Poldark Saga - Winston Graham discussion

They say the best writers write what they know, and at 90 something, WG would have known a fair bit about relationships!

Hi, I am Sonia, have posted here before. After W.G. wrote the first four novels he stopped and then some years later started writing again so I guess we are fortunate to have twelve books in all. I am also reading the books , having all 12. So far I am reading book eight "The Stranger From The Sea". I don't mind spoilers at all and am assuming Ross's grief as you mention is either the death of Elizabeth or maybe Jeremy. Valentine is most likely Ross's son.

Fiona wrote: "I'd have been mighty irked if I started reading this back in 1946 to have to wait (providing I'd still be alive) until 2002 for him to finish the series. "

Somewhere out there is an original Poldark reader listening to a George R.R. Martin or DG Outlander reader complain about waiting 5 years between books and saying "bitch, please."

Fiona wrote: "After thirty years and such a life as they have had - their relationship at twenty has to be different to when the are thirty, forty or fifty. I love how WG reflects this.""

I agree. I like that we get a little glimpse of the next stage of their life...going along for the ride of their daughter Bella's career. I like that WG included the walk home when Ross & Demelza discuss their amazement & pride in Bella's performance. Her success & celebrity open up a new and exciting world that they'll get to experience together. I liked the line in the book that said something to the effect that Demelza was beginning to feel a happiness that hadn't been there since Jeremy died.

On a personal note, my daughter attended a musical theater magnet school program for her 4 years of high school, and for the parents it is sheer delight, from the assignment of a role to the post show euphoria. I can only imagine what joys national success & recognition bring to parents, as Demelza & Ross will find out.

So as I was reading the end of this book I kept thinking, "They are going to have so much fun!"

I did not know that Jeremy died. I am only just reading "The Millers Dance".

Tricia wrote: "I did not know that Jeremy died. I am only just reading "The Millers Dance"."

So sorry for the spoiler, Tricia. :-( When you get a notification or see that there is a new post, be sure to check the heading at the top. It will tell you which book is being discussed so you can avoid spoilers. We don't ask that spoilers be labeled within a book's folder, unless there is a reference to a later book.

Thanks, Tanya. Didn't realize that. I thought spoilers had to be mentioned with each post. So now I know.

Fiona,
I just finished Book 12, too, and had a bit of withdrawl symptoms wondering what was next for the cast of characters. It took me about 8 or 9 months to read the 12 books, some online, a couple purchased paperbacks. So well written in character development and to maintain it throughout the series. Kudos to Mr. Graham.
Learned a lot about mining, though some descrptions were lost on me, but I just plugged on. I wasn't too sure about Bella's singing/acting career and the author taking her story there. But then the ending wrapped everything up to my satisfaction. Like Downton Abbey it had to end sometime.

Saw this today, 13 year old Laura Bretan singing opera. I don't know anything about opera, I recognize the tune but don't know which aria it is or what opera it's from, but it made me think of Bella. :)
You can skip the first two minutes and just listen to her sing. Maybe she even looks like Bella!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCoxG...

Brenda wrote: "Saw this today, 13 year old Laura Bretan singing opera. I don't know anything about opera, I recognize the tune but don't know which aria it is or what opera it's from, but it made me think of Bell..."

All I can say is WOW, sure was great to hear the 13year old what a voice. Will remember her name.

I just noticed how much of this book is about Valentine and Ross' relationship. It begins with Demelza's foreboding that Valentine is going to lead Ross into trouble or danger. Ross laughs this off, but sure enough, that's what happens in the end.

I think it's significant that Ross admits that he's partly responsible for Valentine being "warped" due to the suspicions about his parentage. This is one of the reasons Ross becomes closer to him. And I have to applaud Demelza for her understanding despite her trepidation.

Regarding the scene at the Trenwith party for Amadora's parents, when Ross seems to go off the rails, being flirtatious and "lecherous", it dawned on me that he was behaving like Valentine! Not that he was acting like Valentine acts, but that the predisposition for that "Joshua" behavior that is usually overt in Valentine was lying dormant in Ross and emerged after several years of "living quietly".

Mara wrote: "I just noticed how much of this book is about Valentine and Ross' relationship. It begins with Demelza's foreboding that Valentine is going to lead Ross into trouble or danger. Ross laughs this off..."

At the party at Trenwith, Demelza encouraged Ross. She knows he's a man who needs a little danger, a little excitement, and she sees this as a harmless way for him to blow off steam.

Mara, that's a good observation about Ross acting a little like Valentine. Reminds me a bit of 100 Years of Solitude, how everyone with the Aureliano or Jose Arcadio name has similar characteristics.

But could we not say that *many* men want to flirt a bit now and again? Especially after so many years of marriage? For back then his flirtation was pretty harmless compared to other men (i.e. Valentine). I find it funny that Ross is attracted to these rich, arrogrant ladies (i.e. Caroline, Harriett) but prefers Demelza as his partner. He both rejects upper class behaviors and yet embraces them in other ways. Very real and relatable.