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The Poldark Saga #8
The Stranger from the Sea: A Novel of Cornwall, 1810-1811
Cornwall, 1810-1811
The Stranger from the Sea is the eighth novel in Winston Graham's sweeping series of Cornwall, Poldark.
Cornwall, 1810. The Poldark family awaits the return of Ross from his mission to Wellington's army in Portugal. But their ordered existence ends with Jeremy Poldark's dramatic rescue of the stranger from the sea.
Stephen Carrington's arrival in the Poldark household changes all their lives. For Clowance and Jeremy in particular, the children of Ross and Demelza, Stephen's advent is the key to a new world - one of both love and danger.
The Stranger from the Sea is the eighth novel in Winston Graham's sweeping series of Cornwall, Poldark.
Cornwall, 1810. The Poldark family awaits the return of Ross from his mission to Wellington's army in Portugal. But their ordered existence ends with Jeremy Poldark's dramatic rescue of the stranger from the sea.
Stephen Carrington's arrival in the Poldark household changes all their lives. For Clowance and Jeremy in particular, the children of Ross and Demelza, Stephen's advent is the key to a new world - one of both love and danger.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
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5548 people want to read
About the author
Winston Graham
214 books1,117 followersWinston Graham was the author of forty novels. His books have been widely translated and the Poldark series has been developed into two television series, shown in 22 countries. Six of Winston Graham's books have been filmed for the big screen, the most notable being Marnie, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Winston Graham was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) and in 1983 was invested an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). In his death, he left behind a son and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
August 7, 2019
Time marches on for the Poldarks and all of their neighbours. This story begins 11 years after the ending of the previous novel. Elizabeth Warleggan’s eldest son, Charles Geoffrey, is a soldier in the Peninsular war – another long-term confrontation between the aggression of Napoleon’s empire in his attempts to take control of all of Europe, and the defense of the English and Irish - in this case, to aid Portugal in their struggle to maintain control of the Iberian Peninsula.
Ross Poldark, in his role as a Member of Parliament, is sent to observe the fighting and when he returns, his report has an influence that ripples outward and agitates the surface of several different areas.
George Warleggan makes an uncharacteristically faulty business move that puts him in a vulnerable position. Will Ross Poldark finally have an opportunity for revenge on his lifelong enemy?
Demelza Poldark’s heart is torn between the desire to protect her children and the knowledge that they must be allowed to follow their own hearts . . . even if they might be broken. Son Jeremy falls in love – with a young woman, but also with high-pressure steam and what it could mean for the future. Daughter Clowance has emerged as a great beauty who is pursued by several young men – and coveted by some who are much older.
Ross is able to regain some property he lost many years before. Will it prove to be a success this second time around?
As always, Winston Graham’s writing breathes life and energy and reality into the locales and personalities within this novel. It is now the beginning of the 1800’s, and although advances and setbacks in politics, invention, and social constructs continue their macabre dance, there is hope that the advances will eventually emerge victorious.
Once again I am eager to begin the next novel in this series – to continue following the ebb and flow of the tides of history in conjunction with the fortunes and misfortunes of the families Winston Graham has created.
Ross Poldark, in his role as a Member of Parliament, is sent to observe the fighting and when he returns, his report has an influence that ripples outward and agitates the surface of several different areas.
George Warleggan makes an uncharacteristically faulty business move that puts him in a vulnerable position. Will Ross Poldark finally have an opportunity for revenge on his lifelong enemy?
Demelza Poldark’s heart is torn between the desire to protect her children and the knowledge that they must be allowed to follow their own hearts . . . even if they might be broken. Son Jeremy falls in love – with a young woman, but also with high-pressure steam and what it could mean for the future. Daughter Clowance has emerged as a great beauty who is pursued by several young men – and coveted by some who are much older.
Ross is able to regain some property he lost many years before. Will it prove to be a success this second time around?
As always, Winston Graham’s writing breathes life and energy and reality into the locales and personalities within this novel. It is now the beginning of the 1800’s, and although advances and setbacks in politics, invention, and social constructs continue their macabre dance, there is hope that the advances will eventually emerge victorious.
Once again I am eager to begin the next novel in this series – to continue following the ebb and flow of the tides of history in conjunction with the fortunes and misfortunes of the families Winston Graham has created.
September 25, 2018
"Save a stranger from the sea, and he will turn your enemee." - Old Cornish saying
In Book 8 of what is one of my favorite series of all time (in close running with Mary Stewart’s Merlin series), a stranger is rescued from the sea and inserts himself into the lives of the Poldarks. This handsome young man, to my surprise, is quickly accepted by the inhabitants of the surrounding close-knit communities. He is amiable, daring, a bit of a ladies’ man, and rather mysterious. Can we and the people of Cornwall trust this charismatic fellow? Obviously, you’d have to read this book (and all the previous installments first), to judge for yourself!
The Stranger from the Sea is set a decade after the previous book in the series. The war with France rages in Europe and the eldest of the Poldark children have grown into young adults. Ross and Demelza have matured and take up less of the spotlight now. I admit to missing them a bit; however, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Clowance and Jeremy Poldark. Clowance has become of age to marry, and both Demelza and Caroline are involved with trying to ensure the right match for her. Clowance, much like her mother, is a spirited young woman and not likely to take just anyone’s advice on the matter. Demelza struggles with the desire for her daughter to find a true love as well as a partnership that will be advantageous. Is it possible for her to have both, much like the life she has found with Ross? She balks a bit at the custom of bringing her daughter out into society to be judged by others. "My daughter is not a – a cow at a country fair with a bow of pink ribbon round its neck waiting for inspection from those who are interested in putting in a bid. She deserves something different from that!" In fact, this book speaks quite a lot to the different social classes and some of the petty customs that were in place at the time. Jeremy also gets caught up in an entanglement with a vivacious young lady who is evidently above his station.
I was further absorbed by the relationship between father and son in this book. It seems that Ross and Jeremy do not fully understand one another. Ross sees his son as having neither direction nor ambition. But he has been away for long periods of time, off to Parliament in London as well as various excursions overseas on special missions for the crown. He has not been observant enough perhaps, has missed the subtle growth of his eldest. "Why hadn’t he, Ross, perceived more to his son than his apparent carelessness, his seemingly detached, feckless, facile attitude to life?" At the same time, Jeremy is uncertain how to approach his father. He sees a perfect gentleman with no apparent worries to consume him. Jeremy has a new interest, something that he is passionate about, and it was very interesting to learn of his latest endeavors. I can’t wait to see how this plays out in the next book.
Once again, I can’t say enough about this superb series. I will confess a little less love for this particular installment – but I still adored it! I’ll just need more time to settle in with the newest characters, but once I do, I know that Winston Graham will take me to further heights of passion! For now, I’m going to stock up on popcorn and get ready for Season 4 on Masterpiece Theater in just 6 short days. Somebody pass the smelling salts, please!
"… the most important thing was to strike a balance: poverty and riches each in their own way caused unhappiness. With money, the way to be happy was to continue to have almost enough."
In Book 8 of what is one of my favorite series of all time (in close running with Mary Stewart’s Merlin series), a stranger is rescued from the sea and inserts himself into the lives of the Poldarks. This handsome young man, to my surprise, is quickly accepted by the inhabitants of the surrounding close-knit communities. He is amiable, daring, a bit of a ladies’ man, and rather mysterious. Can we and the people of Cornwall trust this charismatic fellow? Obviously, you’d have to read this book (and all the previous installments first), to judge for yourself!
The Stranger from the Sea is set a decade after the previous book in the series. The war with France rages in Europe and the eldest of the Poldark children have grown into young adults. Ross and Demelza have matured and take up less of the spotlight now. I admit to missing them a bit; however, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Clowance and Jeremy Poldark. Clowance has become of age to marry, and both Demelza and Caroline are involved with trying to ensure the right match for her. Clowance, much like her mother, is a spirited young woman and not likely to take just anyone’s advice on the matter. Demelza struggles with the desire for her daughter to find a true love as well as a partnership that will be advantageous. Is it possible for her to have both, much like the life she has found with Ross? She balks a bit at the custom of bringing her daughter out into society to be judged by others. "My daughter is not a – a cow at a country fair with a bow of pink ribbon round its neck waiting for inspection from those who are interested in putting in a bid. She deserves something different from that!" In fact, this book speaks quite a lot to the different social classes and some of the petty customs that were in place at the time. Jeremy also gets caught up in an entanglement with a vivacious young lady who is evidently above his station.
I was further absorbed by the relationship between father and son in this book. It seems that Ross and Jeremy do not fully understand one another. Ross sees his son as having neither direction nor ambition. But he has been away for long periods of time, off to Parliament in London as well as various excursions overseas on special missions for the crown. He has not been observant enough perhaps, has missed the subtle growth of his eldest. "Why hadn’t he, Ross, perceived more to his son than his apparent carelessness, his seemingly detached, feckless, facile attitude to life?" At the same time, Jeremy is uncertain how to approach his father. He sees a perfect gentleman with no apparent worries to consume him. Jeremy has a new interest, something that he is passionate about, and it was very interesting to learn of his latest endeavors. I can’t wait to see how this plays out in the next book.
Once again, I can’t say enough about this superb series. I will confess a little less love for this particular installment – but I still adored it! I’ll just need more time to settle in with the newest characters, but once I do, I know that Winston Graham will take me to further heights of passion! For now, I’m going to stock up on popcorn and get ready for Season 4 on Masterpiece Theater in just 6 short days. Somebody pass the smelling salts, please!
"… the most important thing was to strike a balance: poverty and riches each in their own way caused unhappiness. With money, the way to be happy was to continue to have almost enough."
July 24, 2015
Let's be clear this was still good but for me more of a struggle. Two problems - it's all about the kids; Jeremy, Clowance, Valentine etc and there's a lot of social history. The first half is Napoleon and politics the second half is steam engines. I miss all the miners and minor characters like Zacky and Jud and Drake and Sam. Plus I don't like Stephen Carrington - he can go straight back in the sea.
March 10, 2025
Possibly the weakest of the series so far, as the focus was too much on the region's mines, the nation's politics, and Bonaparte's war, and too little on the lives of Ross, Demelza and Co. Having said that, Poldark at its worst is still a wonderful adventure, and I'm already looking forward to book number nine.
April 13, 2024
Book 8 is a story of new beginnings because it presents the lives of the newest generation of Cornwall. It is 10 years after the end of the previous book when the new century came into being. 1810 finds Ross and Demelza are older and much more settled in their relationship. Ross is restless and uncertain as to whether he desires the adventure and risk in life or rather the comfort and safety of home. Demelza still keeps their home and family going while continuing to hesitate over proper behaviors and social etiquette.
Their children, Jeremy and Clowance take front and center. They have quite different personalities from their strong-willed parents and much too easily become lovestruck for characters that don’t share their feelings. Jeremy is quite affected by the times that are changing on the industrial front and becomes interested in ideas that don’t sit well with Ross. It is the age-old father-son rivalry of who really knows best.
Geoffrey-Charles, Ross’s nephew and Elizabeth’s son, is a grown young man serving in the Army making a way for himself. George Warleggan’s children, Valentine and Ursula begin to emerge and this generation begins to interact with one another influenced by the knowledge of their parents’ feud. It will be interesting to see where the story takes these young people.
The biggest surprise is a strange man who is rescued from the sea by Jeremy Poldark. Stephen Carrington is an outsider who makes quite a few waves with the Poldarks.
I am delighted to be able to read the stories of this newest generation and see the torch passing from the characters I know and love so well to find out what is in store for the ones who have always just been in the background in the previous books. Only 4 more to go.
Their children, Jeremy and Clowance take front and center. They have quite different personalities from their strong-willed parents and much too easily become lovestruck for characters that don’t share their feelings. Jeremy is quite affected by the times that are changing on the industrial front and becomes interested in ideas that don’t sit well with Ross. It is the age-old father-son rivalry of who really knows best.
Geoffrey-Charles, Ross’s nephew and Elizabeth’s son, is a grown young man serving in the Army making a way for himself. George Warleggan’s children, Valentine and Ursula begin to emerge and this generation begins to interact with one another influenced by the knowledge of their parents’ feud. It will be interesting to see where the story takes these young people.
The biggest surprise is a strange man who is rescued from the sea by Jeremy Poldark. Stephen Carrington is an outsider who makes quite a few waves with the Poldarks.
I am delighted to be able to read the stories of this newest generation and see the torch passing from the characters I know and love so well to find out what is in store for the ones who have always just been in the background in the previous books. Only 4 more to go.
May 21, 2017
Book Eight of the Poldark Series, The Stranger from the Sea takes place ten years after Book Seven, The Angry Tide. I was concerned that this would mean an abrupt transition from the story of Ross and Demelza to that of the next generation. I have had this happen with other sagas and found it disconcerting. Not to fear, Winston Graham knows precisely how to tell a story with continuity and progress mixed in perfect proportions.
Life has continued apace since we left Ross at a moment of sadness, but revelation, and Ross now finds himself in a very respectable, but not affluent, position:
”He had made little money. But over the years they had continued sufficiently affluent to live a comfortable life. As he said to Demelza, the most important thing was to strike a balance: poverty and riches each in their own way caused unhappiness. With money, the way to be happy was to continue to have almost enough.”
I was struck by how much truth there is to that. And, within this novel, we get a glimpse of both the horrors of extreme poverty and the decadence of unearned wealth. I am happy to say that Ross and Demelza have raised lovely children, smart and unassuming and in so many ways reflective of both their parents. I became immediately as interested in the futures of Jeremy and Clowance as I had been in that of Ross, Demelza, Elizabeth, George, Dwight and Caroline.
This installment reminds me particularly of Jane Austen. If you enjoy her witty look into the depths of societal classes, this book will resonate with you. It is the time in which class distinctions are collapsing due to the influx of new money, and the time when the aristocracy is perhaps most fervent to hold on to its position and power.
As always there are difficulties in love. People can never fall in love with only the right people and, even today, there are often obstacles not of our own making.
She helped tighten one of the girths. ‘I know you have been--greatly upset; and I cannot help you. It grieves me that I cannot help you. I can’t even give you advice!’
‘Nobody can’
‘For you would not take it. Quite right. It is hopeless for older people to tell younger ones--particularly their own children--that they have been through the same thing. Such information is no use at all! It bounces off one’s own grief--or jealousy or distress. If we are all born the same we are also all born unique--we all go through torments nobody else has ever had.”
Another bit of the human condition I could well relate to. Don’t we all want to save our children from pitfalls, but isn’t it human nature for each man to make his own mistakes and pay his own penalties...and isn’t that, in truth, the only way anyone finds their way and their own happiness.
Ross fails to see Jeremy for the man he is, capable and interested and daring. Again, I think Winston Graham has seen into the soul of mankind. We so often miss that which is most essential and best in those we are close to; we often view our children as children long after we should have seen them as adults. And, in the way he has often failed to appreciate Demelza, Ross is prone to failing to recognize the value of those who love him most. There is much, I would contend, about Jeremy that is Ross. That fearlessness and drive is there waiting for a place to commit itself, and the similarities sometimes make for less instead of more understanding.
And, lastly, we see that Ross and Demelza are no longer young themselves. They are well along their journey and, while not doddering on old age, we clearly see that they are closer to the end than they now are to the beginning.
”And who would have thought Lady Landsdowne was three months forward? I wish I were. I wish Jeremy was three again like her son. I wish I was twenty-six like her and it was all to come again. Life...it slips away like sand out of a torn envelope. Well, I’m still not exactly old. But it hurst me to see Ross limp and the lines about his jaw, and many of my friends sick or old or dead.”
Ah, another passage that seems written for my life and my age. I hear you, Demelza, but oh it has been a wonderful life, full of events that have warmed and torn you, and sworn to your zest for living it.
Life has continued apace since we left Ross at a moment of sadness, but revelation, and Ross now finds himself in a very respectable, but not affluent, position:
”He had made little money. But over the years they had continued sufficiently affluent to live a comfortable life. As he said to Demelza, the most important thing was to strike a balance: poverty and riches each in their own way caused unhappiness. With money, the way to be happy was to continue to have almost enough.”
I was struck by how much truth there is to that. And, within this novel, we get a glimpse of both the horrors of extreme poverty and the decadence of unearned wealth. I am happy to say that Ross and Demelza have raised lovely children, smart and unassuming and in so many ways reflective of both their parents. I became immediately as interested in the futures of Jeremy and Clowance as I had been in that of Ross, Demelza, Elizabeth, George, Dwight and Caroline.
This installment reminds me particularly of Jane Austen. If you enjoy her witty look into the depths of societal classes, this book will resonate with you. It is the time in which class distinctions are collapsing due to the influx of new money, and the time when the aristocracy is perhaps most fervent to hold on to its position and power.
As always there are difficulties in love. People can never fall in love with only the right people and, even today, there are often obstacles not of our own making.
She helped tighten one of the girths. ‘I know you have been--greatly upset; and I cannot help you. It grieves me that I cannot help you. I can’t even give you advice!’
‘Nobody can’
‘For you would not take it. Quite right. It is hopeless for older people to tell younger ones--particularly their own children--that they have been through the same thing. Such information is no use at all! It bounces off one’s own grief--or jealousy or distress. If we are all born the same we are also all born unique--we all go through torments nobody else has ever had.”
Another bit of the human condition I could well relate to. Don’t we all want to save our children from pitfalls, but isn’t it human nature for each man to make his own mistakes and pay his own penalties...and isn’t that, in truth, the only way anyone finds their way and their own happiness.
Ross fails to see Jeremy for the man he is, capable and interested and daring. Again, I think Winston Graham has seen into the soul of mankind. We so often miss that which is most essential and best in those we are close to; we often view our children as children long after we should have seen them as adults. And, in the way he has often failed to appreciate Demelza, Ross is prone to failing to recognize the value of those who love him most. There is much, I would contend, about Jeremy that is Ross. That fearlessness and drive is there waiting for a place to commit itself, and the similarities sometimes make for less instead of more understanding.
And, lastly, we see that Ross and Demelza are no longer young themselves. They are well along their journey and, while not doddering on old age, we clearly see that they are closer to the end than they now are to the beginning.
”And who would have thought Lady Landsdowne was three months forward? I wish I were. I wish Jeremy was three again like her son. I wish I was twenty-six like her and it was all to come again. Life...it slips away like sand out of a torn envelope. Well, I’m still not exactly old. But it hurst me to see Ross limp and the lines about his jaw, and many of my friends sick or old or dead.”
Ah, another passage that seems written for my life and my age. I hear you, Demelza, but oh it has been a wonderful life, full of events that have warmed and torn you, and sworn to your zest for living it.
August 28, 2018
The year is 1811, twelve years after the action in book seven, and along with the changes of a new century, changes abound in the Poldark family. Ross and Demelza have settled into a mature marriage, and while they still love each other passionately, the fiery jealousy and emotions of their younger years have quieted. Now they are also the parents of grown children, Jeremy and Clowance, along with 8 year old Isabella. As with all parents, they watch them make mistakes in love and life, without being able to make decisions for them. This adds a new dimension to both their characters.
The main focus of the series is shifting to the younger generation, just like it does to us all in real life, but I don't mind that at all, since the writing and the story line remain excellent. Only four more novels to go before I have to part with these people and their Cornwall setting.
The main focus of the series is shifting to the younger generation, just like it does to us all in real life, but I don't mind that at all, since the writing and the story line remain excellent. Only four more novels to go before I have to part with these people and their Cornwall setting.
December 4, 2016
SPOILER ALERT!
This book was a gross disappointment after the other delightful Poldark books, mainly because:
a. it focuses too much on war and especially politics; and
b. it leaves out so many characters we've come to love.
After all the time spent on Drake in past books, we get a one liner that he and Morwenna are living away, have one child (guess she got over being touched), and work in Ross' boatyard? And Sam has wooed and won Rosina Hoblyn, but that's about all we hear about them? Almost nothing about Dwight?
But we learn a LOT about Ross and Demelza's two eldest children (even if next to nothing about Isabella...I somehow suspect that's in a later book), and it is all interesting. By the way, does the first syllable of Clowance's name rhyme with "glow" or "brown"? Anybody know? As for the namesake of the book, Stephen, I find myself unable to get interested in him, but in view of Clowance's refusal of Lord Edward, I suspect we'll learn more about him.
Jeremy is by far the most interesting character here. Hiding his interest in steam engines from his parents is a little mystifying to me (although they have been known to be dangerous), but his wholehearted jump into the new mine is great. His loss of Cuby is very well told, and of course the last chapter of THAT has yet to be written.
Again, this contains some of the sparkle and readability of the earlier Poldark novels, but seems to stray too much into Napoleonic politics to make it as fun a read.
This book was a gross disappointment after the other delightful Poldark books, mainly because:
a. it focuses too much on war and especially politics; and
b. it leaves out so many characters we've come to love.
After all the time spent on Drake in past books, we get a one liner that he and Morwenna are living away, have one child (guess she got over being touched), and work in Ross' boatyard? And Sam has wooed and won Rosina Hoblyn, but that's about all we hear about them? Almost nothing about Dwight?
But we learn a LOT about Ross and Demelza's two eldest children (even if next to nothing about Isabella...I somehow suspect that's in a later book), and it is all interesting. By the way, does the first syllable of Clowance's name rhyme with "glow" or "brown"? Anybody know? As for the namesake of the book, Stephen, I find myself unable to get interested in him, but in view of Clowance's refusal of Lord Edward, I suspect we'll learn more about him.
Jeremy is by far the most interesting character here. Hiding his interest in steam engines from his parents is a little mystifying to me (although they have been known to be dangerous), but his wholehearted jump into the new mine is great. His loss of Cuby is very well told, and of course the last chapter of THAT has yet to be written.
Again, this contains some of the sparkle and readability of the earlier Poldark novels, but seems to stray too much into Napoleonic politics to make it as fun a read.
October 6, 2019
**This review actually refers to five books in this series: Stranger From the Sea, The Miller's Dance, The Loving Cup, The Twisted Sword & Bella Poldark**
I really have no clue what rock I was living under....I have no excuse. But, up until recently, I had no idea the Poldark series on television is based on a series of books! I love sweeping historical family sagas. I have no earthly clue how I missed this one! Rectifying the situation immediately!
There are 12 books in the Poldark Saga, written by Winston Graham from 1945-2002. The books are set in Cornwall, starting with Ross Poldark in 1783 and ending with Bella Poldark in 1820.
It's official -- I love this series! And I'm reading my way through all of the books before I watch the television series. I have a rule that before I can watch a film or television adaptation, I have to read the books first. Then I'm acquainted with the characters and can see what they changed/added/kept true to the original, etc. There are actually two Poldark television series. One from BBC in the 1970s that serialized the first seven books. And then the newer series that started in 2015. There have been five seasons of the new show. I can't wait to watch it! Still reading my way through the books first...and enjoying every page!
The four books listed here are books #8-12 of the series. I had review copies of all 5 novels and read them cover to cover. Binge read them, to be honest. I love the characters...the setting....the history. I had to stop periodically and look some things up as I'm not familiar with the time period or history of Cornwall at all. The one problem with reviewing books is that I'm under a deadline. With historical fiction or family sagas, I like to take my time and let the story sink in and savor the characters. But with five books to read, and not having read the first books in the series beforehand, I was a bit lost in names, places, etc. The story was enough to carry me through! I loved every book!
I'm backtracking now and reading the series from the start....and I will re-read these books when I come back around to them. I will have an even better understanding of the characters and history during my second reading! And then I can watch the television show. I'm curious which books it has already covered and which ones are upcoming -- whether it stays true to the books or goes off course, etc.
Great books! I highly recommend this series to any readers who enjoy historical fiction, family sagas, and just history in general!
Love, love, love! :) Here are some extra exclamation points in case I did not make it clear that I enjoy this series: !!!!!!!!
**I read review copies of these novels from St Martins Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
I really have no clue what rock I was living under....I have no excuse. But, up until recently, I had no idea the Poldark series on television is based on a series of books! I love sweeping historical family sagas. I have no earthly clue how I missed this one! Rectifying the situation immediately!
There are 12 books in the Poldark Saga, written by Winston Graham from 1945-2002. The books are set in Cornwall, starting with Ross Poldark in 1783 and ending with Bella Poldark in 1820.
It's official -- I love this series! And I'm reading my way through all of the books before I watch the television series. I have a rule that before I can watch a film or television adaptation, I have to read the books first. Then I'm acquainted with the characters and can see what they changed/added/kept true to the original, etc. There are actually two Poldark television series. One from BBC in the 1970s that serialized the first seven books. And then the newer series that started in 2015. There have been five seasons of the new show. I can't wait to watch it! Still reading my way through the books first...and enjoying every page!
The four books listed here are books #8-12 of the series. I had review copies of all 5 novels and read them cover to cover. Binge read them, to be honest. I love the characters...the setting....the history. I had to stop periodically and look some things up as I'm not familiar with the time period or history of Cornwall at all. The one problem with reviewing books is that I'm under a deadline. With historical fiction or family sagas, I like to take my time and let the story sink in and savor the characters. But with five books to read, and not having read the first books in the series beforehand, I was a bit lost in names, places, etc. The story was enough to carry me through! I loved every book!
I'm backtracking now and reading the series from the start....and I will re-read these books when I come back around to them. I will have an even better understanding of the characters and history during my second reading! And then I can watch the television show. I'm curious which books it has already covered and which ones are upcoming -- whether it stays true to the books or goes off course, etc.
Great books! I highly recommend this series to any readers who enjoy historical fiction, family sagas, and just history in general!
Love, love, love! :) Here are some extra exclamation points in case I did not make it clear that I enjoy this series: !!!!!!!!
**I read review copies of these novels from St Martins Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
August 23, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. I had had some recollections of the PBS Poldark Series when it was on TV back in the 1970s. But beyond that, I did not know anything else about Ross Poldark and his family. That is, until I read this novel, the first of the series for me.
In this novel, Winston Graham provides rich character sketches of Clowance and Jeremy, two of the Poldark children. Clowance is a free-spirited, sensitive, yet sober-minded kind of young lady. You see her becoming acquainted with a young man who was fished out of the sea, and are witness to her growing attraction to him. He (Stephen Carrington) is an adventurer, a dreamer, a striver, a charmer, and a gambler. Yet, he has a good heart. A big heart. I don't think it at all strange or odd that a young woman should be attracted to a man who is a bit rough round the edges as Stephen is. The reader may consider Stephen Carrington as a force of nature in terms of his personality and spirit.
Jeremy's story is especially touching. He and his father have a somewhat uneasy and distant relationship, which by turns, begins to become closer. And there is also Jeremy's growing love for Cuby Trevanion.
"The Stranger from the Sea" was a delightful story. In addition to Ross and Demelza, you begin to see in this novel how the lives of their children are shaping themselves. I liked that. And the author's descriptions of Cornwall are so evocative. You can almost feel the salt of the ocean on your skin and clothes as it pounds against the beach, or feel the touch of a rising breeze sweeping across the hills, signaling the approach of an autumn storm.
In this novel, Winston Graham provides rich character sketches of Clowance and Jeremy, two of the Poldark children. Clowance is a free-spirited, sensitive, yet sober-minded kind of young lady. You see her becoming acquainted with a young man who was fished out of the sea, and are witness to her growing attraction to him. He (Stephen Carrington) is an adventurer, a dreamer, a striver, a charmer, and a gambler. Yet, he has a good heart. A big heart. I don't think it at all strange or odd that a young woman should be attracted to a man who is a bit rough round the edges as Stephen is. The reader may consider Stephen Carrington as a force of nature in terms of his personality and spirit.
Jeremy's story is especially touching. He and his father have a somewhat uneasy and distant relationship, which by turns, begins to become closer. And there is also Jeremy's growing love for Cuby Trevanion.
"The Stranger from the Sea" was a delightful story. In addition to Ross and Demelza, you begin to see in this novel how the lives of their children are shaping themselves. I liked that. And the author's descriptions of Cornwall are so evocative. You can almost feel the salt of the ocean on your skin and clothes as it pounds against the beach, or feel the touch of a rising breeze sweeping across the hills, signaling the approach of an autumn storm.
February 12, 2016
"Save a stranger from the sea and he will turn your enemee."
The Stranger from the Sea (book 8 of the Poldark saga) begins ten years after book 7, The Angry Tide, ended. Life has continued for our familiar inhabitants of Cornwall. Children have grown and more children have been born and the author cleverly catches us up on all the occurences by a chance reunion and conversation in Portugal on the eve of a battle between French and British forces. My knowledge of historic events during this time period is embarrasingly lacking, but I remember references to Napoleon and the "Battle of Waterloo." My memory of this event and some of the historic figures was enough that I felt a little prescient as the characters of the book attempted to navigate the politics and business climate of the time. History tells us that the war will go on for a while longer and have some impact on both the Poldarks, their friends, and the Warleggans. I would have been content to read the entire book series without inner knowledge of George Warleggan's love life, but the author takes us through that journey nonetheless. By being inside George's head, we truly come to appreciate how little he understands people and their motivations. Fortunately, his story is a small deviance from the more enjoyable story of Ross, Demelza, and their growing children. I think this book was meant to introduce us to the new personalities of this next generation, the coming age of invention, and the curse of war. Despite the ominous passage quoted above, the reader is spared major drama. Despite containing less excitement in this book than some of the previous, it held my attention through some long reading sessions!
The Stranger from the Sea (book 8 of the Poldark saga) begins ten years after book 7, The Angry Tide, ended. Life has continued for our familiar inhabitants of Cornwall. Children have grown and more children have been born and the author cleverly catches us up on all the occurences by a chance reunion and conversation in Portugal on the eve of a battle between French and British forces. My knowledge of historic events during this time period is embarrasingly lacking, but I remember references to Napoleon and the "Battle of Waterloo." My memory of this event and some of the historic figures was enough that I felt a little prescient as the characters of the book attempted to navigate the politics and business climate of the time. History tells us that the war will go on for a while longer and have some impact on both the Poldarks, their friends, and the Warleggans. I would have been content to read the entire book series without inner knowledge of George Warleggan's love life, but the author takes us through that journey nonetheless. By being inside George's head, we truly come to appreciate how little he understands people and their motivations. Fortunately, his story is a small deviance from the more enjoyable story of Ross, Demelza, and their growing children. I think this book was meant to introduce us to the new personalities of this next generation, the coming age of invention, and the curse of war. Despite the ominous passage quoted above, the reader is spared major drama. Despite containing less excitement in this book than some of the previous, it held my attention through some long reading sessions!
March 28, 2018
Not a favorite but I definitely plan on continuing. I found it to be somewhat boring compared to the others in the series but shouldn't be skipped because there are stories being laid that I'm sure will become more interesting in the next book, at least I hope so. ;)
May 17, 2021
Ho sempre letto le ultime cento/duecento pagine di ciascun volume di questa saga tutte d’un fiato... tanti avvenimenti e adrenalina. Non è successo stavolta, ma le vicende dei Poldark mantengono il loro fascino.
December 6, 2019
Cornwall 1810-1811
Ten years has passed since we last saw Ross Poldark.
After his duel with Monk Addlerly and Elizabeth's death, Ross felt discontented with Parliament and wanted to quit. Lord Falmouth wouldn't hear of it but they found reasons to send Ross abroad to do some information gathering. His missions have been dangerous and he longs to return to the arms of his loving Cornish wife yet his spirit is still a bit restless. The children have grown up and are trying to find their own directions in life. Romance is in the air as Jeremy and Clowance find themselves in love for the first time each. Jeremy seems to lack ambition though and Ross wonders what will become of his son. Then Jeremy rescues a stranger from the sea who will change their lives.
Not much happens in this book. The dust jacket promises a mystery but that mystery is never fully revealed unless it's just not there. The story has romance novel elements, a LOT of #MeToo moments, a little action and a lot of history about steam power and the Industrial Revolution. Mostly we just play catch up with the characters.
The new characters are sketched out but not fully fleshed yet. The title character is Stephen Carrington from Bristol ("Bristow"). He is a bit roguish and reckless. He reminds me of a younger Ross. Stephen falls in love with Clowance but he isn't good enough for her. Does she feel the same way? I wouldn't mind Stephen but I have a bad feeling about him based on the old Cornish rhyme quoted on the dust jacket. I don't like, from a modern perspective, how he takes advantage of Clowance. It's kind if #MeTooish at first but then later she takes more control over her body. I don't like this relationship at all.
Lady Harriet is an impoverished widow. She seems strong-willed and independent. I like how she deals with George's attentions and how she sees her brother's role in her life. Go widowhood! It rocks! WAY better than marriage!
Lord Edward Fitzmaurice is the younger son of a Duke. He becomes Clowance's third suitor. There's a young man from the village- the son of Jinny Carter who was married to Ross's friend Jim who died of jail fever after Ross busted him out of Launceston prison. Benjy isn't seen as good enough for Clowance in spite of being Ross and Demelza's godson. He's independent-minded, a bit of a loner and Clowance doesn't seem to return his affection. Second is Stephen Carrington and Lord Edward comes in third. He actually seems all right for a nobleman. His brother and Ross agree on the issue of parliamentary reform. Clowance could do a lot worse but I think Demelza would feel uncomfortable visiting her daughter if she married a nobleman.
Miss Cuby Trevannion is the object of Jeremy's affections. She's bit harsh and cold but I believe her to have a warmer manner inside. She's playing a role with Jeremy in front of her family. She's young and her mother is strict. Her brother is awful. Really boorish and mean. He represents the fate of the landed gentry during the Industrial Revolution.
Colonel Powys-Jones is an old lecher who wants Demelza. Every single time she goes into society she gets sexually harassed. She is not as naive as she used to be in her younger days and knows how to avoid being caught.
In case you're wondering, here's what happened in the last 10 years since we left the Poldarks.
Ross has calmed down quite a lot now he's 50ish but not too old to have adventures. He spends most of the first half of the book in Portugual and London before returning to Cornwall. His boat building business is going well, banking business is successful, the mines are not doing super great but they can only get so much out of them. He's very much in love with Demelza and even romantic. Yet, he doesn't quite know what to do with the older children. He works it out at the end a bit. He was eager to get home to his wife. She was anxious for his return as well and they were both waiting impatiently for the now nearly grown children to go to bed so they could um go to bed themselves.
Ross went to the West Indies to inspect the condition of the British troops in Honduras but did not seem to meet Ned.
Demelza is holding down the fort at home, content with her children and having enough money to be comfortable. She's more a woman of her own time than in the show. She's struggling to figure out how to be a middle aged matron and mother of a daughter of marriageable age. Caroline is worried Clowance will be stuck with a Cornish husband and the choices are slim. Demelza hates going into society, especially without Ross but something must be done. If Demelza had her own way, she and Ross would live happily ever after making love, running the farm and the mines and settling down as middle-aged gentry folk. The new baby is a girl, Isabella-Rose. She's described as "dainty" by Ross but comes across as a hooligan. The nanny does most of the work raising the child.
Jeremy is now 19 and did well in Truro Grammar School but lacks ambition, or so his parents think. He's actually secretly obsessed with steam power and has plans to build a steam carriage to run on roads. Sorry Jeremy, not in your lifetime, your sister's lifetime or anyone else's for that matter. Steam trains are a different sort of object and he's less interested in track-run vehicles.
Clowance is now 16 and a fair beauty, tomboy. She ran away from boarding school just because she was bored. Papa Ross can't control her. She's just the right age for romance and very naive. Like her mother, she's fresh and innocent. I don't like her romantic plot at all. There's one scene I really really strongly objected to.
The Enyses have two daughters, Sophie, a year younger than Bella and Meliora! They aren't in the book much but Caroline has regained her usual spirits.
Geoffrey Charles is fighting with Wellington in Portugal when Ross shows up to gather information on the eve of a battle. He is old enough to inherit Trenwith but hasn't been home in years. Trenwith is falling into disrepair.
After Elizabeth's death George stopped caring about everything and anything. Uncle Cary had to save him from a few bad business decisions. George moved in with his parents bringing the children. He grew to love Elizabeth and acknowledges his role in their disagreements. Valentine is growing up to be a "peculiar" child but little Ursula is the apple of her grandmother's eye. Once his parents die, George moves to London and Truro, shutting up Trenwith except for a monthly visit and surprising the Harrys who are in charge.
George doesn't care about politics at first until the situation with the King starts getting confusing. He becomes a Whig again even if he doesn't agree with their politics because they think they'll be the ruling party once the old King dies. A chance meeting with Clowance in Trenwith awakens George's sexual desires (ew!) but not specifically her. He starts courting an impecunious younger widow, sister of a Duke and as conservative as he. She's either independent and uninterested or playing hard to get. I like Lady Harriet a lot. George is now more interested in the mills in Manchester. He doesn't care about the horrific conditions. That's commerce.
Valentine, now 17, finally appears at the end of Book 2. He's a sad disappointment after the spunky, bratty child of the show. He's at Eton and badly spoiled. His appearance is rather foppish and his manner is shocking.
Ten years has passed since we last saw Ross Poldark.
After his duel with Monk Addlerly and Elizabeth's death, Ross felt discontented with Parliament and wanted to quit. Lord Falmouth wouldn't hear of it but they found reasons to send Ross abroad to do some information gathering. His missions have been dangerous and he longs to return to the arms of his loving Cornish wife yet his spirit is still a bit restless. The children have grown up and are trying to find their own directions in life. Romance is in the air as Jeremy and Clowance find themselves in love for the first time each. Jeremy seems to lack ambition though and Ross wonders what will become of his son. Then Jeremy rescues a stranger from the sea who will change their lives.
Not much happens in this book. The dust jacket promises a mystery but that mystery is never fully revealed unless it's just not there. The story has romance novel elements, a LOT of #MeToo moments, a little action and a lot of history about steam power and the Industrial Revolution. Mostly we just play catch up with the characters.
The new characters are sketched out but not fully fleshed yet. The title character is Stephen Carrington from Bristol ("Bristow"). He is a bit roguish and reckless. He reminds me of a younger Ross. Stephen falls in love with Clowance but he isn't good enough for her. Does she feel the same way? I wouldn't mind Stephen but I have a bad feeling about him based on the old Cornish rhyme quoted on the dust jacket. I don't like, from a modern perspective, how he takes advantage of Clowance. It's kind if #MeTooish at first but then later she takes more control over her body. I don't like this relationship at all.
Lady Harriet is an impoverished widow. She seems strong-willed and independent. I like how she deals with George's attentions and how she sees her brother's role in her life. Go widowhood! It rocks! WAY better than marriage!
Lord Edward Fitzmaurice is the younger son of a Duke. He becomes Clowance's third suitor. There's a young man from the village- the son of Jinny Carter who was married to Ross's friend Jim who died of jail fever after Ross busted him out of Launceston prison. Benjy isn't seen as good enough for Clowance in spite of being Ross and Demelza's godson. He's independent-minded, a bit of a loner and Clowance doesn't seem to return his affection. Second is Stephen Carrington and Lord Edward comes in third. He actually seems all right for a nobleman. His brother and Ross agree on the issue of parliamentary reform. Clowance could do a lot worse but I think Demelza would feel uncomfortable visiting her daughter if she married a nobleman.
Miss Cuby Trevannion is the object of Jeremy's affections. She's bit harsh and cold but I believe her to have a warmer manner inside. She's playing a role with Jeremy in front of her family. She's young and her mother is strict. Her brother is awful. Really boorish and mean. He represents the fate of the landed gentry during the Industrial Revolution.
Colonel Powys-Jones is an old lecher who wants Demelza. Every single time she goes into society she gets sexually harassed. She is not as naive as she used to be in her younger days and knows how to avoid being caught.
In case you're wondering, here's what happened in the last 10 years since we left the Poldarks.
Ross has calmed down quite a lot now he's 50ish but not too old to have adventures. He spends most of the first half of the book in Portugual and London before returning to Cornwall. His boat building business is going well, banking business is successful, the mines are not doing super great but they can only get so much out of them. He's very much in love with Demelza and even romantic. Yet, he doesn't quite know what to do with the older children. He works it out at the end a bit. He was eager to get home to his wife. She was anxious for his return as well and they were both waiting impatiently for the now nearly grown children to go to bed so they could um go to bed themselves.
Ross went to the West Indies to inspect the condition of the British troops in Honduras but did not seem to meet Ned.
Demelza is holding down the fort at home, content with her children and having enough money to be comfortable. She's more a woman of her own time than in the show. She's struggling to figure out how to be a middle aged matron and mother of a daughter of marriageable age. Caroline is worried Clowance will be stuck with a Cornish husband and the choices are slim. Demelza hates going into society, especially without Ross but something must be done. If Demelza had her own way, she and Ross would live happily ever after making love, running the farm and the mines and settling down as middle-aged gentry folk. The new baby is a girl, Isabella-Rose. She's described as "dainty" by Ross but comes across as a hooligan. The nanny does most of the work raising the child.
Jeremy is now 19 and did well in Truro Grammar School but lacks ambition, or so his parents think. He's actually secretly obsessed with steam power and has plans to build a steam carriage to run on roads. Sorry Jeremy, not in your lifetime, your sister's lifetime or anyone else's for that matter. Steam trains are a different sort of object and he's less interested in track-run vehicles.
Clowance is now 16 and a fair beauty, tomboy. She ran away from boarding school just because she was bored. Papa Ross can't control her. She's just the right age for romance and very naive. Like her mother, she's fresh and innocent. I don't like her romantic plot at all. There's one scene I really really strongly objected to.
The Enyses have two daughters, Sophie, a year younger than Bella and Meliora! They aren't in the book much but Caroline has regained her usual spirits.
Geoffrey Charles is fighting with Wellington in Portugal when Ross shows up to gather information on the eve of a battle. He is old enough to inherit Trenwith but hasn't been home in years. Trenwith is falling into disrepair.
After Elizabeth's death George stopped caring about everything and anything. Uncle Cary had to save him from a few bad business decisions. George moved in with his parents bringing the children. He grew to love Elizabeth and acknowledges his role in their disagreements. Valentine is growing up to be a "peculiar" child but little Ursula is the apple of her grandmother's eye. Once his parents die, George moves to London and Truro, shutting up Trenwith except for a monthly visit and surprising the Harrys who are in charge.
George doesn't care about politics at first until the situation with the King starts getting confusing. He becomes a Whig again even if he doesn't agree with their politics because they think they'll be the ruling party once the old King dies. A chance meeting with Clowance in Trenwith awakens George's sexual desires (ew!) but not specifically her. He starts courting an impecunious younger widow, sister of a Duke and as conservative as he. She's either independent and uninterested or playing hard to get. I like Lady Harriet a lot. George is now more interested in the mills in Manchester. He doesn't care about the horrific conditions. That's commerce.
Valentine, now 17, finally appears at the end of Book 2. He's a sad disappointment after the spunky, bratty child of the show. He's at Eton and badly spoiled. His appearance is rather foppish and his manner is shocking.
May 26, 2017
The Stranger From The Sea is the eighth book in the Poldark saga by Winston Graham and continues the sweeping story of the Poldark family. This series has been a marvelous blend of historical fact and romantic fiction.
Graham focuses heavily on the dreams and aspirations of the next generation here as he continues to paint a portrait of the history of Cornwall.
This installment introduces some new and colorful characters. The energy and restless spirit of Jeremy Poldark, the son of Ross and Demelza Poldark, has me guessing where his ambitions will take him. Thwarted in love but looking to take his place in the industrial revolution, it will be interesting to follow him as he seeks his own destiny.
No less vibrant is the animated Clowance Poldark, eldest daughter of Ross and Demelza Poldark, who promises to capture many hearts with her winsome ways. I hope Ross keeps an eye on her because I've already wanted to lock her in her room! Lol!
Without giving too much away and focusing too much on the cast, I want to say that once again Winston Graham has left me wanting more. This is historical fiction at its very best! Realistic characters that are vivid and complex stay with me long after I've read these books. Thank heaven I decided to read this series with my friend, Sara. A buddy-read which has mushroomed into a mega buddy-read. The writing is intelligent, poignant and thrilling all at once! Graham deals with the human experience with thoughtfulness and tenderness. Like life, the characters are ever changing and evolving. If you only read one series in your life - read this one - you won't be sorry!
Graham focuses heavily on the dreams and aspirations of the next generation here as he continues to paint a portrait of the history of Cornwall.
This installment introduces some new and colorful characters. The energy and restless spirit of Jeremy Poldark, the son of Ross and Demelza Poldark, has me guessing where his ambitions will take him. Thwarted in love but looking to take his place in the industrial revolution, it will be interesting to follow him as he seeks his own destiny.
No less vibrant is the animated Clowance Poldark, eldest daughter of Ross and Demelza Poldark, who promises to capture many hearts with her winsome ways. I hope Ross keeps an eye on her because I've already wanted to lock her in her room! Lol!
Without giving too much away and focusing too much on the cast, I want to say that once again Winston Graham has left me wanting more. This is historical fiction at its very best! Realistic characters that are vivid and complex stay with me long after I've read these books. Thank heaven I decided to read this series with my friend, Sara. A buddy-read which has mushroomed into a mega buddy-read. The writing is intelligent, poignant and thrilling all at once! Graham deals with the human experience with thoughtfulness and tenderness. Like life, the characters are ever changing and evolving. If you only read one series in your life - read this one - you won't be sorry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2015
This is more about the kids than anything. Jeremy is obsessed with steam and a girl he can't have. I suspect he'll become famous for the first train or horseless carriage in the end. Clowance (ugh, that name...) has suitors from every walk of life, including Stephen from the title, who just makes me uncomfortable in every way. Something slippery and unreliable about him, and there was a little throwaway line from Dwight Enys about rescuing a man from sea, he'd soon become your "enemee." No doubt the next book will prove or disprove that.
Definitely a transition book as a new generation poises to take the forefront. I'm already getting pangs of empty nest syndrome, but more because I don't want Ross and Demelza to get old.
Definitely a transition book as a new generation poises to take the forefront. I'm already getting pangs of empty nest syndrome, but more because I don't want Ross and Demelza to get old.
May 25, 2017
Difficult read for me. Too many new characters introduced without continuity from the previous book IMO.
August 26, 2020
Actual review: 3.5
“It is hopeless for older people to tell younger ones – particularly their own children – that they have been through the same thing. Such information is no use at all! It bounces off one’s own grief – or jealousy or distress. If we are all born the same we are also all born unique – we all go through torments nobody else has ever had.”
The Stranger from the Sea is the eighth book in the Poldark Saga and I found it to be more of a transitional piece than its previous novels.
♠ TEN YEARS LATER…
Unlike the previous novels, this book doesn’t pick up right where the previous book left off. Rather, there is a decade long time jump before we are introduced to a whole new set of characters. Throughout the seven previous books I have fallen in love with the characters, so to read about new characters, whom I know nothing of, was a bit jarring at first. However, what I like most about Graham is the way he makes me care about characters I would have normally not cared about if it weren’t for his penmanship.
We follow, what is essentially, the next generation of the Poldarks; their adventures, their loves, their lives and their families. It’s going to take me a bit longer to love them as much as I loved the first set of characters, but I am interested in their lives.
I’m looking forward to the next installment.
“It is hopeless for older people to tell younger ones – particularly their own children – that they have been through the same thing. Such information is no use at all! It bounces off one’s own grief – or jealousy or distress. If we are all born the same we are also all born unique – we all go through torments nobody else has ever had.”
The Stranger from the Sea is the eighth book in the Poldark Saga and I found it to be more of a transitional piece than its previous novels.
♠ TEN YEARS LATER…
Unlike the previous novels, this book doesn’t pick up right where the previous book left off. Rather, there is a decade long time jump before we are introduced to a whole new set of characters. Throughout the seven previous books I have fallen in love with the characters, so to read about new characters, whom I know nothing of, was a bit jarring at first. However, what I like most about Graham is the way he makes me care about characters I would have normally not cared about if it weren’t for his penmanship.
We follow, what is essentially, the next generation of the Poldarks; their adventures, their loves, their lives and their families. It’s going to take me a bit longer to love them as much as I loved the first set of characters, but I am interested in their lives.
I’m looking forward to the next installment.
January 22, 2016
Unlike the previous books, this one does not start in the year the year the last one finished. It opens a decade later, in 1810. The first chapters are set not in Cornwall, but find Ross in Portugal where he is once again fighting in a war. This time it is against the French army led by Napoleon.
He meets up with Geoffrey Charles, son of Elizabeth. On the eve of a battle.
In Cornwall the story opens with widower George wooing Harriet. Clowance is now in her late teens.
This, the 8th in the series marks a change in the nature of this family saga. It starts to fully develop the next generation in the Poldark family, whilst continuing to develop many of the established characters.
I really liked the change in focus on the historical front, with the differing attitudes towards the use of new technology, with the growth of the age of steam and its potential effect on the lives and fortunes of the lives of the Cornish mining communities.
It seems that many of the storylines started in this book continue in the next book 'The Miller's Dance, which I look forward to reading soon.
He meets up with Geoffrey Charles, son of Elizabeth. On the eve of a battle.
In Cornwall the story opens with widower George wooing Harriet. Clowance is now in her late teens.
This, the 8th in the series marks a change in the nature of this family saga. It starts to fully develop the next generation in the Poldark family, whilst continuing to develop many of the established characters.
I really liked the change in focus on the historical front, with the differing attitudes towards the use of new technology, with the growth of the age of steam and its potential effect on the lives and fortunes of the lives of the Cornish mining communities.
It seems that many of the storylines started in this book continue in the next book 'The Miller's Dance, which I look forward to reading soon.
August 19, 2020
I love this series so much. The cast of characters, the setting, the history are all handled so well. This eighth installment, The Stranger From The Sea, is where it really begins to diverge from the tv adaptation in that this one takes up more than a decade after the previous installment concluded and more closely follows the next generation. I'm so glad to get to know the kids more than we ever really got to aside from Geoffrey Charles in the tv series. We get to see how they take after their parents and how they are unique in their own rite. Although Ross, Demelza, Dwight, Caroline, and George all take a bit of a backseat here, they all have their moments. Demelza is still the real MVP of the series and Dwight and Caroline are still my favorite couple. I was also not expecting George's storyline at all - that was quite a change to see him that way, but he still stayed true to himself. I can't wait to see what's coming up next in The Miller's Dance. It's going to be surprises from here on in!
June 20, 2023
These books have such a richness about them. These books are filled with true character traits, natural consequences, and human nature along with a well-written storyline that sometimes it feels like you could show up unannounced as a guest at tea. I love all the historical events tied in. I’ve learned so much about British and Cornwall history and culture from this series. I’m looking forward to the next one.
August 17, 2015
I cannot quit the Poldarks!
November 3, 2015
Thoroughly enjoying this series. I would have given this 3.5 if I could. Definitely setting the stage for upcoming events. Love these characters! So well developed.
June 8, 2016
The industrial revolution begins surrounded by "soap-opera" like plot lines.
May 11, 2021
Questo ottavo episodio della serie Poldark è un passaggio di testimone tra genitori e figli. Tanto per cominciare siamo proprio nel periodo storico in cui Giorgio III, la cui salute è ormai completamente compromessa (è diventato completamente pazzo), deve cedere la Reggenza al figlio, chiamato Prinny, più che per affetto, per una condizione di scarso rispetto da parte della popolazione. Nella Penisola Iberica si sta combattendo la guerra contro Napoleone (il romanzo si apre proprio con Ross Poldark inviato nella Penisola Iberica per svolgere da civile delle operazioni di intelligence, che incontra il figlio di suo cugino Francis, Geoffrey Charles, diventato anche lui capitano Poldark - e anche questo è un passaggio di testimone da una generazione alla successiva) e, malgrado i suoi amici whig tentino di convincere il Principe Reggente a concludere la guerra contro Boney, lui decide che il predominio del tiranno sull'Europa debba continuare a essere contrastato (nel romanzo lo stesso Ross potrebbe aver influenzato questa decisione!)
Intanto, sia Jeremy che Clowance, i due figli maggiori di Ross e Demelza, incontrano persone dell'altro sesso e si innamorano, entrambi con risultati più o meno disastrosi. Ma sono ancora troppo giovani e le loro storie non sono probabilmente di quelle che durano per tutta la vita, ma chissà, lo scopriremo nei prossimi episodi. Per ora né Stephen Carrington, lo straniero venuto dal mare del titolo, né Cuby Trevanion, che aspetta un offerente migliore di Jeremy, sembrano degni dei giovani Poldark.
Nel frattempo, comunque, Jeremy riesce a far ricomprare al padre la Wheal Leisure da George Warleggan (naturalmente utilizzando un prestanome), visto che Warleggan per la prima volta nella storia ha problemi di liquidità e rischia che la sua banca fallisca.
Jeremy spera di sfruttare nella miniera le nuove tecnologie a vapore e, sebbene il padre glielo abbia proibito perché pericolosissimo, il ragazzo va a studiare le sue applicazioni da Mr. Trevithick, un inventore che sta per rivoluzionare il mondo con le sue macchine.
Insomma, un capitolo di passaggio che fa desiderare di leggere quanto prima la continuazione della storia. Riuscirà Jeremy ad arricchirsi per essere considerato all'altezza di Cuby Trevanion?
Intanto, sia Jeremy che Clowance, i due figli maggiori di Ross e Demelza, incontrano persone dell'altro sesso e si innamorano, entrambi con risultati più o meno disastrosi. Ma sono ancora troppo giovani e le loro storie non sono probabilmente di quelle che durano per tutta la vita, ma chissà, lo scopriremo nei prossimi episodi. Per ora né Stephen Carrington, lo straniero venuto dal mare del titolo, né Cuby Trevanion, che aspetta un offerente migliore di Jeremy, sembrano degni dei giovani Poldark.
Nel frattempo, comunque, Jeremy riesce a far ricomprare al padre la Wheal Leisure da George Warleggan (naturalmente utilizzando un prestanome), visto che Warleggan per la prima volta nella storia ha problemi di liquidità e rischia che la sua banca fallisca.
Jeremy spera di sfruttare nella miniera le nuove tecnologie a vapore e, sebbene il padre glielo abbia proibito perché pericolosissimo, il ragazzo va a studiare le sue applicazioni da Mr. Trevithick, un inventore che sta per rivoluzionare il mondo con le sue macchine.
Insomma, un capitolo di passaggio che fa desiderare di leggere quanto prima la continuazione della storia. Riuscirà Jeremy ad arricchirsi per essere considerato all'altezza di Cuby Trevanion?
January 17, 2025
This was my favourite so far! I though I wouldn't enjoy everyone all grown up, but I was quite surprised.
June 1, 2017
3.5 stars. Although this book marks a significant transition to the younger generation of Poldarks and Warleggans, there’s still a satisfying number of pages with Ross and Demelza and George Warleggan.
It’s 1810 and the king’s madness has returned. There is rampant speculation that a Regency will bring about a change of government and an immediate end to the war. Warleggan is one of the speculators, and his unwise investment marks one of the few times we see him stumble.
Warleggan is a bastard, but he was always humanized by his relationship with Elizabeth, and it’s still effective here, ten years after her death, because he genuinely misses her.
Meanwhile Poldark is as restless as ever, wondering if he’s doing any good as an MP, or a mine owner, or a husband and father. His jaunt to the continent to meet with Wellington seemed a little unlikely; an awkwardly inserted history lesson.
I like grown-up Jeremy and Clowance, and I especially enjoyed Demelza and Clowance’s trip to visit one of Clowance’s suitors. I don’t like the “stranger from the sea”, but I’m not sure I’m supposed to. I greatly missed Sam and Drake and Morwenna and Dwight, and there’s very little of Caroline.
This is delightfully well written, and I look forward to the next book.
It’s 1810 and the king’s madness has returned. There is rampant speculation that a Regency will bring about a change of government and an immediate end to the war. Warleggan is one of the speculators, and his unwise investment marks one of the few times we see him stumble.
Warleggan is a bastard, but he was always humanized by his relationship with Elizabeth, and it’s still effective here, ten years after her death, because he genuinely misses her.
Meanwhile Poldark is as restless as ever, wondering if he’s doing any good as an MP, or a mine owner, or a husband and father. His jaunt to the continent to meet with Wellington seemed a little unlikely; an awkwardly inserted history lesson.
I like grown-up Jeremy and Clowance, and I especially enjoyed Demelza and Clowance’s trip to visit one of Clowance’s suitors. I don’t like the “stranger from the sea”, but I’m not sure I’m supposed to. I greatly missed Sam and Drake and Morwenna and Dwight, and there’s very little of Caroline.
This is delightfully well written, and I look forward to the next book.
October 6, 2015
Clearly a "set-up" for events to come, this book hops over a decade or so to start the stories of the second generation. To be fair, after the ending of the near-perfect book seven, I fully understand that temptation. Yet -- although most of the previous characters still are around -- the personalities of the children need to work up a head of "steam" before any of them become quite as distinct.
As a result, only one thing of consequence (brilliantly slipping Ross into early 19th Century high politics to explain a still-mysterious event) occurs in this book. Everything else, I suspect, will unfold slowly in sequels, as ripples from decisions made here.
As a result, only one thing of consequence (brilliantly slipping Ross into early 19th Century high politics to explain a still-mysterious event) occurs in this book. Everything else, I suspect, will unfold slowly in sequels, as ripples from decisions made here.
June 1, 2016
I'm probably going to finish this series, as I do like to hear the whole story. But this book felt like the author was just reaching for drama instead of coming up with an interesting plot. The Poldarks have two teenage/very early 20s kids, so why not have both of them fall in love very quickly with unsuitable people that they hardly know? Blah.
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