The Ugly Sister

by Winston Graham

Book by Graham, Winston

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 1998

About the author

Winston Graham was an English novelist best known for the Poldark series of historical novels set in Cornwall, though he also wrote contemporary thrillers, period novels, short stories, non-fiction, and plays. Born in Victoria Park, Manchester, he moved to Perranporth, Cornwall in 1925 and lived there for 34 years. Graham published his first novel, The House with the Stained Glass Windows, in 1934 and married Jean Williamson in 1939, who inspired the character Demelza in Poldark. During World War II, he joined the Auxiliary Coastguard Service. Graham became a member of the Society of Authors in 1945, serving as chairman from 1967 to 1969, and was a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, receiving an OBE in 1983. His Poldark series began with Ross Poldark in 1945 and concluded with Bella Poldark in 2002. He wrote 30 additional novels, short stories, and non-fiction works, including the acclaimed thriller Marnie, adapted by Alfred Hitchcock in 1964. Several other novels, including The Walking Stick and Fortune Is a Woman, were adapted for film. Graham also wrote plays, some adapted from his novels. His works have been translated into 31 languages, and his autobiography, Memoirs of a Private Man, was published posthumously in 2003.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad Emma didn't make the WRONG choice, but I like that WG doesn't need to make every ending storybook perfect.

[Windy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Cornwall in the early 19thC, the story of Emma Spry. Lots of events happen in her young life and in quite a short novel. Some parts slightly predictable and not entirely historically accurate. Nevertheless an enjoyable story with a satisfactory ending (and a guest appearance by Isambard Kingdom Brunel).

[Dea꧂ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I found so many unlikeable characters in one book.

[Susanne Doremus · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting drama/thriller by the author of Poldark. Like, Poldark, this takes place in Cornwall, though a bit later, in the 1820s-1840. (Interesting that they mention the family of Warleggan in passing.) This was a very unique storyline and didn't follow a predictable path. I did feel that something was missing near the end and wasn't entirely satisfied. The writing was excellent and kept me invested in the main character who is the narrator. This reminded me a little of the Du Maurier novel, Jamaica Inn. This reads like an old movie even though it was written in '98. I kept picturing Bettie Davis in the lead. I definitely recommend it.

[Eithne Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 3 and a half. A very enjoyable page turner. Took a while to get going. Draws very good female characters.

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. A holiday read, it kept my interest and kept me enthralled with where the story was going to go. Romance and historical fiction. I really enjoyed it and will read more by this author.