Poldark Saga - Winston Graham discussion

This is the place to tell the group a bit about yourself.

I am Angharad (named after Angharad Rees who played Demelza in the 1975 adaptation), I am 30 (31 in October) and I started reading the books after seeing Aidan Turner playing Ross Poldark. Shallow I know.
I love the TV series, love the books.

I also started reading the books after watching the show--mostly I didn't want to wait a year after that cliffhanger in the last episode! I've been trying to find a forum to discuss the books so I'm very happy to find this group.

Tanya wrote: "I also started reading the books after watching the show--mostly I didn't want to wait a year after that cliffhanger in the last episode! I've been trying to find a forum to discuss the books so I'..."
Welcome Tanya. I am glad you joined. Thank you.
Feel free to comment or start new posts about the topics you wish to discuss. xxx

Ann wrote: "Feel free to comment or start new posts about the topics you wish to discuss"
I'm going to get carried away, I just know it! But I'm going to open a discussion for each of the books.

Tanya wrote: "Ann wrote: "Feel free to comment or start new posts about the topics you wish to discuss"
I'm going to get carried away, I just know it! But I'm going to open a discussion for each of the books."

There is already a folder for each book, feel free to start discussions in the appropriate folders xx Talk as much as you like. x

Enjoyed the MPT productions, then the books. The writing drew me in even more so now I watch the series over so much that they are becoming seamless. The characters are wonderful as are the descriptions of everything they are involved in. Most fascinating is though how differently other readers have interpreted actions and motivations of the characters. Thank you for forming this group. I have five of the books on my ereader and samples of the rest there. The books are tucked away for my Christmas present if I can hold out.

Marilyn wrote: " The books are tucked away for my Christmas present if I can hold out. ..."
You must have a will of iron!
Thank you Marilyn for joining the group and for introducing yourself x

I too ordered the books after the first installment of the PBS version of Poldark. So I began reading immediately. Falling in love with (most) of the characters. A huge fan of DH's scripts I found that so much of the character development goes on in their heads so watching the episodes is far richer knowing the backstories of his characters. I have read the first seven books many times now, with underlined paragraphs, and folded pages. I find the last few are more difficult to read for numerous reasons....

Hi everyone!! :)
I'm Vita, and I'm 19 years old. I first discovered Poldark after hearing Aidan had been cast as the lead (I've been a huge fan of his for almost 3 years now), and after reading a little on the internet, I watched the 1970s version. I LOVED IT!!!!! I have read "Ross Poldark," and "Demelza," and own a copy of "Ross Poldark." I'm waiting till closer to Series 2 to ready "Jeremy Poldark," and "Warleggan."
I also run a Poldark facebook page called "Romelza," and am "poldarked-fangirl," on YoUTube, uploading episode clips and fanvideos. I'm really excited for this group, and can't wait to post and make some new friends!! ^_^

Welcome Vita! You are popular amongst the posters here for your YouTube channel. xx
I hope you like it here xx

Vita wrote: "I also run a Poldark facebook page called "Romelza," and am "poldarked-fangirl," on YoUTube, uploading episode clips and fanvideos." SQUEEE! I'm totally fangirling over you joining this group! Welcome.

Ann wrote: "Welcome Vita! You are popular amongst the posters here for your YouTube channel. xx
I hope you like it here xx"

Awwww, thanks, Ann!!! <3 I'm sure I'm going to have a ball!!

Tanya wrote: "Vita wrote: "I also run a Poldark facebook page called "Romelza," and am "poldarked-fangirl," on YoUTube, uploading episode clips and fanvideos." SQUEEE! I'm totally fangirling over you joining thi..."

How sweet, Tanya!!!! Thank you!!!! <3 <3 <3

WELCOME VITA! I have your FB PAGE Bookmarked and check it every day and sometimes...many more times!

Victoria wrote: "WELCOME VITA! I have your FB PAGE Bookmarked and check it every day and sometimes...many more times!"

*blush* Thank you so much, Victoria!!! That means a lot!! :)

I joined a few weeks ago, but have not formally introduced myself. I am old enough to have seen the 1970 series of Poldark, but just started watching the remake. I read that Winston Graham didn't like the first TV series, but I think he'd be pleased with the current one. I bought the first 2 books, then bought 4 more. i can't stop reading them but I'm trying to take it at a slow pace because I don't want the books to end too soon. I've read the first four and Warleggan was my favorite of the four I've read.

MARTHA WELCOME! Happy that you found us I only remember bits & pieces of the 1970's series (tiny black & white TV & busy social life) and I agree that the 2015 series is far closer to the wonderful books. Re: not reading too fast, I think that you will find with every re-red you will find new details and the book..become richer and more personal with every re-read.

Martha wrote: "I bought the first 2 books, then bought 4 more. i can't stop reading them but I'm trying to take it at a slow pace because I don't want the books to end too soon. I've read the first four and Warleggan was my favorite of the four I've read. "
We're looking forward to your comments on the books that you've read and the others as you read them. Feel free to create a new discussion topic within the book's folder.

Welcome Martha! Hope you are finding the place a wealth of knowledge, there are plenty of people to talk to about various books and storylines. I hope you enjoy being a part of the group x

Thank you all for the welcome! I'll go look at the other threads soon. I'm in the middle of a weekend book marathon. I'm not reading any of the Poldark books though I confess I pick them up and gaze at them longingly.

Im a newbie too who also remembers the 70's series. Im loving the remount and rediscovering the books. I haven't read anything in years. Glad i found this place too. Looking forward to discussions on these to get us through the time until the mext airing.

Welcome Fiona! Feel free to jump in and comment or start a new topic in any of the folders.

Hi everyone, I've been lurking around for sometime reading all your interesting comments and now I've joined and will introduce myself. I first watched the original series in the 70s and then read the books, waiting patiently for each new one to be written and released, simply (secretly) obsessed. I've read all the books many times and now have them on my kindle which makes searching for particular scenes easier. My greatest treasure is my first edition Ross Poldark - not sure if anyone here is aware that the later editions were edited quite a lot and I just love to compare the two. Love the fact the new series has gathered more fans and I've now found like-minded people. Looking forward to discussing everything Poldark! x

Welcome Chrissie! Please jump right in and add comments to existing topics within the folders or start your own topic. I finished my first reading of book 12 about a week ago and find that the books are always in the back of mind--which leads to some my "what do you think?" questions. Feel free to contribute your own observations!

WELCOME CHRISSIE - AS TANYA SAYS WINSTON GRAHAM'S BOOKS AND THE POLDARK FAMILY WILL STAY IN YOUR MIND. RE-READING WILL ALWAYS OFFER NEW INSIGHTS, A RICHER FEELING FOR THE CHARACTERS AND THE COUNTRY! IT IS A HAPPY JOURNEY!IF YOU LOOK IN THE FOLDER OF OFF TOPIC NOTES, I HAVE POSTED CHAPTERS DELETED FROM THE FIRST EDITION, SAD TO REALIZE HOW MUCH MUST HAVE BEEN CUT FROM THE FIRST EDITIONS.

Victoria wrote: "IF YOU LOOK IN THE FOLDER OF OFF TOPIC NOTES, I HAVE POSTED CHAPTERS DELETED FROM THE FIRST EDITION, SAD TO REALIZE HOW MUCH MUST HAVE BEEN CUT FROM THE FIRST EDITIONS."
They are now in the On Topic folder-marked as important so they stay at the top, with links to them included in the Demelza folder.

Hi, I'm Kitty-Lydia :) I was introduced to the Poldark series through the recent BBC adaptation (loved Demelza and the scenery) and decided to read the books. My grandmother also had a hand in introducing me to the books, as she had read the entire series when she was younger and loved them. So far, I've finished Ross Poldark and plan to read Demelza soon.

Kitty-Lydia wrote: "Hi, I'm Kitty-Lydia :)"
Welcome! We've added a lot of content in a short amount of time, so check out the Group Site Map and General Info and join in the discussions!

Tanya wrote: "Kitty-Lydia wrote: "Hi, I'm Kitty-Lydia :)"
Welcome! We've added a lot of content in a short amount of time, so check out the Group Site Map and General Info and join in the discussions!"

Thanks, will do! :)

Hi, I'm Ella's Gran (aka Lesley) and I've just discovered this group. I live in New Zealand where we have just completed the first season of the 2015 remake of Poldark. I have been a devotee since the 1970 TV series so was overjoyed to see it being resurrected.

Back in the '70s I borrowed all the books from the library, but since then I have been making my own collection, trying to get the originals where I am able to. I also own the DVD set of the original series and it is so wonderful to see the original Ross and Demelza, albeit a bit grainy - you certainly notice the difference in programmes made back then to now!

I love the new TV series as much as I do the old, but my heart is still with the original Demelza. My wish is for the DVD of the first season to be in my Christmas stocking, along with any books I don't already own. My family thinks I'm mad - except my Grand-daughter!

Ella's Gran wrote: I've just discovered this group. I live in New Zealand where we have just completed the first season of the 2015 remake of Poldark."

Welcome Lesley! We've added a lot of content in the short time since the group started, so check out the Group Site Map and General Info and join in the discussions!

Hello All. I'm Nicola. I'm 43 and have lived in Cornwall all my life and am just about old enough to remember the 70's tv show. My mum was a huge fan and I remember enjoying it too. I first read the books about 25 years ago and I now own them all and am rereading for the 3rd time. They are undoubtedly my favourite series of books. I love the drama, the romance and particularly love that it's set in my home county, Cornwall.
I also count myself very lucky to have met both Ross Poldarks. I met Robin as a child at a charity cricket match the cast played and I met Aidan last year when they were filming the first series here in Cornwall. I have their autographs which are highly treasured I can tell you!
I look forward to reading your thoughts on these wonderful books.

Nicola wrote: "I also count myself very lucky to have met both Ross Poldarks. "
How very exciting! I had a dream that I met Aidan Turner, but that's just not the same thing. ;-P You are also intimately familiar with the shows biggest star--Cornwall. I'm hoping to visit in 2017. Welcome Nicola!

I'm in the middle of Demelza having discovered the books after watching the new series. I'm old enough to have seen the 1970's one but never did so I'm going to seek that one out too. So far I only see it listed on Acorn streaming. I just found this interview with the first Ross, Robin Ellis, who also appeared in the new series. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pam-stu...

Hello, everyone. Since there is already a Marilyn, I will be Marilyn H.

I seem to be unique in that I have only read the books (6 of them now) and not seen either of the TV series. I got the first book free on my Kindle and now can't read them fast enough. I'm learning a lot from this site (new chapters from Poldark that weren't in later editions?) and loving it.

But I'm a little confused about how it works. I've written reviews of all six books but they aren't here...should I try to get them on the individual book folders? I'm computer challenged so I can't do much.

Thank you Ann and Tanya. Your site has enriched my already very rich enjoyment of this marvelous series.

Jiminyc wrote: "I'm in the middle of Demelza having discovered the books after watching the new series. I'm old enough to have seen the 1970's one but never did so I'm going to seek that one out too. So far I only..."

Welcome Jiminyc! Acorn allows a free 30 day trial, so I'm watching the old series right now. The first 4 episodes were pretty awful--deviating too much from the books in important ways. Then they got a different writer and the episodes started getting better. I'm looking foward to your comments on the books as you read them!

Marilyn wrote: "Hello, everyone. Since there is already a Marilyn, I will be Marilyn H. "

Welcome Marilyn H! Not having seen either of the TV adaptations gives you a fresh perspective--I know the appearance of the characters in my head is heavily influenced by the actors playing the parts. Once I got a few books into the series, I started doing my own "fantasy casting" of actors for the new characters as they have been introduced.

Regarding your question about your reviews--they will appear with the book entries on the main Goodreads site. Within each folder for each book, there is a discussion topic for you to post links to your reviews. I'll post a link to one of your reviews so you can see how it's done and then please share the links of the others. Reading each others' reviews is a good way for us to start a conversation. If you'd like more help, either send me a message directly, or feel free to post another comment here.

Here's the discussion topic where I posted the link to your review of The Four Swans https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Thank you, Tanya!

Clara wrote: "Hello
My name is Clara. I have fallen in love with the Poldark books. Even though Ross makes me so mad sometimes

I write about chick flicks and chick lit at www.justchickflicks.com. You can also find me on Twitter @aidanshair"

Welcome Clara! As a hair aficionado myself, I'm pleased to meet the person behind @AidansHair. I'm looking forward to your "chick lit" perspective on the Poldark saga. I think WG had a bit of a feminist streak in his writing--more evident in the later characters in the saga.

Tanya wrote: "Jiminyc wrote: "I'm in the middle of Demelza having discovered the books after watching the new series. I'm old enough to have seen the 1970's one but never did so I'm going to seek that one out to..."

Tanya that's interesting about the old series not following the books. I discovered they have that series at my library and I'm on the wait list now. I also requested they buy the books, they don't have any of them and surely they are very popular now.

The Poldark books that were first published, (are they still available ) would they be any different to the newer ones, like is there anything left out .

Greeting one an all. I'm Cassandra and I started reading these wonderful books in the late 70's when my dear friend loaned me her copies she had purchased in Cornwall while visiting her in-laws. When the show came on PBS it only increased my love of these books. Was so sad when I got to "the end" with the Angry Tide. Discovered them again in the 80"s with the next 2 and only since the new show came out did I finish with The Twisted Sword and Bella.

I checked out the older series from the library and didn't finish watching it. The writers of that series ruined the female characters in my opinion. Demelza and Elizabeth were not the strong women they were in the book and new series. I won't give spoilers but really!

Jiminyc wrote: "I checked out the older series from the library and didn't finish watching it. The writers of that series ruined the female characters in my opinion. Demelza and Elizabeth were not the strong women..."

How far did you watch? I almost gave up in the first 4 episodes, but was happy to see in episode number 5 a change in writers and a much truer adaptation. I was then glad to watch to the end because it's going to be some time before the current show gets to The Angry Tide, which may be my favorite book of the series.

Hello All! I just joined last night. I met Tanya through a mutual friend on Facebook and she told me about the group and nicely invited me to join. I watched the first season of the new Poldark episodes. I was a bit put off at first with all the riding across the moors with windswept hair, but soon looked past that to the story. I became very interested and soon began to read the books on my Kindle. I am currently reading "The Four Swans". I am also in the process of watching the 1975 version of Poldark on dvd and very much like it. I am impressed with the sets and costuming of the 1975 version and the people even look very authentic to the time period, especially good old Jud. So, all and all...I am hooked.

Hello the house! My name is Julie Chenoweth Terstriep. My family is originally from Cornwall and I began reading the Poldark series: a) because of the character Elizabeth Chynoweth (deviant spelling of my last name) and b) because my family came to America from Cornwall in the lat 1600's. I wanted to read what the land and people were like.

I've enjoyed the PBS series and seeing what Cornwall is like. It's on my bucket list to travel there someday and return to the Chenoweth ancestral area.

I had just finished the Outlander series of Diana Gabaldon and was ready to invest into another group of characters I could follow through time.

Thank you for allowing me to join your group!

Julie wrote: "Hello the house! My name is Julie Chenoweth Terstriep. My family is originally from Cornwall and I began reading the Poldark series: a) because of the character Elizabeth Chynoweth (deviant spellin..."

Like you, Julie, I had dual interest in the Poldark series. Nothing better than a captivating book series (have read Outlander series three times through), and especially one about Cornwall from where my father's family hailed. Tregoning is the name; they dropped the second "n" (as in Tregonning Hill). Warleggan is my next; can't wait!

Peggy, Warleggan is another family name? Who interesting! Isn't it fun when an author uses real names and you have a glimpse into the past. Fun to guess who close to real life it is.

It's Warleggan the 4th book in the series. Happy reading!

Julie wrote: "Hello the house! My name is Julie Chenoweth Terstriep. My family is originally from Cornwall and I began reading the Poldark series: a) because of the character Elizabeth Chynoweth

How interesting! I wonder if there is anything you can tell us about the name, Chynoweth. It's unusual (to me) and I've heard it pronounced several different ways.