding and shirtless Aidan Turner (oh dear God *drool*), I also adored the beautiful Eleanor Tomlinson and the sizzling chemistry they had together. When Ross and Demelza fell first in passion (the dress scene *swoon*) and then in love (the singing scene *sigh*), so did I with them. Just gorgeous.

Away from the TV show, the first book in the series, Ross Poldark, took a whi ...more

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Sep 30, 2018 Nenia ✨️ I yeet my books back and forth ✨️ Campbell rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: georgian, 2018-romance-reading-challenge, you-can-watch-it-on-the-telly, historical-romance

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💙 I read this for the Unapologetic Romance Readers' New Years 2018 Reading Challenge, for the category of: Literary Romance. For more info on this challenge, click here. 💙

I was curious about this book before the TV show came out, but the TV show made me even more curious. Aidan Turner is gorgeous, and it seemed like PBS was running with Ross Poldark to compete with Starz's Outlander, albeit without all the torture and rape. A Georgian- ...more

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Jun 23, 2007 K rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historicalfiction

I used to think I hated historical fiction; I've since realized that what I hate is bad historical fiction. In a lot of the historical fiction books I've read, it seemed as if the author hated to waste the hours spent researching the period and instead, chose to incorporate what they'd read in lengthy text-book style asides about contextual events which really detracted from the novel itself. However, since forming that impression I've read some excellent historical fiction (e.g., "Year of Wonde ...more

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Mar 30, 2017 Kris - My Novelesque Life rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: war, made-into-a-tv-series, britain, saga, historical-fiction, historical-romance, group-read

I am a big fan of British mysteries, comedies and dramas so it is no surprise that I am a fan of Masterpiece Theater. I recorded Poldark when it appeared on PBS and enjoyed the series, but did find it a bit on the slow side. I heard that there was also another “mini-series” done in the 1970s. I knew that both were based on a book so I looked it up and saw that the first book was published in 1945 (post-world war II) and the last book was published in 2002. I was really curious in reading Ross Po I am a big fan of British mysteries, comedies and dramas so it is no surprise that I am a fan of Masterpiece Theater. I recorded Poldark when it appeared on PBS and enjoyed the series, but did find it a bit on the slow side. I heard that there was also another “mini-series” done in the 1970s. I knew that both were based on a book so I looked it up and saw that the first book was published in 1945 (post-world war II) and the last book was published in 2002. I was really curious in reading Ross Poldark and suggested it for my online reading group. It won the poll so I was motivated in reading it.

RATING: 4.5 STARS
1945 (Reissued: 2015); Pan/Sourcebook Landmark

"Cornwall, 1783-1787
Tired from a grim war in America, Ross Poldark returns to his land and family, only to find his father has died, his estate is derelict, and the girl he loved is engaged to another. But then he rescues a half-starved urchin girl and takes her home; an act which, it turns out, will alter his life." (From Publisher)

I started this book thinking it would an okay family saga, but was really surprised on how much I loved this book. For me it was a bit like the first moment I read Outlander. I could reread this book a few time like I did with Outlander. it is because I really connected with this novel. The character development throughout the book was so well-written. You were given more than just a snippet of the person and their life. Throughout the book we would visit key characters and learn more about them this way. Ross is what I would call a "Bronte/Austen" hero in that he is brooding, flawed but also wants redemption. I liked him as a character and a hero. I was always rooting for him, but also had a bit of a crush on how he wants to help others.

Graham is also great with the dialogue and interactions between the characters. It is through different characters that we also get the whole of who Ross is. His genuine affection for his cousin Verity shows his sensitive caring ways. You see the vulnerability and yet strength when he interacts with Elizabeth. I also liked that Graham did not turn characters in caricatures or one dimensional. Even the "villains" and "quirky" characters have all sides. I wanted to have constant hate-on with Elizabeth but you do see how she gets the way she does and I end up feeling pity for her.

Books defined as "sagas" can either be angsty dramas, sex and gossip or really gripping portraits. Or it is for me. This one worked for me because it was well-researched in the historical time it took place. You didn't just get the sense of the time, but what was going on in those days - politics, social norms, courtships, war, etc. Ross Poldark has a great mix of drama, action, romance and history. It balances out perfectly so that you just really are entertained by a well-written book. I highly recommend you just try this book as it may be better than you think it will.

My Novelesque Life ...more

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Feb 03, 2009 Bettie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Laura, Wanda et al

Shelves: historical-fiction, eng-cornwall, spring-2015, re-visit-2015, published-1945, one-penny-wonder, britain-england, drilling-mining-digging, re-read

KERMIT FLAIL: re-visit 2015 via new BBC series

Episode 1 of 8: Cornwall, 1783. Ross Poldark returns from the battlefield to find his father dead, the estate in ruins and his sweetheart Elizabeth engaged to his cousin. On impulse, Ross rescues young urchin Demelza and resolves to forge a new life in the face of hostile forces.

Episode 2 of 8:Ross resolves to reopen his family mine with Francis. Demelza struggles to fit in at Nampara, and Verity makes an unsuitable match.

Episode 3/8: Ross celebrates ...more

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Jan 15, 2016 Piper rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book, read-in-2016, re-read

5 second time around stars!!! Loved the re-read even more than the first.

The sun had gone down, and the brows of the sky were dark.

And Ross again knew himself to be happy- in a new and less ephemeral way than before.

He thought, If we could only stop life for a while I would stop here. Not when I get home, not leaving Trenwith, but here, here reaching the top of the hill out of Sawle, dusk wiping out the edges of the land and Demelza walking and humming at my side.

This has been such a fabulous a ...more

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Sep 02, 2018 Jeannie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018

4.5 I really enjoyed this, it was such a great escape! I have already ordered the 2nd book in the series.

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Jun 02, 2017 Marialyce rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Ross Poldark, how do I love thee, let me count the ways.

I had become enamored with the BBC series of Poldark. It is what spurred my desire to read the books that the series has been based upon. I have not been in the least disappointed with this the first book in the series written by Winston Graham.

In this novel, we encounter Ross Poldark newly returned from the war in the American colonies to find the love of his life, Elizabeth, engaged to his cousin, Frances, his father dead, and his estate ...more

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Feb 22, 2017 debbicat *made of stardust* rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-reads, buddy-read

Buddy read with some friends in The Reading for Pleasure Book Club.
I had not seen the series on Masterpiece - but, I had friends who liked it.
I joined the buddy read late. Everyone was already on to the second book. After I read some of the discussion I decided this might be something I would like, tho, it is not my typical read.
All of that said, I am hooked and in for the remainder of the series. I just loved this. The characters are so well fleshed out. You really get to know them. My favor ...more

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Feb 20, 2016 Lucia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

Ross Poldark is historical drama/romance that reads as realistic historical fiction not as romantic chic-lit. It has very realistic feel to it, mainly because all characters are flawed, multi-dimensional and brilliantly written. I really liked that. I will take grey character over one-dimensional one any day.

I love historical family sagas and Poss Poldark is a promising start to Poldark series. I definitely plan t read next books very soon!

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Oct 29, 2018 booksNpenguins marked it as to-read · review of another edition

My mum loves the tv series so got herself this one and got a copy for me as well! Now I can read it and imagine Aidan Turner as I do *wink wink*

...more

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Sep 11, 2016 Maddie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This was SO. GOOD. I'm 100% in love with the TV show, and I was surprised at how much this felt like watching the first half, when everything is good and Ross is first falling in love with Demelza.

Ross and Demelza are such an OTP, I can't wait to read (and watch) more! ...more

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Aug 01, 2016 Karen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Again... just as wonderful. On to Demelza.

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Jun 04, 2016 Inés rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016

AYY ROSS DE MI VIDA Y DE MI CORAZÓN.

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Jan 10, 2017 QNPoohBear rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: clean-romance, georgian-romance, historical-fiction

By now all of my faithful followers should know about the hit TV series based on this series of novels. In case you live under a rock (might I politely suggest you crawl out from under the rock and get on Amazon or get a copy of the DVD and watch the series?), this story is a saga about a family of Cornish gentry, the Poldarks. Returning home after fighting the rebels in America, Captain Ross Poldark discovers his home in ruins, his family mine shut and his people in need of help. He also learns By now all of my faithful followers should know about the hit TV series based on this series of novels. In case you live under a rock (might I politely suggest you crawl out from under the rock and get on Amazon or get a copy of the DVD and watch the series?), this story is a saga about a family of Cornish gentry, the Poldarks. Returning home after fighting the rebels in America, Captain Ross Poldark discovers his home in ruins, his family mine shut and his people in need of help. He also learns his sweetheart, Elizabeth, has not waited for him but has agreed to marry his more prosperous cousin Francis. Ross has a strong sense of justice and is determined to set things to rights ASAP, but with no money and a tapped out mine, it will not be an easy task.

This story spans many years and many books so the pace of this first novel is fairly slow. I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much without having first seen the show. The first season of the show is so fast paced that it makes the slow pace of the novel seem nice. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and setting better. Also the book provides the reader with historical background knowledge and the inner thoughts of some of the characters. I really liked reading what was going on inside their heads. That is the only limitation of the TV series! The historical background seems well researched and true, given the little I know of this time period.

Ross is an admirable character. He has a strong sense of not just noblesse oblige but also of what is right. He doesn't suffer fools gladly and has a wonderful way of putting someone down without them knowing it. He's a bit too brooding for me but so far, he is not as much of a loose canon, temper wise, as he is in the TV series.

There is one dark subplot that was left out of the TV series that I found disturbing. It made the story of the miners a little darker than it needed to be. This plot involves a creepy stalker of a teenage girl and some violence.

My favorite character is Ross's cousin Verity. She's physically strong, sweet, kind and good. I normally hate those types of characters but she's just so genuinely nice, that I can't help but love her and want the best for her. She is basically Ross's best friend for the first few months he is home. They're as close as siblings or closer. I also love Demelza but not as much as TV Demelza. Book Demelza doesn't quite come into her own yet. She is still very young but she's sweet and sassy at the same time. Her youthful energy would wear out anyone half as strong as Ross. Jud and Prudie Payntr, the old family servants, provide the comic relief here. Jud is especially comical. If you like Twister in the TV series Larkrise to Candleford, you'll probably enjoy Jud. Great-Aunt Agatha also provides some comic relief.

The characters in the novel are a little more complicated than in the TV series. Elizabeth is a little more likable, so far. Francis is a little less likable. George is still mostly an unknown. He hangs with the gentry but isn't one of them. That doesn't make him a bad person. I neither like him nor dislike him.

This series is best suited for older teens and adults. There is some violence, language, dialogue and love making. The love scenes are all tasteful, fade to black without any body parts (except face) mentioned. They're implied rather than explicit.

I can't wait to read Demelza next. Hurry up library patrons and return your books! ...more

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
What happened at the end of the prologue?	2	8	Sep 29, 2020 12:41AM
Ross and Elizabeth - could they have been happy?	41	2395	Oct 22, 2019 12:44PM
Books2Movies Club: Poldark	5	13	Sep 16, 2019 10:01AM
Ancient & Medieva...: AUGUST 2018: ROSS POLDARK by Winston Graham	70	69	Sep 13, 2018 01:15PM
History in Vogue: Poldark : Series Three	33	27	Sep 06, 2018 07:36PM
Poldark Series - starting at book 8	1	10	Jul 30, 2018 11:26AM

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About Winston Graham

Winston Graham

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Winston Graham was the author of forty novels. His books have been widely translated and the Poldark series has been developed into two television series, shown in 22 countries. Six of Winston Graham's books have been filmed for the big screen, the most notable being Marnie, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Winston Graham was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) and in 1983 was invested ...more