Demelza: A Novel of Cornwall, 1788-1790

What I enjoy about the Poldark series is the fact that history seems to be repeating itself. The disparity between the rich and poor and the different ways those with wealth deal with this. The discrimination of different religious groups. The different ways men treat their women. I could go on. But what I'd really like to know is if anyone knows of a map of the fictional area that Graham describes from Nampara to Truro and the relationship between the various estates.

Excellent story! I love the video series and have become a fan of the books as well!

Demelza Carne, now Mrs. Poldark, initially met in the last volume as an impoverished waif whom Ross rescues from bullies at a county fair, becomes in this literary outing one of the most engrossing characters in the series, and here we see her adjust to a life as foreign to the one of her upbringing as can be imagined. Ever a fey sort, the deep-simple-happy-jealous Demelza truly evolves in these pages in ways the static characters of so many other writers never do. She becomes self-assured, mannered and lovely, but never loses those charms which have their beginnings amid the landscapes of backward rural Cornwall. This book also introduces Julia Poldark, infant daughter of Ross and Demelza, a child born during the stormiest May in generations, a fact some see as an omen for the infant's future. Demelza, here I'm speaking of the 1946 novel, also continues its exploration of the lives of the other Poldarks beyond Nampara, especially those of Francis and Elizabeth, and particularly Ross's cousin Verity, long destined for old maid status and now attracted to a sea captain, Andrew Blamey, who was once convicted of killing his first wife during a drunken rage. As her love for Blamey increases, so does the fear and anger of Verity's protective brother, Francis, who views Blamey's reform---and motives---with suspicion. In this novel, tragedy strikes where least expected, and there is an act of frustratingly pointless betrayal, and the first stirrings of the sparks that later ignite in the decades-long Warleggan-Poldark feud are discernable. Throughout everything here there is Graham's masterful prose and impressive grasp of Cornish society and geography, as well as his unique understanding the ways and wherefores of late eighteenth-century England.

This is the second novel in the Poldark series. Winston Graham has done a superb job of recreating life in late 18th century Cornwall. This novel tells of Demelza and RossPoldark, as well as continuing the story of Verity Poldark, Ross' cousin, and her family. The Poldarks experience a tragedy in this book. Demelza, born in poverty, is learning how to adjust to her new station in life as the wife of a gentleman. I would strongly suggest reading the Poldark books in order so you can understand why the characters act as they do. See my review of Ross Poldark, the first book.