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A review by mediaevalmuse
Ross Poldark by Winston Graham
3.0
I picked up this novel after becoming intrigued with the television series - a series I haven’t seen yet (gotta read the book first). I’m torn as to how to rate this book. It does a lot of things that I like, especially since I’m super picky about my historical fiction. However, it also fails to do things that I want out of my historical fiction, so the reading experience was bittersweet. Overall, though, I like the general premise, and I’m looking forward to watching the show.
Things I Liked
1. Lack of Infodumping: Thank god, a historical fiction novel that doesn’t infodump at the beginning. Maybe infodumping is dependent on when the book is written - I’ve noticed that more contemporary novels seem to do it more than (relatively) older ones, and Ross Poldark was published in 1945. Even so, the lack of explaining how the time period works helps propel the story forward.
2. Demelza: Some of the best parts of this novel feature Demelza, and whenever she was around, things were way more interesting. I liked that she was intelligent and curious, while also being playful and loving. She could hold her own against people of a higher class, replying to insults with a sharp wit that doesn’t compromise her dignity. She was pretty much amazing.
3. Verity: Verity is perhaps the most loving and judgment-free character of the whole novel. She not only accepts Demelza as she is, but actively tries to befriend her and make her feel welcome. She also refuses to judge Ross for marrying below his station, and isn’t afraid to engage in a love affair that her family disproves of.
Things I Didn’t Like
1. Focus: A lot of the focus in this novel is on events, which is ok, but as a result, there is less focus on emotions. How characters are feeling or what they are thinking rarely seems to pop up, and getting to know characters is what personally draws me to them, not necessarily what they’re doing. I was much more interested in the moments of interaction, less on the travelling, economics, and business talk.
2. Pace: The story of Ross Poldark is told at a leisurely pace. Don’t get me wrong - it’s told well, but I had a hard time being invested in this book when there wasn’t much going on.
3. Ross and Demelza’s Relationship: I’m not entirely comfortable with the way Ross and Demelza’s relationship is portrayed. Despite being constantly told that they are companions and have genuine affection for one another, their affection seemed to come out of nowhere. Furthermore, Ross expects complete obedience from his wife, which I’m personally not a fan of (call it “historically accurate” if you want, but just look at the conversations surrounding women during this time period).
Recommendations: I would recommend this book if you’re interested in family sagas, multi-generational stories, post-Revolutionary War era, 18th century history, lost love, economic hardship, and the landed gentry.
Things I Liked
1. Lack of Infodumping: Thank god, a historical fiction novel that doesn’t infodump at the beginning. Maybe infodumping is dependent on when the book is written - I’ve noticed that more contemporary novels seem to do it more than (relatively) older ones, and Ross Poldark was published in 1945. Even so, the lack of explaining how the time period works helps propel the story forward.
2. Demelza: Some of the best parts of this novel feature Demelza, and whenever she was around, things were way more interesting. I liked that she was intelligent and curious, while also being playful and loving. She could hold her own against people of a higher class, replying to insults with a sharp wit that doesn’t compromise her dignity. She was pretty much amazing.
3. Verity: Verity is perhaps the most loving and judgment-free character of the whole novel. She not only accepts Demelza as she is, but actively tries to befriend her and make her feel welcome. She also refuses to judge Ross for marrying below his station, and isn’t afraid to engage in a love affair that her family disproves of.
Things I Didn’t Like
1. Focus: A lot of the focus in this novel is on events, which is ok, but as a result, there is less focus on emotions. How characters are feeling or what they are thinking rarely seems to pop up, and getting to know characters is what personally draws me to them, not necessarily what they’re doing. I was much more interested in the moments of interaction, less on the travelling, economics, and business talk.
2. Pace: The story of Ross Poldark is told at a leisurely pace. Don’t get me wrong - it’s told well, but I had a hard time being invested in this book when there wasn’t much going on.
3. Ross and Demelza’s Relationship: I’m not entirely comfortable with the way Ross and Demelza’s relationship is portrayed. Despite being constantly told that they are companions and have genuine affection for one another, their affection seemed to come out of nowhere. Furthermore, Ross expects complete obedience from his wife, which I’m personally not a fan of (call it “historically accurate” if you want, but just look at the conversations surrounding women during this time period).
Recommendations: I would recommend this book if you’re interested in family sagas, multi-generational stories, post-Revolutionary War era, 18th century history, lost love, economic hardship, and the landed gentry.