I think another of his great talents was coming up withunusual women's names, such as Demelza, Clowance, Morwenna, Garlanda, Rowella, Loveday, Melioria
All Cornish names I think. Don't know if you know that Demelza is the name of a village - that's where WG found it - see my profile pic for the signpost!
Bron
-- Edited by bronny on Thursday 29th of March 2012 11:32:10 PM
Ahhh, thank you! Yes, I've noticed your profile pic, I didn't know if it was for real or a prop that you made.
I think another of his great talents was coming up withunusual women's names, such as Demelza, Clowance, Morwenna, Garlanda, Rowella, Loveday, Melioria
All Cornish names I think. Don't know if you know that Demelza is the name of a village - that's where WG found it - see my profile pic for the signpost!
Bron
-- Edited by bronny on Thursday 29th of March 2012 11:32:10 PM
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Demelza
A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?
I think another of his great talents was coming up withunusual women's names, such as Demelza, Clowance, Morwenna, Garlanda, Rowella, Loveday, Melioria
Not so sure that getting inside a woman's head was actually something Ross was very skilled at, especially some of the time otherwise he might not have landed himself in some of the trouble he often found himself in. But, we are going slightly off topic here as the title of the thread refers to 'Winston Graham's greatest talent?' and in this regard I agree with Bron entirely.
Sorry, I didn't mean to take the thread off topic. I gree that understanding women and their thoughts and feelings was one of WG's great talents.
Not so sure that getting inside a woman's head was actually something Ross was very skilled at, especially some of the time otherwise he might not have landed himself in some of the trouble he often found himself in. But, we are going slightly off topic here as the title of the thread refers to 'Winston Graham's greatest talent?' and in this regard I agree with Bron entirely.
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Tide was nearly full. Mist lay in a grey scarf along the line of the cliffs. .. and they walked home hand in hand through the slanting shadows of the new darkness.
Yes Jane - his ability to get inside a woman's head is astounding. Especially as he is of an era when men simply were not expected to be able to do that! For me it's that.....and his wonderful descriptions, and his ability to make me laugh....and cry.
Bron
I know what you mean. It was a sexist time back then. But Ross and his attitudes toward woman were pretty progressive compared to the mores of his time.
Yes that's true - but I was actually referring to WG's ability to get inside a woman's head rather than Ross's :)
Bron
I know what you mean, but I think that in the same way that WG was able to get inside a woman's head, he portrayed Ross as being able to somewhat do so too, especially with Demelza.
WG did also describe the thoughts and feelings of Elizabeth, Caroline, Verity and Morwenna well.
Yes Jane - his ability to get inside a woman's head is astounding. Especially as he is of an era when men simply were not expected to be able to do that! For me it's that.....and his wonderful descriptions, and his ability to make me laugh....and cry.
Bron
I know what you mean. It was a sexist time back then. But Ross and his attitudes toward woman were pretty progressive compared to the mores of his time.
Yes that's true - but I was actually referring to WG's ability to get inside a woman's head rather than Ross's :)
Bron
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Demelza
A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?
Yes Jane - his ability to get inside a woman's head is astounding. Especially as he is of an era when men simply were not expected to be able to do that! For me it's that.....and his wonderful descriptions, and his ability to make me laugh....and cry.
Bron
I know what you mean. It was a sexist time back then. But Ross and his attitudes toward woman were pretty progressive compared to the mores of his time.
Yes Jane - his ability to get inside a woman's head is astounding. Especially as he is of an era when men simply were not expected to be able to do that! For me it's that.....and his wonderful descriptions, and his ability to make me laugh....and cry.
Bron
__________________
Demelza
A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?
Namps is correct, Ross. On maps it is called Porth Joke, but it is known round here as Polly Joke. A wonderful beach and so much quieter than nearby Newquay. It has not been commercialised at all, partly because of the access. I reckon Mr Trencrom and his chums knew the place well - plenty of hidey-holes for all that contraband.
I think its his ability to make his characters warm and believable, they all have faults and virtues and you feel as if you know them. Most authors make thier heros or heroines perfect with no faults or weaknesses but WG has nevershied away from giving his characters flaws and imperfections. His attention to the minor details of day to day life is also clever and inspiring and again makes his stories realistic and compelling and they draw you in because you can relate to that daily routine no matter the century or country!
I just googled it Ross and it is known as both Porth Joke and Polly Joke, I suspect Mrs G will let us know, but I think Polly Joke is the name it's more usually referred to by the the locals. But, regardless of the name, a stunningly beautiful beach it most definitely is.
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Tide was nearly full. Mist lay in a grey scarf along the line of the cliffs. .. and they walked home hand in hand through the slanting shadows of the new darkness.
You are right, his attention to detail, and ability to inject just the amount, is surely his greatest talent. However, I would not want to overlook his ability to get 'inside' a woman's head either.
He pitches just the right notes for each of his characters, from the absurdity of the Paynters to the spiteful greed of the Warleggan family.
I have often thought his books should be part of the syllabus for A-level Eng. Lit.
A master craftman indeed.
Incidentally, have others noticed the pun (not sure if it was intended) about Polly Choake, the inane surgeon's wife? WGs favourite beach was Polly Joke - it has always made me chuckle anyway! (a beautiful beach, by the way, especially when the poppies are blooming)
Gosh, where to start? For me, it has to be his powerful talent for describing everything in the minutest detail, from his characters, not only their features and their dress, but their thoughts, feelings and emotions to the endlessly changing sound, sights and smells of the sea, clifftop, beach, fields, village, town and the weather, down to the tiniest buzzing bee, birdsong and bluebell.
He has the wonderful talent of making you feel as if you are right there in the story, living the moment with his characters.
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Tide was nearly full. Mist lay in a grey scarf along the line of the cliffs. .. and they walked home hand in hand through the slanting shadows of the new darkness.
