Demelza Poldark is book 2 of the Poldark
series. It continues right where book
one, Ross Poldark, leaves off. Ross and
Demelza are happily married with their first baby on the way. After the baby’s birth, Demelza happily
accepts motherhood, but also tries to find her way in society. She also is obsessed with trying to find
happiness for Verity, through trying to find Captain Andrew Blamey. Ross starts a new venture to try to make
copper mining more financially feasible by getting into the smelting business
with other like-minded folks. Ross runs
against the upper classes again on several occasions, and also tried his
hardest to help the people his land.
Cousin Francis continues his downward spiral into
drinking and women, while Elizabeth focuses all of her love on their son
Geoffrey Charles. Verity feels herself fading
away into nothing. She runs Francis and
Elizabeth’s home, but has no love for herself.
She is a great friend to Demelza and Ross.
Mark Daniel falls in love with and weds an actress from
a traveling group, Keren. Keren finds it
exciting at first to marry a miner, but then dreams of finding something more.
Jim is still in prison and his wife Jinny helps at Ross and Demelza’s home. Worthless
servants Jud and Purdy finally go too far and find they are no longer welcomed
by Ross.
I love how in the Poldark novels, the story is not just
Ross and Demelza, but on an entire cast of interesting characters that live
with them as servants, around then as tenants, close to them as neighbors and
relatives in their own social sphere. I
enjoy the different interactions they all have together, and how there are still
social rules that must be followed like Jane Austen novels, but that Ross has a
habit of flaunting these rules. This habit
has dire consequences for him and his family.
I also enjoyed the entire subplot about the copper
mines, their problems in the global economy at the time and the scheme to try
to start a new copper smelting works.
The scheming that goes on to start the works and by their enemy’s to end
the copper smelting works is quite intriguing.
I also appreciated that one of my favorite foods, the Cornish pasty, was
mentioned again, this time as a lamb pasty.
I have never had a lamb pasty before.
I haven’t watched yesterday’s episode yet, but the
new Poldark series on PBS has been closely following the novels. It is not only based on book one, Ross
Poldark, but also on this novel, Demelza Poldark. I have been greatly enjoying reading it as I’m
also watching the show. The 2015 PBS
production has been quite faithful to both novels. There are slight changes from the book, but
even these changes keep the spirit of the story. I also appreciate how actor Aidan Turner, as
Ross Poldark, is a hardworking man that has to shed his shirt often. Oh look – Ross is working the field with his
shirt off. Now Ross is in the mine with
his shirt off. I definitely do not have
a problem with this. Reader Jamie has
left a comment on the “About Me” section of the my blog and wants to know how I
feel about the 1970’s Poldark TV series as compared to the new series. I take you up on this challenge. After this
current series ends, I will watch the old series and write a blog post
comparing the two!
Demelza Poldark ends on a sad note. Ross thinks, “Was all of the last joy
gone? …And his own life; what did it add
up to? A frenzied futile struggle ending
in failure and near bankruptcy. A part
of his life was ended too, a phase, an epoch, a turning, and he could not see
himself starting again along the same track.”
I want more!!
I’m not ready to stop reading this series and I’m glad there is so much
more to read although I’m not sure if the entire series is currently available. I preordered the third book in the series
from Amazon, Jeremy Poldark, and it should arrive this week.
Book Source:
Sourcebooks as part of the Poldark Tour – Thanks!
Grand Giveaway Contest
Win One of Three Fabulous Prizes
In celebration of the re-release of Ross Poldark and Demelza, Sourcebooks Landmark is offering three chances to win copies of the books or a grand prize, an Anglophile-themed gift package.
Two lucky winners will each receive one trade paperback copy of Ross Poldark and Demelza, and one grand prize winner will receive a prize package containing the following items:
(2 ) Old Britain Castles Pink Pottery Mugs by Johnson Brothers
(1) Twelve-inch Old Britain Castles Pink Pottery Plater by Johnson Brothersr
(1) London Telephone Box Tin of Ahmad English Breakfast Tea
(1) Jar of Mrs. Bridges Marmalade
(1) Package of Duchy Originals Organic Oaten Biscuits
(2) Packets of Blue Boy Cornflower Seeds by Renee's Garden Heirloom (1) Trade Paperback Copy of Ross Poldark & Demelza, by Winston Graham
To enter the giveaway contest simply leave a comment on any or all of the blog stops on the Ross Poldark Blog Tour starting July 06, 2015 through 11:59 pm PT, August 10, 2015. Winners will be drawn at random from all of the entrants and announced on the Buzz at Sourcebooks blog on August 13, 2015. Winners have until August 20, 2015 to claim their prize. The giveaway contest is open to US residents and the prizes will be shipped to US addresses. Good luck to all!
THE ROSS POLDARK BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:
July 06My Jane Austen Book Club (Preview)
July 07Booktalk & More (Excerpt)
July 08Reading, Writing, Working, Playing (Review)
July 09vvb32 Reads (Preview)
July 10The Paige Turner (Review)
July 10My Kids Led Me Back To P & P (Excerpt)
July 11Austenprose (Review)
July 12Laura's Reviews (Preview)
July 13Peeking Between the Pages (Review)
July 13Reflections of a Book Addict (Preview)
July 14Living Read Girl (Review)
July 15Confessions of a Book Addict (Review)
July 16vvb32 Reads (Review)
July 17Paige Turner (Review)
July 18Truth, Beauty, Freedom & Books (Preview)
July 19Marie Antoinette’s Gossip Guide (Excerpt)
July 20Laura's Reviews (Review)
July 20The Calico Critic (Review)
July 21So Little Time…So Much to Read (Excerpt)
July 21Poof Books (Excerpt)
July 22Babblings of a Bookworm (Review)
July 23Austenprose (Review)
July 24Peeking Between the Pages (Review)
July 25My Love for Jane Austen (Excerpt)
July 25Living Read Girl (Review)
July 26Delighted Reader (Review)
July 27My Jane Austen Book Club (Review)
July 27Austenesque Reviews (Review)
July 27Laura's Reviews (Review)
July 28She Is Too Fond Of Books (Review)
July 29English Historical Fiction Authors (Preview)
July 30vvb32 Reads (Review)
July 30Babblings of a Bookworm (Review)
July 31CozyNookBks (Excerpt)
Aug 01The Calico Critic (Review)
Aug 01More Agreeably Engaged (Review)
Aug 02Scuffed Slippers Wormy Books (Review)
Aug 03Romantic Historical Reviews (Review)
Aug 03Psychotic State Book Reviews (Review)
Ahh, your review is making me so nervous for the characters! The new TV series has me on the edge of my seat every week and it's crazy how involved I feel with these characters. They are so real and well-drawn! The TV series has convinced me I need to read the books too and I look forward to getting ahold of them soon! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying all the wonderful reviews these books (and the TV series) are receiving! Loved the first two novels and loving the show! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
ReplyDeletei love the series im so glad there coming out with a second season net year for this i love Ross he is so cute
ReplyDeleteWow! Laura, thanks for hosting this terrific giveaway! I've enjoyed your reviews and think I'd also enjoy this series.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that the new TV series is following the books fairly closely. I can't wait to read them once the TV show is over.
ReplyDeleteAnother stop on the tour mentioned that the series of 12 books spans 40 years! That's a lot of time and books to invest in these characters (which I'm excited for). I've watched a few of the new series episodes and have really enjoyed them. I'll definitely continue watching. And I'm actually quite happy that you mentioned Poldark becomes unhappy with Jud and Purdy. Those two are a mess!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Cliff hangers are the worst. ;)
ReplyDeletecaliwillette(at)gmail(dot)com
This is my first time visiting your blog. I enjoyed your review of the Demelza book of the series. I think the Masterpiece show is great. Really like the horses and the countryside. I was impressed with the loyalty that Demelza showed to her dog Garrick in one of the earlier episodes. I hope to get the chance to read the series.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win this giveaway.
cjay(at)iavalley(dot)edu
This is my first time visiting your bolg too. The Sourcebook giveway is fun both because of the opportunity to win the bokks but also to visit blogs I didnt know existed! Thanks for the review I do love Demelza's character!
ReplyDeleteSo excited about this set of books. I had never heard of them or the series until PBS began playing commercials. I'm religious about being in front of the TV on Sunday night. Can't wait to read the books!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a stop in the blog tour. Great post. I am loving this series and look forward to reading all the books. As yes, I agree. Loving Aiden's shirtless moments.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read the books. Love the series. An amazing giveaway opportunity. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Haha, yes, I appreciate shirtless Ross, too! And, I have been fascinated by the politics of the coal mining Loving the TV series. I'm glad to hear it's faithful to the books.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that the popularity of the series will bring about U.S. Publication of all 12 novels ... I read the first seven ages ago, and it's difficult to get copies of them here.
ReplyDeleteI'm only about half way through Demelza, but so sad to hear it ends on a sad note. I find the relationship between Ross and Demelza to be just lovely, and you're right, the side threads are fascinating. I particularly like reading about the mining industry.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested in hearing how you like the older mini-series.
This series sounds so intriguing. I am looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds so intriguing. I am looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway chance! I would like to read the books
ReplyDeletecricketlady29@hotmail.com
Loving this series and would love to read the books as well. Thank you for hosting in the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThe show is so addicting so I can't wait to read the books! Love Ross and Demelza, thanks for posting this awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeletemy daughter & I love Sunday nights watching PBS, this show is amazing and we look forward to next season-it can't come soon enough!
ReplyDeleteThank-you all for the great comments - I loved being a part of this tour!
ReplyDeleteI wish Demelza wasn't such a Mary Sue character.
ReplyDeleteDemelza may be a bit idealized, but she seems so real to me. I think Elizabeth is more on the pedestal for being the perfect lady. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for Demelza and Ross.
ReplyDeleteDemelza may be a bit idealized, but she seems so real to me. I think Elizabeth is more on the pedestal for being the perfect lady. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for Demelza and Ross.
ReplyDeleteTrust me . . . Demelza was more idealized by Graham, the writers of the 1970s series, this new series and by fans of both series than Elizabeth. In fact, the 70s series went out of its way to make Elizabeth a borderline villainess. It was ridiculous. This is why I have a problem with Demelza. I prefer my characters to be more flawed and complex.
Demelza may be a bit idealized, but she seems so real to me. I think Elizabeth is more on the pedestal for being the perfect lady. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for Demelza and Ross.
ReplyDeleteTrust me . . . Demelza was more idealized by Graham, the writers of the 1970s series, this new series and by fans of both series than Elizabeth. In fact, the 70s series went out of its way to make Elizabeth a borderline villainess. It was ridiculous. This is why I have a problem with Demelza. I prefer my characters to be more flawed and complex.
That is not the sense I've gotten so far, but I've only read the first two books. I'll have to see what the future shows me as I continue reading the series and Masterpiece puts out more Poldark.
ReplyDeleteThat is not the sense I've gotten so far, but I've only read the first two books. I'll have to see what the future shows me as I continue reading the series and Masterpiece puts out more Poldark.
ReplyDeleteI was speaking of the 1975-1977 series, not the novels. I was pointing out that the old series came very close in making Elizabeth a villain in order to idealize not only Ross, but especially Demelza.
However, I do feel that the novels made Demelza just a bit too idealized at times.