The Loving Cup

Life in Cornwall for the Poldarks and their circle of friends and enemies continues to be full of highs and lows as they deal with the day to day while the war with Napoleon wanes. Jeremy must deal with the emotional ramifications of his choice to participate in the stage coach heist and choose a direction for his life. Clowance must determine what her heart truly wants in choosing a husband. Ross and Demelza must balance their desires for their children with their wish to let them make their own choices. And Ross receives a political offer that might lead to interesting new adventures for the Poldarks.

Ten books in and I still enjoy spending time with these characters. As everyone gets older, Ross and Demelza have faded into the show more background a bit more while the younger generation gets more page time, but each of them is still fascinating to watch as they make choices that are likely to have significant ramifications for their future. I think the arcs for Geoffrey Charles Poldark and Valentine Warleggan were most interesting this go around but no time spent with any particular character felt like a waste of time. I'm pleased but also a little sad to see the end of the saga on the horizon with only two books left to go. show less

Warning: this review contains spoilers — at 10 books in, it’s impossible to discuss the plots without spoilers.

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The loving cup of the title sits in a cave at the base of Kellow’s Ladder and serves as a reminder of the stagecoach robbery. So far the participants have been able to keep their secret safe, but little do they suspect that George Warleggan is plotting some way to find out who committed the theft. The suspense of watching George put his plans together is one of several elements that keep the reader turning the pages. There’s also the progress of Jeremy in the army, the fortunes of war, and Clowance’s eventual marriage to Stephen Carrington.

I must admit to having been somewhat disappointed with this installment, show more but to be honest it was because stuff happened that I personally did not like! Namely said marriage to Stephen. I was rooting for him to die tragically of typhus, but then he had to go and recover, and Clowance had to realize that she loved him all along. He’s still a dick. I find him arrogant and entitled, particularly with regard to “possessing” women. The attitudes he expressed in the 8th book have made me slow to forgive him.

The storyline with Cuby was also dismaying. Jeremy breaks into her house (at his father’s encouragement) to talk things over with her, and then she ends up deciding to marry him after all? And THEN she says they should consummate their marriage before they actually get married? Urgh! That scene was totally unnecessary, and I don’t like the idea that creepy stalker behaviour such as breaking into your inamorata’s house can be rewarded.

I think my favourite characters these days are Isabella-Rose, who is irrepressible and joyful, and Ursula Warleggan, who has the makings of a sharp businesswoman. Would have liked a few books from her viewpoint! Maybe some enterprising hist-fic author can make a series on similar lines.

This book is probably best read if you’re planning to continue the series. It’s good for the historical background and for ticking things along, with a few surprises (e.g., Valentine’s sudden really cruel nature). show less

The Poldark series by Winston Graham is like eating comfort food on a dreary day. The Loving Cup is another stellar novel in this series.

There are twists and turns, close calls and just desserts. The novel moves fluidly from the last and you enjoy the growth of the characters in this saga.

My only regret is that I have only 2 more novels to go before the series ends

Graham continues to amaze me with his ability to spin a story that has never-ending interest. I held my breath, quite literally, during parts of this book, and I find myself just as involved in the second generation's well-being as I have been with the first generation. To my delight, Ross and Demelza still play an important role in the story and have not been left behind in favor of the younger group, but of course, their roles have changed just as they would have done in life itself.

I am sad to know I am nearing the end of this series. Only two more volumes to go and I will have to say goodbye to the Poldarks. It will be bittersweet to reach the end.

While there aren’t as many major twists of plot as the surrounding books, this is a great denouement of the events in the previous book leading into the epic that is The Twisted Sword

Another solid and engrossing installment in the Poldark family's saga. The author keeps your interest through historic references and political commentary, never losing the reader throughout a 400 page plus novel.

Recommended, as are all the Poldark novels.

Book 10/12 in the Poldark series. The title refers to a silver cup found in one of the Poldark mines, which will probably cause trouble for the family. This book set up some future woes that will probably be solved in the last two books. In this book Napoleon has been banished to Elba and we find out that Wellington is no friend of the Poldarks. This is just a great series and I'm glad I made the commitment to read all 12 books. I think at some point they will be worthy of a re-read. 592 pages