The first series of the new television adaptation of Winston Graham's beloved Poldark novels was a sensational success. Based on the first two novels, Ross Poldark and Demelza, the series follows Ross as he returns to his land and his family after serving in the American War of Independence. The joyful homecoming he has anticipated turns sour, for his father is dead, his estate is derelict and the girl he loves is engaged to his cousin. But his sympathy for the destitute miners and farmers of the district leads him to rescue a half-starved urchin girl from a fairground brawl and take her home—an act which alters the whole course of his life, and hers: Demelza Carne becomes his wife. The events that then unfold will test their marriage and their love to the limit.