Jeremy Poldark
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Founder | Winston Graham |
| Products | Historical novel |
Jeremy Poldark represents the third installment in the twelve-part Poldark series of historical novels authored by Winston Graham, first released in 1950.
This novel advances the narrative of the Poldark family, depicting events from January 1790 through June 1791, shortly after the arrival of Jeremy Poldark. The storyline follows Ross as he faces legal challenges, relinquishes his stake in Wheal Leisure, forms a partnership with a smuggler, intensifies his rivalry with George Warleggan, admires Elizabeth Poldark, grows to appreciate Demelza’s virtues, and reconciles with Francis Poldark. Demelza gains esteem within Ross’s social and familial circles. Meanwhile, Dwight Enys develops romantic feelings for heiress Caroline Penvenen, and Jud Paynter undergoes a remarkable recovery.
The plot points in this book serve as the foundation for Season 2, Episodes 1 through 4 of the 2015 BBC television adaptation Poldark (2015 TV series).
Book One
Spanning August and September 1790 across fourteen chapters, Book One highlights several pivotal moments:
- Ross faces trial for allegedly inciting the Hewlandra Beach riot. The Warleggan family targets him by hiring agents to extract incriminating testimony, including from his former employee Jud Paynter, who is paid upfront.
- Unwin Trevaunance, younger sibling of local landowner Sir John Trevaunace, campaigns for Parliament while courting Caroline Penvenen, an eighteen-year-old heiress and niece of landowner Ray Penvenen. Unwin wins the election but fails to secure Caroline’s affection.
- Local smuggler Ted Carkeek’s crew is apprehended, raising suspicions of an informant within the community.
- Ross’s trial is set for early September at Bodmin’s summer assizes, coinciding with the election and causing overcrowding. Ross remains imprisoned there awaiting trial. Demelza attends alongside Verity, Francis, and Dwight Enys. Ross’s attorney advises a submissive approach before the judges; however, Demelza independently attempts to advocate for Ross’s innocence.
- During the trial period in Bodmin, Dwight Enys meets Caroline Penvenen when called to treat her ailing dog. Despite initial reluctance, he provides care, sparking mutual interest.
- Due to accommodation shortages, Dwight shares a hotel room with Francis Poldark. Francis contemplates suicide amid financial despair and marital troubles but survives a failed attempt; Dwight's intervention prompts him to reconsider.
- At trial, Jud Paynter unexpectedly retracts previous accusations against Ross regarding the riot. The jury swiftly acquits Ross. During these events, Demelza discovers she is pregnant.
- Verity and Francis reunite in Bodmin following her elopement; their future together remains uncertain.
- Upon returning home, Demelza expresses her desire for a child; Ross resists due to past difficulties. She keeps her pregnancy concealed.
- The Warleggan family convenes after Ross’s acquittal to strategize. George Warleggan hesitates on aggressive actions against the Poldarks because of “another person” of concern—implied to be Elizabeth Poldark.
Book Two
Covering December 1790 through June 1791 over fourteen chapters:
- The growing estrangement between Ross and Demelza becomes apparent. Facing potential debtor’s prison, Ross must liquidate assets; Demelza encourages selling a brooch she owns along with farm livestock.
- Dwight Enys diagnoses local residents with scorbutus and treats Caroline Penvenen by removing a fishbone lodged in her throat. In gratitude, Caroline sends him fresh oranges to combat the illness. Despite differing views on poverty, Dwight realizes he has fallen in love with her.
- Francis and Elizabeth Poldark invite Ross and Demelza for Christmas at Trenwith in an effort to repair strained relations. Signs of decline are evident at Trenwith; Elizabeth confides her unhappiness in marriage to Ross.
- Mr. Trencrom, a smuggling leader, requests permission to land goods on Hewlandra Beach via Ross's property. Although Demelza expresses concern over legal risks, Ross consents due to the lucrative nature of the deal. Demelza reveals she expects their child in May.
- Jud Paynter suffers an attack by Warleggan agents seeking revenge for his testimony against Ross and is presumed dead. Prudie organizes an elaborate funeral funded by Jud’s hidden gold sovereigns. However, Jud awakens unnoticed before the ceremony but feels betrayed by Prudie’s expenditure on mourning festivities he cannot participate in.
- The Warleggans acquire shares in Wheal Leisure, prompting Ross to consider reopening Wheal Grace and selling his remaining interest in Wheal Leisure. He invites Francis to join as partner in Wheal Grace, improving their relationship. A violent confrontation between Ross and George Warleggan occurs in Truro, escalating their feud.
- Francis and Captain Blamey (Verity's husband) begin easing tensions during an evening spent together at a pub.
- Verity’s stepchildren visit; James warms toward her while Esther remains cold and unforgiving toward their absent father.
- In May, Demelza endures a storm while rowing and goes into labor but narrowly reaches shore to give birth to Jeremy.
- The book concludes with a celebration at Nampara marking both Wheal Grace’s reopening and Jeremy’s birth. Jeremy is fragile; conversations include The Rights of Man. Francis praises Demelza’s transformative influence on their community: "There's not one among us... who has not had some special benefit from her coming... if there's any merit in being a united family... then the merit's not the family's but hers."
Reception and analysis
Jeremy Poldark has garnered acclaim as an impressive drama set in Cornwall.
Academic Ellen Moody emphasizes that Winston Graham's historical novels shed light on significant aspects of civil liberties. In her examination of Jeremy Poldark, she points out that George's authority to shut down a mine partially owned by Ross compels challenging choices affecting the labor force, whereas obtaining a loan might allow Ross to reclaim ownership and achieve enhanced autonomy in his commercial activities.