The Stranger from the Sea

By: Winston Graham

Narrated by: Oliver J. Hembrough

Length: 14 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Stranger from the Sea is the eighth novel in Winston Graham's sweeping series of Cornwall, Poldark.

Cornwall, 1810. The Poldark family awaits the return of Ross from his mission to Wellington's army in Portugal. But their ordered existence ends with Jeremy Poldark's dramatic rescue of the stranger from the sea.

Stephen Carrington's arrival in the Poldark household changes all their lives. For Clowance and Jeremy in particular, the children of Ross and Demelza, Stephen's advent is the key to a new world - one of both love and danger.

©2016 Winston Graham (P)2016 Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic Reviews

"From the incomparable Winston Graham...who has everything that anyone else has, then a whole lot more." ( Guardian)

Where are all the Poldark books

I love the PBS series. All the Audible books are excellent but this book started later with a large gap in time. What happened to Elizabeth? What happened to self important Ozzie?. There are 12 in the series. A book is skipped in the sequence. I must purchase the others in book form. This is an unexpected omission. I am very disappointed.

27 of 27 people found this review helpful

Great Introduction to Next Generation of Poldarks

Graham picks up the Poldark saga 10 years after Angry Tide finished, and shines a light on the characters now coming of age: Geoffrey Charles, Valentine, John Conan, Jeremy and Clowance. The story is clearly meant to outline and prepare us for the third and final set of Poldark books that will, ultimately, wrap up the family's tale. The new characters are interesting, the settings are still wonderfully drawn, and the various plots keep you wondering right to the end.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Poldark Series 2

I wonder what would have happened if Winston Graham had not taken such a long break in writing. The first part of the book feels like a recap of a previous novel, only there isn’t one. Demelza and Ross’s relationship is stable and content, which means the focus of these next novels will be on their children’s heartbreaks and hopes.
Still great historical writing, still captivating characters weighing values, actions, plans and judgments.
You will probably love it, but don’t expect this to be another Ross and Demelza novel.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Riveting Stories, Excellent Narration

The Poldark series always tells a great story with complex and interesting characters! The narrator does a truly remarkable job of bringing a unique color and life to the voices of all the characters. Before they are even identified, I can recognize the pinched and haughty voice of George Warleggan, the warm tones of Ross Poldark, the playfulness of Demelza , as well as some of the many characters that speak with a distinct Cornish burr. An astonishing observation given that all the voices are intoned by one man! Bravo, Mr Hembrough! You truly bring this brilliant book to life.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Slightly Lacking-- but only slightly

For me, this book was slightly lacking in comparison to the other Poldark books. Thus far, I have rated every book 5 stars in each category except for this one which I discounted slightly for the overall story. I'm not sure exactly what it was...In part, there were more political details and names to keep track of in the forward part of the book. Additionally, I wasn't crazy about the Steven Carrington character, which may have contributed to my lack of complete enthusiasm. More likely, it was due to the fact that the book starts off ten years following the end of the last book, which felt a little disjointed and disappointing. Having said all that, I would still recommend this book as I've found the entire series to be delightful. I especially love the author's gift of description which does not feel in the least bit contrived, and the exceptional narration is the "icing on the cake."

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love.

Kind of addicted, so even if it's not perfect, I NEED to keep listening. Love Oliver Hembrough as narrator!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Another awesome Poldark book!

I love this entire series. Great narrator. Wonderful story line. Love the amazing developed characters.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I loved it just as much as the others! 🌸🌾

I loved this book in the series just as much as the others, if not more. It was great getting to know the just-coming-of age Clowance and Jeramy. Ross and Demelza seemed to simply be more mature and settled versions of their younger selves, still as down-to-earth and high-spirited as before.

Winston Graham was seamless in his filling in of the details of what occurred in the elapsed time. Oliver J Hembrough’s narration was as exceptional as always..

Good continuation of a favorite series.

The story is confusing at first due to a ten year jump in time. I was lost somewhat in the telling of history and war sequences, but past that it picked up with new characters that were likable. I missed hearing more about old characters, but I understand the author's desire to move more quickly through time for sake of entertainment and new material.

listen and read!

This book stays true to the series and Oliver Hembrough does it perfectly. I judge all other narrators by his high standards

Fantastic as usual

Would you listen to The Stranger from the Sea again? Why?

I probably will in a few years, yes. I love the story and the narration they go together perfectly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Stranger from the Sea?

I find this question very tricky. How can you share what you found memorable without ruining for others? I hate to be told even the slightest detail about books I haven't -but want- to read. I'm going to ignore this one as I usually do.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Again, difficult without including spoilers. For some reason, I loved the scenes where Geoffrey Charles appears and the build-up to the decision by the mine shareholders.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Poldark: Next Generation

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Excellent

Would you consider the audio edition of The Stranger from the Sea to be better than the print version?

Yes, definitely. I love Oliver J Hembrough's narration. He is a very talented actor.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Demelza. Anyone who reads this book will have read all the others and so will know why.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I don't want to say because it will be a spoiler. What an odd question for a review. It will ruin a reader's enjoyment of this book to answer it!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to, yes. If only I had the time.

Any additional comments?

Not the best of the Poldark novels but essential reading. Am now waiting for the release of The Miller's Dance. Can't wait!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Ten years on, children's roles develop.

Where does The Stranger from the Sea rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Continuing the love story of Ross and Demelza, and the feud with the Warleggans, this book develops the characters of the younger generation: their two eldest children, Jeremy and Clowance, and also Geoffrey Charles Poldark and Valentine Warleggan (...whose parentage is still questionable.) It also introduces the development of steam power in Cornwall.

What did you like best about this story?

As always, my mind escapes into the physical and social worlds of Cornwall in this period.

What about Oliver J. Hembrough’s performance did you like?

I'm totally enamoured with this very talented man and his multitude of voices! I wish he would go back and re-do 'Demelza', as his voice-interpretation is so important for all the characters.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Couldn't put it down...but I didn't cry.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great story

Another great story. Can't wait for the next one. What a cliffhanger to leave on!

Good book enhanced by perfect narration

An enthralling addition to the Poldark saga with favourite characters joined by newcomers. The narration is first class. I would happily listen to anything read by Oliver J Hembrough - he gives the characters individual voices which suit them perfectly. His pace and expression never jar the reader. A total delight.

Hard going

There are no interesting moments. This is a complete letdown compared to the other Poldark books

Great escape to another era

My first Poldark book beautifully read. I can't wait to get the next one.

A teeny bit disappointing

A little disappointing in comparison with the others in the series. Still, now that the new season has started, I'll give Book 9 a whirl.