Warleggan

kay - it's obvious I'm hooked on this series, since I SHOULD be reading three or four other titles for library /patron work, but instead I'm devouring the Ross Poldark series. *sigh* But Graham as a masterful storyteller does not fail to satisfy again although Warleggan, with the eponymous title, hints at which character's in the ascendancy in this part of the series!! - Still Graham continues to tell the fortunes of all the characters from the previous books, with great sympathy for the complexity of each of them, and their struggles for success, love, and duty, along with a historical/economic background of England in the late 18th century, and a careful plotting of scenes which makes turning to the next chapter irresistible.

Warning: this review contains spoilers

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"Turbulent" is a good word to describe this book. There is financial turbulence as the poor output of Wheal Grace threatens to sink both Ross and Francis, and emotional turbulence as both Ross and Demelza face temptations outside of their marriage. Another major thread is that of Dwight Enys, who is torn between helping the disadvantaged families in the district and following through on his feelings for Caroline Penvenen.

Among the most shocking plot developments is the death of Francis, the manner of which was cruelly foreshadowed in an earlier installment of the series. Until the very end of that chapter, I was in denial, hoping that the words on the paper would not reveal what I feared would show more be true.

Also shocking was Ross's treatment of Elizabeth some time after Francis's death -- one night, Ross goes over to Trenwith and, after a heated conversation, takes advantage of her. (Off-screen, but the implication is clear.) I was furious with Ross for most of the rest of the book. How dare he go over and do that? What possible justification could he have had for doing so? And then to have the nerve to be angry with Demelza for her own almost-infidelity afterward -- SHE at least ended up not going through with it! And she very nearly ended up in the same position as Elizabeth, because the man in this scenario was not inclined to give up easily. Ugh. The double standards on the men's part in this plot line had me shaking my head in despair.

On a happier note, Ross and Demelza are treated to a visit by Verity and her stepson, James, who makes me smile just by appearing on the page. He is such a hearty young man and it's fun to see the energy he brings to the family gatherings. Also, as a sailor, he has the coolest conversation topics.

Overall, this was certainly a page-turning book, albeit infuriating in places as a result of the characters' actions. It will be interesting to see where the next book in the series takes them. show less

Oh, Ross! Oh, Winston Graham! What were you both thinking? The actions of Graham's hero in this fourth instalment turned my stomach the last time I attempted the Poldark series - in fact, I don't think I managed to finish - and the reading doesn't get any easier, but the drama and controversy might have fuelled rather than dulled my interest this time around. Plus, I want to get onto The Stranger from the Sea and finish the series.

First, Ross. (Spoilers!) He has his defenders, but basically the worst spin on the situation is the most accurate. In Demelza's words, 'last night he had not only let himself down, he had let her down'. And whatever Elizabeth said or did over the ten years since Ross' return does not excuse his violent and show more arrogant 'punishment' of her. He even tries to justify his actions to Demelza by saying that he knows who he loves best now, so forcing himself on Elizabeth was for the greater good! And he's the hero! I much prefer complex and fallible characters over black hats and white hats, but Ross - era-appropriate though his thinking may be - has made me so angry!

Fallen idols aside, Warleggan is also packed with the usual high drama - a death (which, like the conclusion to Jeremy Poldark, had me welling up) - a marriage - the highs and lows of mining - smuggling - a near elopement - and the start of the true war of words (and fists) between Ross and George Warleggan. I know who I'm cheering on! I love George - and always picture him as Ralph Bates from the original series - who has no refinement, of person or style, but is a magnificent opponent for the hot-headed Ross. Let the games begin! show less

Francis' partnership with Ross in the mine continues to bring the cousins closer, though it does little to pay their creditors, including the arrogant George Warleggan. Dwight and Caroline's romance blossoms, but with unexpected consequences, while an impulsive act threatens to sever Ross' ties to his wife Demelza.

I love how the author draws deep into his characters, showing their flawed, human sides, tackling their complicated personal relationships in a way that is so seldom found in novels. What a pleasure it has been for me, reading (and rereading) the stories of these fictional yet oh-so-real families in late 1700's Cornwall.

The fourth book in the Poldark series is a runaway train. It takes all the impetus of motion created in the first three volumes and pushes it headlong down the track at a screaming pace. Fortunes change on a whim and evil prospers and ebbs and prospers again. I spent much of this volume holding my breath.

After losing Francis, the triangle of Ross, Elizabeth and Demelza reaches a fever pitch and Ross finds himself caught between his inability to give up his old, unfulfilled affections and his now too comfortable life with his wife. The results are a flurry of emotions that serve none of these characters well. I could not help casting back to poor Keren Daniels and thinking that what others deemed in a female a felonious crime is but a show more misdemeanor for the male population.

Meanwhile, the romance between Dwight and Caroline progresses as well, with a lovely edge that is both witty and romantic. I must confess to loving this couple and cringing at the idea that they will not have their own happy ending...but happiness can be an elusive thing in this 1790s world of Cornwall.

As the name suggests, we begin to see George come into his own and the Warleggans figure very prominent in Ross’ destiny. Up to this point, Ross has had the hatred of Cary, but George has been less vitriolic. No more. Now George’s real colors begin to show and the kind of hatred he spews is extreme and dangerous. By the end of this volume, the field is beginning to be evened by Ross’ success at Wheal Grace, and it leaves me in anticipation of how the fight may change now that Ross has some resources with which to counter-punch.

By this point in the story, I am totally committed to these characters and their fate. They are drawn with such detail that they have nuanced personalities and temperaments, and Graham happily keeps them to the standards that he set for them in the beginning. I find every action and word to be in keeping with what we already have been told about these people, and that is essential to my enjoyment of the story. show less

The saga continues and it's not getting old. Ross continues on with his mining venture, driving the family closer to complete financial disaster. Ross allows smuggling to happen on his property even though he's aware that the local authorities are keeping an eye on him, the reward he receives is staving off financial disaster. Personal tragedy once again hits the Poldark family leading both Ross and Demelza to do things that drives a larger shaft between them. Dwight Enys falls in love again, and once again, realizes the futility in the relationship, but can't help himself. Gripping and good!

It's been a long time since I could not put a book down. A beautifully complicated love story. I am glad that I have not seen season two of the series, because the reading of this was so vivid it played on the screen of my mind and heart. I am going to Cornwall soon and the trip was planned before I discovered Poldark. It is an ancestral home for me and I picture my many greats living there in Elizabethan times. The place names and surnames come up in my genealogy and I feel such a connection. But for all that, I would not feel this way about Cornwall if Graham did not write in such a way that touches my emotions and senses.