Some of us had watched, and enjoyed, the TV series' (1975 and 2014) which are closely based on the Poldark series of 12 books. It didn't seem to matter whether we had or hadn't, as the characters sprung to life and were easy to get to into. There was, of course, a slight distraction every time Aiden Turner was mentioned! (Robin Ellis - the 1975 Poldark didn't get the same response). Those with 'book and TV' experience were, though, able to draw comparisons and agreed that: George was less creepy in the book and Jud and Prudy were less 'in your face'. None of us felt the TV series did any injustice to the book (as is often the way).
Sue brought along her (almost obligatory) timeline which gave us a good sense of the historical timing of the novel which is set in 1785 to 1787 - happening in the world was:
1783
- February - UK recognised the independence of the USA
- June - Montgolfier Brothers demonstrated their hot air balloon
- November - Waterford Crystal was established and the last British troops left New York
- December - Saw the first public demonstration of the Parachute (in France)
- Prime Minister - William Cavendish Bentink led the coalition government until William Pitt the Younger (Tory) took office in December
- King George 3rd was on the throne
1785
- Herschel discovered Uranus's moons: Titania and Oberon
- Mozart Symphony No. 38 was premiered in Prague
- 700 convicts left England for Australia to establish the first penal colony there
- The Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade was founded
- 1st cricket match was played at Lords
- US Constitution was adopted
- William Bligh set sail from England on the HMS Bounty
Starting with Ross Poldark returning from the wars in America, this book truly reflects the time it was set in and makes references to the events, and trends, of the day as they mattered to Cornwall and highlights the insular way of life in a small, relatively isolated county. Ross returns more worldly than his peers and his character challenges the otherwise accepted social structure, and the order of things: standing up for the poor and the injustices he felt were served on people who were simply trying to survive and joining in with the local traditions (such as the arrival of the pilchards and their 'harvest').
We loved this book, and would recommend to anyone. The Ashendon Book Group Poldark Fan Club is now established and most of us will read the other books as and when the opportunity arises (acquisition of the box set was even mentioned!)
Our next book, however, is really quite different in genre. Our Christmas and New Year read is: The Fall of the House of Wilde by Emer O'Sullivan and we will meet to discuss our reading experience in The Hundred at 8pm on Thursday 25th January 2018.
