From the Bookshelf of Retro Chapter Chicks …

Demelza (Poldark, #2)

Winston Graham

Start date: July 1, 2017

Finish date: July 31, 2017

Why we're reading this: We'll continue with our historical series with Demelza.…more
[close] We'll continue with our historical series with Demelza.

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Feb 05, 2018 Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, historical

I will always be Team Demelza

At the back of his mind, Ross was aware of the sound of wind rushing about in the distance. Once, when he glanced out of the bedroom window, his eyes confirmed that the swell had, in fact, quite broken up and the sea was stippled with white-lipped waves, which crossed and recrossed each other in confusion, running heedlessly, colliding, and breaking up into wisps of futile spray. The wind was as yet only gusty on the land, but here and there eddies rushed over the
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Jul 26, 2017 Candi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, historical-fiction, book-i-own

"Loyalty is not a thing to be bought: it is freely given or withheld."

5 radiant stars! I thought I could perhaps get hooked on the Poldark series, but Demelza, the second book in the series, really sealed the deal for me! There is absolutely no turning back now – I am thoroughly invested in the lives of these complex characters. Winston Graham breathes so much life into each and every one that you feel as if you’ve already known these folks for a long time. You live with them, you love them, you "Loyalty is not a thing to be bought: it is freely given or withheld."

5 radiant stars! I thought I could perhaps get hooked on the Poldark series, but Demelza, the second book in the series, really sealed the deal for me! There is absolutely no turning back now – I am thoroughly invested in the lives of these complex characters. Winston Graham breathes so much life into each and every one that you feel as if you’ve already known these folks for a long time. You live with them, you love them, you feel anger towards them, you sympathize with them, you hope for them, and you ache with them.

The backdrop of late eighteenth century Cornwall is as stunning as I have come to expect, not only from this series but from other English novelists as well. You really get a sense of time and place with these books. Some readers may turn away from this series, with the mistaken belief that the genre is merely romance. Perhaps the modern covers that depict the man and woman from the television series throw you off a bit. Perhaps the fact that many fans nearly slobber over Aidan Turner, leading man in the dramatization, convinces you of this erroneous conclusion. (Okay, many of us, including yours truly, are guilty on that count!) However, what this series really amounts to is excellent historical fiction (with only a splash of romance). The characters in this book are burdened by real struggles, and a great degree of social unrest exists during this time. In parallel with the social and political upheavals in France existing at this time, the people of Cornwall are beginning to question authority. They want job stability, food on the table, and begin to dispute the justice of class distinctions. Graham writes so masterfully that the descriptions of the countryside itself presage turmoil on the horizon.

"For hours a blight had stalked across it. So much salt was in the terrible wind that nothing escaped. The young green leaves of the trees turned black and withered, and when a breeze moved them they rattled like dry biscuits. Even the dandelions and the nettles went black. The hay was damaged and the potato crop, and the young peas and beans shriveled and died. The rose-buds never opened, and the stream was choked with the debris of a murdered spring."

In this installment, we discern characters making choices, many of them quite difficult. Loyalties are manifested, while others are tested. Just like real life, decisions are not always straightforward. Doing the right thing for one, may cause mischief with another. We are left with some cliffhangers that compel you to grab the next in the series – which is fine for me as I have already dived into book three; this being a shift for me as I rarely read series books back to back. Undoubtedly, Demelza is the one that shines in this particular novel. We see her growth as a young woman, her budding allure which she will learn to use not just for her own advantage but for that of others as well. "Demelza was beginning to feel like a lion tamer who has been putting his pets through their paces and finds them getting out of hand." I adore her – a splendid leading woman who does not forget her roots.

I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys engaging historical fiction with superior character development. You really must read the series in order, as the story is quite linear in time. As for the PBS series – yes, I have watched but not in real time. I am making sure to read first, and then watch only as much as I can without revealing any spoilers before proceeding. Watching it makes for a completely gratifying experience! ...more

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Mar 30, 2017 Kris (My Novelesque Life) rated it it was amazing

RATING: 5 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)

I loved the first book, and this sequel is even better. I love the characters even when I hate them. The drama in this book keeps me up every night reading longer than I should. Demelza, is now Mrs. Ross Poldark and finds it hard to fill that role. She knows that her husband loved another, and still might but she is determined to get Ross's love. Ross tries to gain rights to the community mines, but has George Warleggan in his way. Francis, his cousin is stuck ...more

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Jul 20, 2017 Tasha rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction

While I enjoyed delving more into the characters lives, I wasn't as excited by this one. Some interesting things happen and we get to know Demelza and some of the other characters more so it was still good. I think it was just a bit too long for me. I'm continuing on with the series though! Looking forward to seeing where we end up next. ...more

4 likes · Like · see review