Poldark Saga - Winston Graham discussion

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Off Topic > Perpetual Poldark Propensity

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message 1: by Mara (new)

Mara | 111 comments Just a comment in response to all those who are saddened when they've completed the series.

I've found that no matter what else I'm reading, I continue to re-read the Poldark series in whatever amount time allows, slowly and casually. Since I already know the outcomes and there is no rush to find out what happens next there is such an increased sense of pleasure from the writing, the story and the characters. The result is a deeper understanding of each character and a deeper appreciation of Winston Graham's craft, as well as his knowledge about everything: law, crime, history, politics, war, finance, medicine, theater, etc., etc.

I call this my propensity to read Poldark perpetually. It means that, no matter what other stories I read and characters I meet, I never have to say goodbye to the Poldarks or to Winston Graham. Ahhh.




message 2: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn | 28 comments Great attitude, Mara! Also great idea.


message 3: by Barbara (last edited Mar 20, 2016 08:18PM) (new)

Barbara Helen Plumb | 8 comments Ah this will soon be me. I see myself in the future casually dipping into Poldark as you do Mara.
I must say how lovely it is to have the recent television Poldarks to enjoy and look forward to now that I have almost finished the books. Although I can't help thinking that regardless of the fact that Aidan Turner is quite gorgeous, Robin Ellis seemed to me to be a better fit as Ross.


message 4: by Mara (last edited Mar 21, 2016 04:20PM) (new)

Mara | 111 comments Barbara wrote: "Ah this will soon be me...

If you're like me, and there is a movie running in your mind while you're reading the books, then the great thing is that you can take your pick of which actor you prefer in the role.

Sometimes when I get to a part where it mentions Demelza's dark hair it's as if the film got spliced and I have to re-set my mental projector. Every now & then I'll imagine a dark haired actress that I think would have made a great Demelza in her time. Although I absolutely love Eleanor Tomlinson's portrayal.

I have the series with Robin Ellis too and can appreciate how he is the standard bearer for his fans.




message 5: by Brenda (new)

Brenda McDonald | 74 comments I am halfway through The Loving Cup, so getting close to the end.
I am planning to re-read the series, too. The Aubrey/Maturin books (Master and Commander) by Patrick O'Brian is another series that I've read and re-read. Interesting that both stories take place in approximately the same time period in England. Each time I re-read I learn more, I see something I hadn't noticed before, I get to the know the characters better, and I investigate the history more deeply.


message 6: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn | 28 comments Brenda, I thought I was the only person in the world who read, and loved, both Poldark and the Aubrey/Maturin books. Bravo! If you live anywhere near central Florida, or want to visit, drop me a note. You can stay with me and we will TALK, TALK, TALK...


message 7: by Brenda (new)

Brenda McDonald | 74 comments Marilyn wrote: "Brenda, I thought I was the only person in the world who read, and loved, both Poldark and the Aubrey/Maturin books. Bravo! If you live anywhere near central Florida, or want to visit, drop me a no..." Well, I live in Iowa, but my father was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and my sister lives in Apopka, Florida, so I love Florida and may visit sometime! Oh, yes, we can talk! :)


message 8: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn | 28 comments Brenda, I was raised in Jacksonville too (actually Atlantic Beach). I now live on the Space Coast, about an hour from Apopka. Let me know if you're within spittin' distance, and we'll connect.


message 9: by Brenda (new)

Brenda McDonald | 74 comments I sure will!


message 10: by Antoinette (new)

Antoinette | 5 comments WG's Poldark series, 12 books, never leave my heart. What a master of the written word and amazing characters. ❤️


message 11: by Ann (new)

Ann | 17 comments Antoinette,

Me, too. I am still having a bit of 'withdrawl' from finishing the series about 6 wks or so ago. I guess I am still trying to match it by looking for some 'worthwhile' historical fiction. Maybe something by David McCullough? I am a bit fussy about what I chose to read-- always wanting to learn some thing.


message 12: by Brenda (new)

Brenda McDonald | 74 comments I've been reading Winston Graham's memoir, "Memoirs of a Private Man." He really loved his Poldark series, and he includes information about how his characters were developed. Ross was based on a WWII army officer he met (on a train, I think). Demelza's character, her energy and busy-ness were based on his wife, Jean.
I'm also reading and mostly looking at "Poldark's Cornwall" also by Winston Graham, with lots of beautiful photography of Cornwall.


message 13: by Antoinette (new)

Antoinette | 5 comments Brenda....Have you read The Nightingale or All The Light We Cannot See or The Forgotten Room. Three of my faves..... Antoinette


message 14: by Sonia (new)

Sonia Koonce | 85 comments I am reading book 8 "The Stranger From The Sea". Slowing down on the books now so as when "Poldark" series 2 is aired in the Fall 2016 I won't be too far ahead in this Drama. So much is happening in the books. I seem to be buying all the "Poldark" books (just like I did Downton Abbey books) I also have "Poldarks Cornwall" and "The World Of POLDARK" Pics of all the characters, really beautiful. Also "POLDARK The Complete Scripts". This covers all the episodes of series one which is great if I don't catch every spoken word, great for hard of hearing.


message 15: by Brenda (new)

Brenda McDonald | 74 comments Antoinette wrote: "Brenda....Have you read The Nightingale or All The Light We Cannot See or The Forgotten Room. Three of my faves..... Antoinette" Nope, I haven't read those. I work 60+ hours a week, so have very little time to read. My husband said All the Light We Cannot See was one of the best books he's ever read. So I'll get to it eventually. :)


message 16: by Ann (new)

Ann | 17 comments It's good to get recommendations on books others have enjoyed, esp as we are sort of on the same wavelength having enjoyed the Poldark series.


message 17: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn | 28 comments Ann, David McCullough is our best living historian, IMHO. His latest, The Wright Brothers, is an easy one to start with as it is relatively short. But John Adams and, especially, The Path Between the Seas (about the Panama Canal), are absolutely top-notch.


message 18: by Ann (new)

Ann | 17 comments Thanks. I have yet to read anything by David.


message 19: by Brenda (new)

Brenda McDonald | 74 comments I've been reading The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. It takes place in 1914 in Sussex, England (South England along the Channel). If you like Downton Abbey you will find many similarities in this novel.


message 20: by Ann (new)

Ann | 17 comments Thanks. So many books, so little time....... right.


message 21: by Brenda (new)

Brenda McDonald | 74 comments Fiona wrote:

But I want to re-read. I really do...

And Poldark has I believe ruined historical fiction fo..."

I understand completely. Watching the TV series is a treat, but not nearly as in-depth and good as the novels. I just cleaned off my bookshelf, gave away most of my books, and have my 12 Poldark novels lined up on the center shelf. My book about "Poldark's Cornwall" is centered on my coffee table. It's all I need, really. And I'm a librarian.


message 22: by Sonia (new)

Sonia Koonce | 85 comments Brenda wrote: "Fiona wrote:

But I want to re-read. I really do...

And Poldark has I believe ruined historical fiction fo...""


I also feel the same and have all the books even The World of Poldark and Poldark the Complete Scripts Series 1 by Debbie Horsfield


message 23: by Tanya, Moderator/Hostess (new)

Tanya (tanyaoemig) | 640 comments Mod
This sounds like it could be quirky....

"Four strangers, united by their shared love of POLDARK, come together on a trip to Cornwall in search of their hero...
Lisa has sworn off love and relationships after a really bad experience, but lately she’s been tempted to take a chance on a more exciting life. First she meets other fans of the TV show Poldark online. Then she proposes a very special road trip to Cornwall, in search of where their favourite show is being filmed.
But can four strangers find friendship, as well as a certain sexy hunk on their trip south?"
(publication date in Feb. 2017)
Looking for Captain Poldark


message 24: by Brenda (new)

Brenda McDonald | 74 comments Tanya wrote: "This sounds like it could be quirky....

"Four strangers, united by their shared love of POLDARK, come together on a trip to Cornwall in search of their hero...
Lisa has sworn off love and relation..."


Hmmm. We could do this in real life.


message 25: by Tanya, Moderator/Hostess (new)

Tanya (tanyaoemig) | 640 comments Mod
My trip is booked! We'll be in Cornwall for a weekend in May 5/12, 5/13, 5/14. I'm going to bring at least one "billow-y" outfit to pose for pictures along a cliff with the wind blowing....


message 26: by Brenda (new)

Brenda McDonald | 74 comments Tanya wrote: "My trip is booked! We'll be in Cornwall for a weekend in May 5/12, 5/13, 5/14. I'm going to bring at least one "billow-y" outfit to pose for pictures along a cliff with the wind blowing...."

Oh, man, I am jealous! Can you post pictures here? If not, are you on FB?


message 27: by Tanya, Moderator/Hostess (new)

Tanya (tanyaoemig) | 640 comments Mod
Brenda wrote: "Oh, man, I am jealous! Can you post pictures here? If not, are you on FB? "

I am on FB and I could certainly post a link to pictures on here--in the "Poldark on the Web" discussion, perhaps?


message 28: by Nicola (new)

Nicola | 8 comments Where are you staying and planning on visiting? I will try to order some good weather for you, but I'm afraid it is wet here sometimes too.


message 29: by Tanya, Moderator/Hostess (new)

Tanya (tanyaoemig) | 640 comments Mod
We are staying in Tintagel and pretty much trying to hit up all the scenary in the show. Basically a drive around the peninsula.


message 30: by Nicola (new)

Nicola | 8 comments Lovely. I would recommend a trip to Charlestown if you can fit it in. They filmed the Truro harbour scenes there.


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