Jeremy Poldark (original 1950; edition 1978)

Book three of the Poldark series is a lull after the excitement of the first two novels. A lot happens, of course - Winston Graham always manages to cram the whole of the human condition into every book - but the action is slow to start. Ross's trial, following on from the climax of the previous novel, is drawn out, and both he and Demelza are still grieving their loss. Other characters follow the Poldarks to Bodmin - Dwight Enys meets the imperious Caroline Penvenen there, and Francis hits rock bottom. The cousins later agree to bury the hatchet, and extend the truce to form an uneasy reconciliation with Verity and her husband Andrew. Verity also meets Andrew's children, the surly Esther and wonderfully exuberant James. Ross grows closer to Elizabeth, which doesn't bode well, fights with the obnoxious George Warleggan, and sets up a new business venture with Francis. And of course the novel ends on a positive note, with the birth of Ross and Demelza's son, Jeremy.

Once the trial began in earnest - the talk of elections went over my head - I enjoyed this charged continuation of the epic Cornish saga. Caroline is a delight, forthright and witty, and George Warleggan is building steadily into a detestable enemy. I know there are supposed to be shades of grey in all of Winston Graham's characters, but I have always hated George's superficial charm and stubborn, underhand ways. Also, his illicit courting of Elizabeth is nauseating. The ending was perhaps a little rushed - skipping over Demelza's difficult labour - but now the fun really starts! ( )

The 3rd volume in the Poldark series by Winston Graham kept my interest and I am inpatiently waiting for the next 2 volumes to arrive. Not available on Kindle! Historical fiction and romance at it's best, plus I have learned quite a bit on 18th century tin and copper mining in Cornwall, England. ( )