Rosamunde Pilcher's Coming Home

Rosamunde Pilcher's Coming Home is a mesmerising and nostalgic drama series from Acorn Media that thrives on the hallmarks of love, family, war, and enduring friendships. The show is a captivating adaptation of the best-selling novel 'Coming Home' by internationally renowned British author Rosamunde Pilcher.

Set against the backdrop of beautiful Cornwall and the grand Nancherrow estate, the story unfolds from the eyes of a young girl named Judith Dunbar. It explores her life, which is full of complex emotions, heartfelt relationships, and the unavoidable lessons that she learns throughout the changing political climates of the 1930s and 1940s.

The show is an exploration of adolescence and growth, as Judith’s story starts when she’s left at a boarding school by her mother and sister, who move to Singapore due to her father’s job. There she overcomes the loneliness and tribulation of boarding school life with the help of her roommate and later, her life-long friend Loveday Carey-Lewis, who belongs to a rich and influential family. It offers viewers an alluring insight into the genuine friendships formed in the golden years and a testament to the strength of bonds built during childhood.

The Carey-Lewis family, residing in the magnificent Nancherrow estate, becomes an integral part of Judith's life as they take her into their warm fold, sharing their world of wealth, power, and society norms. Judith soon becomes an inseparable part of their world, defining her teenage years.

The charm and magnitude of Nancherrow are wonderfully contrasted with the looming ominous events of World War II. The story addresses the impact of war, as it caused inflating class differences, societal shifts, broken families, and personal losses. The series beautifully weaves together a narrative addressing the effects of war on a personal and societal level, all while maintaining the focus on the distant coastal charm of Cornwall as a silent yet stirring backdrop.

The series does not shy away from exploring themes such as love, betrayal, loss and triumph. As the characters mature, so does their understanding of the world around them, and this transformation is beautifully conveyed through a combination of stellar performances, a captivating storyline, and skilful direction. It takes its characters through whirlwinds of emotions and situations, allowing us to witness their growth, resilience, and personal discoveries.

The cast of Rosamunde Pilcher's Coming Home charmingly brings the characters to life. Peter O'Toole radiates charisma as Colonel Carey-Lewis, while Joanna Lumley’s portrayal of Diana Carey-Lewis is both powerful and endearing. Emily Mortimer plays the role of young Judith Dunbar excellently, and her friendship with Loveday Carey-Lewis, played by Katie Ryder Richardson, is palpable.

Rosamunde Pilcher's Coming Home is an ode to enduring relationships and the power of the human spirit. It’s a vivid portrayal of the simplicity of early life, the pain of growing up, and the resilience required as one navigates through the rigours of survival during an era marked with war.

The cinematography deserves special mention, capturing the endearing beauty of Cornwall in all its glory - the quaint little hamlets, the magnificent manor houses, the restless sea, and the vast green landscapes. The visual storytelling aids in creating a sense of time and place propelling the audience back to the 1930s and 1940s era.

Coming Home talks about the values of family, loyalty, love, and friendships that stand the test of time. It's a beautifully rendered series that holds you captive with its details and charm. Audiences get to experience the characters' journey of self-discovery, courage, and resilience amidst love, loss, and war.

Overall, Rosamunde Pilcher's Coming Home from Acorn Media is an enthralling watch that combines well-crafted characters, an intricate storyline, and picturesque scenery to create a series that is as touching as it is entertaining. With elements of drama, romance, nostalgia and history, it promises to engage viewers by offering an intimate view into an era of transition and tribulation.