The Black Moon

The Black Moon is the fifth novel in Winston Graham's Poldark series, set in Cornwall during 1794. The story centers on Ross and Demelza Poldark, George and Elizabeth Warleggan, and their interconnected lives during a time of social and economic change. The narrative follows multiple storylines including the rescue of Dr. Dwight Enys from a French prison, the arrival of Demelza's Methodist brothers Sam and Drake Carne, and the introduction of Elizabeth's cousin Morwenna Chynoweth. The births of two children - Valentine Warleggan and Clowance Poldark - mark significant moments in the tale. The period details encompass the mining industry, social hierarchies, and religious movements in 18th century Cornwall. Events unfold against a backdrop of war with France, while personal fortunes rise and fall as the Warleggans continue their ascent and Ross's mine finally shows promise. The novel explores themes of family loyalty, class conflict, and the question of legitimacy, while continuing the series' examination of power dynamics in Georgian England.

Readers describe The Black Moon as a return to form after what many saw as a slower fourth book. The pacing and drama match the earlier novels in the series. Readers liked: - The interweaving of historical events with personal drama - The introduction of new character Elizabeth Warleggan - Graham's detailed descriptions of mining operations and Cornwall life - The continuation of Ross and Demelza's relationship development Readers disliked: - Some found the financial/business plotlines overly complex - Several felt certain characters made frustrating decisions - A few noted the romance elements were more subdued compared to previous books Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (7,892 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,243 ratings) Sample reader comment: "The historical detail and character depth remain strong, but the banking schemes required more concentration to follow." - Goodreads reviewer "Elizabeth finally becomes a fully realized character rather than just an object of desire." - Amazon reviewer

Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier A Gothic romance set in Cornwall that captures the same rugged landscape and social tensions present in The Black Moon.

An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears Set in 1660s England, this historical novel weaves multiple narratives about power, class, and political intrigue during a time of social transformation.

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton A tale of fortune-seekers and social climbers in 19th century New Zealand that mirrors the complex character relationships and economic themes in Graham's work.

The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler Chronicles family dynamics and social hierarchies in Victorian England with the same focus on generational conflict and class mobility.

The Far Pavilions by M. M. Kaye Set in British India, this historical epic presents interconnected lives across social classes with similar themes of duty, loyalty, and forbidden love.

🌟 Graham meticulously researched 18th-century Cornwall by reading over 150 contemporary books and documents, ensuring historical accuracy in details from mining techniques to social customs. 🌊 The Cornish setting of the Poldark series was inspired by Graham's own relocation to Perranporth, Cornwall, in 1925, where he lived for 34 years. 📚 "The Black Moon" refers to a real astronomical phenomenon that occurred in Cornwall in 1794, which Graham incorporated into the novel's plot as a pivotal event. ⛏️ The mining elements in the book reflect Cornwall's actual copper mining boom of the 1790s, when the region produced two-thirds of the world's copper supply. 🎬 While writing the Poldark series, Graham maintained strict control over historical authenticity, even providing detailed notes to BBC producers when the books were first adapted for television in the 1970s.