Play Book Tag discussion

Ross Poldark has possibly lived his final days as a free man. Brought up to the courts on charges that he incited a riot and participated in the theft of a shipwrecked cargo, Ross must defend himself against the charges during a politically charged week in London. His wife Demelza has done all she can to persuade judges and lawyers to acquit her husband. Meanwhile, Ross' cousin Francis, who has married Ross' first love Elizabeth, feels enormous guilt for his past betrayal of Ross. Feeling the two previously close relatives will never reconcile, Francis is at his lowest and ready to end his own life. Dwight Enys, the handsome young doctor, has met his match in the wealthy and beautiful Caroline. Demelza has been harboring a secret from everyone, most especially husband Ross. She is pregnant but knows that Ross will not welcome the news after the tragedy of their first born child, Julia. Many lives will be changed with Ross' trial.

I have enjoyed the Poldark series very much although this one dealt a little too heavily on politics for my taste. The characters are well drawn with interesting story lines.

I really liked this series, both in the book and on TV. The characters are complex, and the dramas of life are related to real historical and financial events, not crazy soap opera plots like Downton Abbey (though I still loved Downton Abbey!) The characters have flaws just like real people.

One thing different in the books is that Ross takes in Demelza when she is younger, so she is really a child and it's only after a few years that their relationship changes. Also Demelza is supposed to be dark, reflecting her gypsy heritage, but the red-headed actress on TV was so perfect I didn't mind. (though I think that wasn't her natural color either!)

I love the series and really love the TV show. I did notice the difference in the description of Demelza. In the book she is depicted as olive skinned and dark haired while the actress in the show could not be fairer skinned with that blazing red hair. I will definitely continue the books eventually.