The Four Swans: A Novel of Cornwall, 1795-1797 (Poldark Book 6)

In this sixth book of the Poldark Saga, the four swans are four women whose lives touch Ross: Demelza, Elizabeth, Caroline, and Morwenna. For a man that often seems to be rather ignorant of love beyond his past pining for Elizabeth, Ross has a remarkable romantic streak for the lives and relationships of others! This story perhaps falls more in the "romance" genre than the others as numerous men reconcile themselves to loves they cannot have--Demelza's brothers Sam and Drake and the besotted Hugh Armitage, yearning for the wife of the man that saved his life.The author includes many moments of introspection and deep thoughts in this novel. From Hugh: "By giving love you do not diminish it. Love only adds to itself, it never destroys. Tenderness is not like money; the more you give to one the more you have for others." From Ross: "No man wants his wife to be a woman that other men don't desire....But every man wants his wife to be a woman that other men don't get."Intertwined in the lives of the characters (Ross, Demelza, George, Elizabeth, Drake, Sam, Dwight, Caroline, Morwenna, Osborne) is the ongoing Napoleonic war and civil unrest in England among the poor. The feud/competition between Ross and George continues and compels both men to take actions to try to best the other.

I really enjoyed the first four Poldark books, but the last one and this one are a tough read for me. It's starting to feel a bit like a soap-opera, something the first books did not do. With the Morwenna character, I appreciate that the author is trying to show us how women of that time could really be stifled or even abused by a system that saw them as so much less than men, but that plot-line in particular is starting to make it difficult for me to read the books.

I love the Poldark series. This one is a little bit slower, though things are happening and quite a lot. Demelza and Ross deal with their relationship and it is interesting how the author writes about the marriage and love from the male and female's perspective. Demelza who married very young and also who did not have much exposure always considered Ross the center of her world. The man who brought her to light by giving her a chance in life and showed her how a man could be. Ross if flawed, but he is fair and honest and very interesting. She is such a great partner for him and I am always so proud of her. Demelza meets Hugh, a young man who was rescued by Ross in France. He is romantic and poetic, someone completely different in her life and someone who writes poems to her. It was always Demelza who loved more and Ross who was choosing. Suddenly, it is Demelza who is drawn to another man. I thought that part was wonderful. There are more stories there, funny as usual with complex characters, but I love the two the most.

I chose this title because this volume touched that place of mystery inside ourselves where we don't know for certain which path we may choose. Its as if we never knew the person inside who reacts from a hidden source, a place of unfamiliar passion, steeped in anger, compassion or wanton desire. You wonder to yourself " am I still me? Do I still belong? " You find yourself at a crossroad of life where you have to choose a new safe harbor. Both Ross and Demelza behave uncharacteristically and ascend to a new plateau in their choice to remain together as life partners. Their love deepens along with their self discovery.

Read all the previous ones, now reading this one & watching season 3 of Poldark. What can I say but excellent, both the book & the tv series. This novel, The Four Swans, delves so much into the lives of Elizabeth, Demelza, Morwena & Caroline. It is so hard to put down once I start reading it. Granted some parts seem hard to understand but above all it is enjoyable. I have laughed, cried, been so angry, sympathetic & pulling for each character. Can't wait to finish this one & go on the the Angry Tide. So hooked on the series too!! Brilliant acting & writing, & Aiden Turner so easy on the eyes to watch. Ross & Demelza, Elizabeth & George--a character you love to hate, Morwena & Drake, Caroline & Dr. Enys....what does the future hold for them?????? WELL worth reading to find out!!!

This book was not as satisfying to me as the first books in the series. Some of Demelza's actions seem very out of character for her and therefore not believable. I was also not very interested in the politics of the time and a lot of the book was devoted to politics. I am certainly getting an education in Cornish mining techniques!

Well there was not enough story about Ross and his family. Tthere was too much politics and was hoping to read more of Caroline and DWIGHT. Though the relationship of Demelza and Hugh was interesting and added much to story. About the vicar was the most exciting part.

This is a saga that you never want to end . I love the Outlander book series and I love this series for how it's different from that . Ross and Demelza are wonderful characters that make bad mistakes but still are in love with other . The background characters are interesting also

I read this series of books many years ago but my mind just glossed over the supporting characters, now I appreciate just how well drawn those characters are. The language and descriptions are fantastic and, I would imagine, very true to the period and local dialect. However, if you try to find out some of the meanings from the online dictionary it will often say that there is no definition available. I was also surprised by how accurately the current television series follows the plotline with a few omissions of minor characters obviously for clarity and conciseness. But that is the beauty of these novels, they have the scope to explore the breadth of eighteenth century Cornwall and, indeed, the history of England. I am not writing a novel specific review, this one will suffice for the entire series, certainly up to the tenth novel. Now, if you will please excuse me I have to get back to Nampara.

As we continue with the whole Poldark saga we see the characters that have appeared in other novels and they are now joined by some new ones. And whilst there is still a feud as such between the Poldarks and the Warleggans it has to be admitted that it would just be some animosity between certain characters, but with others stirring the pot things are being exacerbated.With love and the trials that it brings as well as tribulations some have hard choices to make, whereas others just take what they can get, when they can get it - regardless of consequences. With this novel we start to enter the Napoleonic Wars as Bonaparte starts conquering in Europe, whilst at the same time at home the National Debt is increasing, both causing unrest and disaffection in the country. William Graham weaves all the necessary historical pieces into this to make another great read, with not only major historical happenings mentioned but also giving some of his characters situations that really occurred and were relevant at the time. This with the well drawn characters really adds some veracity to the tale, bringing the age to life in a unique way.As with the other books this makes for a great read that holds you right until the end, and eagerly awaiting to read the next novel in the series.

These Poldark novels have all been great reads.I read most of them in the 70's and indeed the TV series during those years,the updated series from BBC is also very good.The books are better,being that they cover the mood and goings on,personal inflicting things in the books which a film series couldn't adapt,good story lines though.They are books you have to concentrate on the wordings and structure.The storylines in the books and characters,plus the feel of the times make them classic reads.Four Swans I recommend,I am now ready for the next in line "Angry Tide".

As with all of the 7 books I have read this is brilliant. Characters are so brilliantly drawn and the places described so atmospheri I amaddicted. When I have finished the series I shall start reading them all over again.

As with the earlier novels in the series, this is descriptively and excellently written. I found it hard to put down, as I am so absorbed by the characters. Am reading the books just ahead of watching the wonderful TV episodes which have been well adapted.

All the Poldark novels are highly enjoyable and this one was no exception. Great characters, plenty of action, heroics and romance. Combined with that lots of interesting historical information about life at that time.

As with all the Poldark novels, this is a brilliant story and really well-written. (I never tire of reading them, one after the other). The only thing I would say, though, is that they need better editing. One of the characters who is called Rowella, is called Rowena several times in this book (and some other, similar things).

Arrived promptly. exactly as buyer stated I am very pleased with my purchase just could not put the book down

I have read this series of books many times and still enjoy them afresh each time. They are all first class story books on there own, but after reading one I always have to go on to read the next one. You'll not regret reading them as the tv series isn't a patch on the original books

So pleased I rediscovered the Poldark novels. I first read them in the seventies when the first tv series was out but I have enjoyed the second reading more. A thoroughly good read. I couldn't put the book down. Really takes you back to 18th century Cornwall.

Yes, I'm loving it, though the book focuses more on the lives of others within the sphere of Ross and Demelza.There is much in here which would appeal to men, who would probably never read it.

All the Poldark books are exceptional, in blending the romantic story with such detail on the life and history of the times. The characters have real depth, in derail. Something you can read any number of times.

it's Poldark!...nothing more to add, a wonderful read as it always has been. Enjoy!

Really enjoyed this book - hard to put done!

Brilliant series