Scan barcode
richar_a2's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I saw the show before I read the book, and I fully expected to brace myself for the ways the book would be far less progressive than a TV show produced in the modern day.
But the book - and Ross as a a character - surprised me. A lot of the general plot beats focus around the strain between the different social classes that Ross moves between. It does lean a little heavy on him being a hero of the people that can spit in the eye of propriety without any real consequences, but Ross is also very self aware and even highlights to himself (and the reader) that a less well born or educated man would never be able to do the same.
I felt the female characters were generally handled with complexity and dignity. I enjoyed that the author delves into the emotions and experiences of many different characters without sacrificing its focus on Ross (and Demelza towards the end). Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
But the book - and Ross as a a character - surprised me. A lot of the general plot beats focus around the strain between the different social classes that Ross moves between. It does lean a little heavy on him being a hero of the people that can spit in the eye of propriety without any real consequences, but Ross is also very self aware and even highlights to himself (and the reader) that a less well born or educated man would never be able to do the same.
I felt the female characters were generally handled with complexity and dignity. I enjoyed that the author delves into the emotions and experiences of many different characters without sacrificing its focus on Ross (and Demelza towards the end). Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
hirvimaki's review against another edition
1.0
This shall remain an unfinished book. What I did read was dark, dreary, and wholly uninspiring. This was a Jane Austen novel without the wit, which means no soul. I have no idea what captured so many readers, but it escaped me entirely. I shall move my attention on to other, better things - I suppose where it was in the first place.
debbarney's review against another edition
5.0
I found out about the books when I started watching the series and I always like to have source material, if there is any, to help me understand the plot and characters. I love the series and the books are not disappointing. It’s worth the read, especially if you’re a Poldark fan.
tstorer's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vikichann's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the book. It was everything I wanted. It was very interesting to read how the relationship between Ross and Demelza changed. The author did a good job in portraying romance in a historic context. I also liked how be was able to distinguish between thoughts and actual conversation. I think the writing style, in a way, takes you through the story without noticing. It's very easy and engaging. Some parts are written in 'dialect' but for me this was not hard to read because I've come across it a few timed already. I'm pleased with the book and would recommend it to anyone that loves history and romance.
hannah_eve's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
khornstein1's review against another edition
4.0
Well what can I say? Now I am obsessed, having binge watched all the seasons and started in on the books. I am a 'Darker. Or a Podarling? Apparently, there are a lot of us around.
Had to take off one point for the sexism. Sorry, Ross but you know who you are. You live in the 18th Century, and are being written about in the 1940's so I will continue on. Plus I really like you.
And then there's Demelza--super strong and complex female character written about by Winston Graham. So there's that.
I know you're not supposed to head hop, but I like it here--especially one passage which is really Demelza's stream-of-consciousness dump--kinda like Ulysees, or just the ramdomness of anyone's head. I like how Graham just throws it in there.
Some beautiful passages, some history, great complex characters. And I cannot commend Debbie Horsfield's TV adaptation enough--really, really close and hard to do imo.
On to the next book!
Had to take off one point for the sexism. Sorry, Ross but you know who you are. You live in the 18th Century, and are being written about in the 1940's so I will continue on. Plus I really like you.
And then there's Demelza--super strong and complex female character written about by Winston Graham. So there's that.
I know you're not supposed to head hop, but I like it here--especially one passage which is really Demelza's stream-of-consciousness dump--kinda like Ulysees, or just the ramdomness of anyone's head. I like how Graham just throws it in there.
Some beautiful passages, some history, great complex characters. And I cannot commend Debbie Horsfield's TV adaptation enough--really, really close and hard to do imo.
On to the next book!
dotreadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I watched this TV series and really enjoyed it so I decided to see if the series followed the books. Well, the first book definitely lines up almost exactly with the televised series. There were small differences in the characters but that is bound to happen and it didn’t bother me. I am going to attempt to read through the whole series this year.
hesmykindofgirl's review against another edition
4.0
okay im mildly obsessed w the TV show of this but the constraints of exams mean that I'm still only on season 2, so I've begun reading the books to tide me over.
idk. this is unusual for me but I think I genuinely prefer the TV series to the book, the book just doesn't capture the romance or the gorgeous background of Cornwall enough. however I also normally hate HATE romance novels but for I lovvvve demelza/Poldark (though they did a good thing in the TV show by shortening than age gap :/). I'm definitely going to read more as i do hate watching a TV show before reading the books, but if Graham doesn't improve in style I might just have to give up (sorry)
idk. this is unusual for me but I think I genuinely prefer the TV series to the book, the book just doesn't capture the romance or the gorgeous background of Cornwall enough. however I also normally hate HATE romance novels but for I lovvvve demelza/Poldark (though they did a good thing in the TV show by shortening than age gap :/). I'm definitely going to read more as i do hate watching a TV show before reading the books, but if Graham doesn't improve in style I might just have to give up (sorry)