The Black Moon

The Black Moon marked Winston Graham's return to the Poldark series, which he had inexplicably allowed to lie fallow from the 1953 release of Warleggan, to the 1973 publication of this extraordinary novel. The title of this book comes from an ancient myth with roots deep in Cornwall's Celtic past, of an astronomical/meteorological condition called a "black moon" and the curse it is said to place on the life of any child born under it, as the son of Elizabeth Warleggan (nee Chynoweth, later Poldark) was. Though George Warleggan, now married to the woman he has long loved from afar, Elizabeth, should be a man at peace or one at least basking in the glory of at last achieving a great ambition, he quickly becomes a figure lost in a personal torment that may or may not be linked to the curse of the black moon. Where he might be thought pleased with his new wife...and son...his titanic fortune, his power, now so great that this blacksmith's grandson can easily buy his way into the nobility, George becomes more restless chapter by chapter, and his hatred for his old rival, Ross Poldark, magnifies till it seems ready to consume him. Against the menace of Warleggan's stormy soul, Demelza's two brothers, Sam and Drake, honest young men of ardent Methodist leanings, appear in the series (and are soon at odds with Warleggan) as does a shy, scholarly cousin of Elizabeth's, Morwenna Chynoweth, for whom George Warleggan arranges what should be a suitable marriage to a well-placed churchman, but which is in fact the last thing the introverted Morwenna ever wanted, and is in all reality a tragic disaster. In this book, Dr. Enys, having accepted a position as a surgeon aboard a warship, is taken prisoner by the French, and Ross and a party of mercenaries he assembles travel across the Channel to secure his friend's release. Amid all this one finds remarkable tales of the niceties and unpleasantnesses of eighteenth-century Cornish life. There are also larger-than-life characters, exciting situations, and informative moments that highlight the influence these earlier times in our culture's evolution had on what is, temporarily, the present.

The Poldark Series continues. The time is February 1794. In the opening pages, the author evokes an image of a sleepy Cornwall in the depths of a harsh and frigid winter. George Warleggan continues to expand his power and influence over the community. His wife Elizabeth (once Ross Poldark's great love) has given birth to a son, Valentine. Her son from her previous marriage to Ross' cousin Francis, Geoffrey Charles, has been given a governess, Morwenna Chynoweth (a cousin of Elizabeth's) to tutor him. Two of Demelza's brothers, Sam and Drake Carne, both ardent Methodists, come to Ross and Demelza, seeking a new life for themselves in the community. Ross is not exactly thrilled to have them there. But he gives Sam a job working in one of his mines and Drake assumes a trademan's life. With the coming of the Carnes, Methodism in the community is given a considerable boost, which doesn't sit well with a number of the local notables. The novel goes on to describe the ongoing relationship between Caroline and Dr. Dwight Enys, who had gone into the Navy when it seemed impossible that he and Caroline could marry over the objections of Caroline's uncle and guardian, who had deemed Dr. Enys as socially unsuitable for his niece, who soon stood to acquire an inheritance. The ship on which Dwight is serving as a surgeon is involved in a naval battle near the French coast, and most of the ship's survivors, including Dwight, are taken prisoner. When Caroline gets wind of this, she begins, with Ross, a campaign for Dwight's freedom. There is also a developing relationship between Morwenna and Drake, which creates further conflict between the Poldarks and the Warleggans. Again, as in the other novels of the Poldark Series, this is a novel that never falters. Besides the principal characters, there are also a number of minor characters who further enliven and enrich the drama. This is some of the best historical fiction you'll ever find. So, take a seat by the window of your favorite room or stay in bed one holiday or weekend morning and enjoy what is a richly textured, well-told story. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.