on PBS. If you are not watching - and/or reading Ross Poldark: A Novel of Cornwall, 1783-1787
by Winston Graham, you have no idea what intrigue/adventure/romance awaits you! And luckily for us, there are many more books where that came from. (I believe there are 12 in all but if I am incorrect, please let me know.)
The setting of the show reminds me of The Winter Sea
by Susanna Kearsley, with its angry seaside bluffs and air of passionate angst that runs as an undercurrent through much of the story. I cannot speak to the book yet, as I'm only about a chapter or two in, but I will tell you this: as with most books (except Outlander, of course!) small details may be overlooked in the TV show and you'll have a lot of fun digging them up in the books.
by Susanna Kearsley, with its angry seaside bluffs and air of passionate angst that runs as an undercurrent through much of the story. I cannot speak to the book yet, as I'm only about a chapter or two in, but I will tell you this: as with most books (except Outlander, of course!) small details may be overlooked in the TV show and you'll have a lot of fun digging them up in the books.
Already reading/watching? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!!
Hi Carol! I've watched those first two Poldark episodes and I'm really enjoying it (in a totally different, non-obsessive way from Outlander) I've been debating with myself about starting on the book - I'll be interested in hearing what you think as you get farther into it.
ReplyDeleteI will say its been something of a relief to watch the main characters struggling against bad luck, adversity and misfortune rather than outright evil at every turn (BJR) ;)
GREAT POINT Cary!! It's all so downtrodden...but not evil!
DeleteLove it and getting ready to watch Ep. 2. Also, on my way to the beach tomorrow and book on que.
ReplyDeleteI have only read the prologue and the first chapter or so...but I'm ready to dive in and buy the book. :) (Enjoy the beach!!!)
DeleteHi Carol is MOP chat going to be tonight?
ReplyDeleteYikes Anon - just seeing this - I hope you were there??? :)
DeleteCarol and I will both be there!
ReplyDeleteWe came...we saw...we kicked some ass! (said like Bill Murray in Ghost Busters) :)
DeleteI had to miss it again ;( And I miss you guys and chatting with everyone so much (even when I don't have much to contribute, LOL!) Cutting hay here on the farm between rains = busy times!
DeleteI have already watched it on BBC. It is a great series and Aidan Turner is just fantastic as Poldark, as Eleanor Tomlin is as Demelza. You have much to look forward to. At about the same time I read the first four books; Ross, Demelza, Jeremy and Warleggan. They are difficult to put down and I had to force myself not to download the following books, which meant I would be reading nothing else. But they are just waiting for an opening in my reading schedule!
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested you can read a review here of the four books and TV series
http://thecontentreader.blogspot.se/2015/03/poldark-series-ross-demelza-jeremy-and.html
You are so lucky to still have the viewing and reading to look forward to.
Thanks so much Lisbeth! You are making me excited to keep reading! And I can't tell you how often I tell people the same thing about Outlander or The Bronze Horseman...so I am more than happy to be a Poldark newbie!! :)
DeleteI love Poldark! Saw the original series in the seventies. The current production is fantastic. Ross is my Jamie replacement.
ReplyDeleteAnon - me too. I am reading it as well as watching, and it's giving me at least a week bit of that "Jamie and Claire" feeling. Ross is so incurably good and decent...(and hot LOL)...and Demelza has that fiery "I won't take any shite from you" attitude like Claire. Plus, she makes people comfortable in the most awkward of situations. I just love them. And I plan to go back and watch the 70s version once season 1 ends. I've heard that was done very well...and was very true to the books as well. :)
DeleteI am watching Poldark also but it does not come close to Outlander. The Poldark story is good but does not have the same teeth as Jamie and Claire and the production of Outlander has spoiled and ruined me I now expect that kind of excellence from all my shows. Poldark is ok it keeps me kinda distracted but after I watch it I find my self rewatching Outlander except that one part in Episode 9 with Loaghaire I skip it thank heavens for DVR and I have forgiven Ron for his misstep but do not do that again, my Jamie would not be tempted kinda makes me nervous about the partying with Prince Charlie they better do that right or else, well there is no or else like I have power :) , I just will not like it that is all. lol
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait til the series is back, you do not realize how wonderful every part of Outlander is until you watch other shows. I am going to read the Poldark books after I watch each season. Are they truer to the books than Outlander is Carol? Miss you both hope your summer is going great!!
"Distracted" is a great word for it, Anon!! I have to admit, I gave up on reading Poldark as I found I enjoyed the show more. This happens sometimes when I see a film or series first before reading the books. I get hooked on the visuals and find myself preferring their version of the series to my own imagination. Rare...but it does happen. :)
DeleteCarol -
ReplyDeleteJust finished Poldark on DVD. Ending for season intense! Now I have to read books. There are extra scenes on the DVD that help the story. Info for you - They say the series 1 is from 1st and 2nd books and next season will pick up with book 3, Jeremy Poldark.
The original Robin Ellis is Reverend Halse in the new Poldark - the guy in the big wig at the trial of Jimmy. see http://robin-ellis.net/ It is really interesting watching the him banter with Aiden once you know that.
I plan to watch the original if I can find it, however love the 2 new main characters so much, gonna be hard to watch it. They say first does not follow the book as closely. Also watching old BBC (like the old Dr Who's is difficult when the sets are stark - scenery and the music help make the new series, This is an interesting comment from Winston Graham's daughter: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2984357/Why-Poldark-writer-hated-BBC-s-slutty-Demelza-Creator-furious-promiscuous-portrayal-servant-based-wife.html
Yes, it is not Outlander, but great fill in with Outlander (and Turn) between seasons.
Irene from Seminole FL
Irene! Did you hear - Season 3 of TURN starts April 25th! :)
DeleteFirst off....can I just say that I LOVE you guys!? Your video recaps are hilarious. My Droughtlander is being eased a bit by Poldark, for sure. I've just finished the first book, and on to the next. I love the characters, the plot twists and stubborn English pride of keeping up appearances and reputations no matter how degraded their own lives might be. (I just want to slap some of these men!) But the countryside and gritty lifestyle makes me hungry for Scotland. Where's Jamie? *sigh*. Poldark is my 18th Century fix for now.
ReplyDeleteJan from Oregon
THANKS Jan! :) Tracey and I have to do more videos...it just stinks that we don't live closer together so we could do them in the same room! Can't WAIT until Poldark comes back!!! :)
DeleteCarol: First off, you two are a hoot..so fun to see sisters who like each other. My droughtlander suggestion to you. Go to the library and get the 29 episode dvd set of the original, Poldark. Watch an episode a week and April will almost be here. You will fall in love with Robin and Rees and see why the new Poldark is ok but the original is perfect. It too was an adaption. I don't care what Winston or his daughter think about it.Its success was so dominant at the time, it is so similar to Outlander that its uncanny. I watched it then 1975-77 and I have the dvd set now. It holds up incredibly well considering it's 40 years old. It would make great chat for you two girls. barb from ohio
ReplyDeleteBarb! I still have to do this! Thanks for the suggestion!!!
DeleteHi. I'm wondering more about the books. I have read the Outlander 8 books twice, and now on book 10 of the 12 Poldark books. I am astonished at the
ReplyDeleteparallels. Outlander goes from 1745
thru 1790 or so. Poldark Starts in 1780 or so. There are duplications of plots, characters, even pets. Poldark book 8 even mentions a Red headed Scotsman named FRASER who was a smuggler. Poldark was written years before Outlander. Did D. Gabaldon read Poldark?
Anon - I have wondered this many, many times...and think it's high time we ask Diana, don't you?? :)
Delete