Book Review and Grand Giveaway: Ross Poldark by Winston Graham

Pages: 400

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: June 9, 2015 (originally pub. 1945)

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "The enthralling first book behind Poldark, the major new TV series from Masterpiece on PBS... In the first novel in Winston Graham’s hit series, a weary Ross Poldark returns to England from war, looking forward to a joyful homecoming with his beloved Elizabeth. But instead he discovers his father has died, his home is overrun by livestock and drunken servants, and Elizabeth—believing Ross to be dead—is now engaged to his cousin. Ross has no choice but to start his life anew. Thus begins the Poldark series, a heartwarming, gripping saga set in the windswept landscape of Cornwall. With an unforgettable cast of characters that spans loves, lives, and generations, this extraordinary masterwork from Winston Graham is a story you will never forget."

Ross Poldark returns to his home in Cornwall, England after the Revolutionary War expecting to pick up where he left off a few years ago. He had an informal understanding with his girlfriend Elizabeth and it appeared she was going to wait for him.  Instead he returns home to the fact that his father has died, his family's home is in shambles and Elizabeth is now engaged to Ross's cousin, Francis.  He has two choices: he can start over somewhere else or pick up the pieces here in Cornwall. Of course his uncle wants him gone (who really wants the good looking ex-boyfriend of his son's betrothed to live nearby?) and Ross is devastated by Francis and Elizabeth's relationship, but he realizes he has a responsibility to the people and the land. He even resurrects the old mines on his land in order to restore things to they way they were.  While mending his heart as well as his land, Ross meets and rescues a poor girl named Demelza.  Slowly she creeps into his life as well as his heart.  Ross Poldark by Winston Graham reads like a classic. It's smart, heartwarming, romantic and charming; in fact, I'd say it's reminiscent of Jane Austen. I highly recommend it for fans of the new show on PBS as well as lovers of historical fiction.

Ross is my kind of hero in Ross Poldark. He's like a tougher and naughtier Mr. Darcy. He is bold, determined, broody at times, and opinionated. He does what he wants as opposed to what he SHOULD do or what acceptable society deems as the appropriate response.  His one downfall is Elizabeth and she put him through the ringer.  She didn't wait for him after the war, because everyone conveniently thought he was dead.  Then he returns home having to watch her with Francis and his feelings just stew as he witnesses what he thinks is their happiness.  

Things start looking up for Ross when he restores the land, the farm, and the mine.  As he heals the land, he starts to heal himself in a way and then enters Demelza, a poor girl that he rescued from unfortunate circumstances. He offered her a job as a servant, but also acknowledged the fact that she was young and could return to her father if she wanted. However, the life with her father was abusive and she wants to escape that life and where better to do that than at Ross's home in beautiful Cornwall. Demelza, a feisty and whimsical girl, slowly grows up to be a beautiful young woman right before Ross's eyes. Many gossipers say that he only "rescued" her to have his way with her, but their relationship has never crossed the line until one day he notices her as more than just a servant girl.  Without giving too much away, I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burn between Ross and Demelza in Ross Poldark. She is one of my favorite characters and I was rooting for her from the beginning.

There are many rivalries in Ross Poldark including both family members as well as acquaintances. He has a rivalry with Francis, for obvious reasons, but also George Warleggan, a local banker. The rivalry with George will prove to one that follows him for sometime. Also, his uncle is also really unsupportive of him unless he does exactly as he tells him, so the only real family member that is genuine is his cousin Verity and I enjoyed their true friendship.  Poor Verity has been dealt a tough hand in life; I am still hoping she gets her happy ending.

The setting of Ross Poldark is another aspect of this book that I loved. Cornwall seems like a gorgeous and magical place.....the ocean, the cliffs, the meadows...I loved it all.  If you watch the TV show on PBS, you know how absolutely stunning the visuals can be.  

In sum, if you are fan of historical fiction and Austen-like stories, you must check out Ross Poldark. I can see why after many years there are still legions of fans.  I hope to pick up book two, Demelza, so I can find out what happens to these beloved characters.

Thanks to Sourcebooks, I am hosting a Grand Giveaway to celebrate the re-release of Ross Poldark and Demelza. 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: 

(1) DVD of season one of Poldark
(2 ) Old Britain Castles Pink Pottery Mugs by Johnson Brothers
(1) DVD of season one of Poldark

(1) Twelve-inch Old Britain Castles Pink Pottery Plater by Johnson Brothers

(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!

And don't forget to visit the rest of the tour stops on THE ROSS POLDARK BLOG TOUR!