Book description
"Mapp and Lucia" is the centrepiece of E.F. Benson's series of Lucia novels - bringing together for the first time the eponymous middle-aged doyennes of polite 1930s society Miss Elizabeth Mapp and Emmeline Luca (Lucas to her friends). Lucia, recently widowed, is the newcomer to the village of Tilling and…
Why read it?
3 authors picked Mapp and Lucia as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Another series of novels that I was introduced to through PBS and the BBC, and another that had me laughing hysterically.
This is the fourth in the series, but it brings together Miss Mapp and Mrs. “Lucia” Lucas as social rivals. I adore both women, although I would not want to have to work with either of them!
I love the English country setting, the competition between the two women for leadership, the eccentric secondary characters, and the clothes and the food and the music.
To be honest, I have worked with women like them at different times in my…
From Suzanne's list on The best books that immerse you in the Roaring Twenties (and how!).
This book is peak pettiness, premium small-village one-upmanship and glorious snobbishness written in the most affectionate and brilliant way.
I recommend Mapp and Lucia, first, because E.F. Benson is a hugely underrated humourist, and secondly, because there is a fundamental connection between his Lucia books and Austen’s. The societies are not dissimilar… the styles are both effortless. I recommend any lover of Austen to check out the Lucia books!
From Alice's list on The best book choices for readers who like a varied book diet (chomp chomp).
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