LULU LIBLIB

I'm reading the most wonderful set of novels just now. This was a recommendation of TrashAddict and I'm very grateful. The novels are written by EF Benson and set in 20s genteel society where nobody seems to work, have wonderful lawns, play croquet, bridge and social gatherings are order of the day. In one corner there's Emmeline Lucas (Lucia) who has moved to the picturesque village of Tilling. She rents a house from Elizabeth Mapp (Mapp) who was previously the epicentre of all things divine and fun in Tilling. Elizabeth has underestimated darling Lucia and wants to keep her under her thumb although Lucia's no fool. She's gone to live in Tilling after her husband's death. Dear darling Riseholme was where Lucia was Queen. Lucia has gone from speaking Italian badly, puttin her foot in it all the time and being an obnoxious half wit to being the heroine who truly is more Queenly and majestic than any member who has blue blood coursing through their veins. She moved to London in one book and whipped London society into a frenzy, becoming a fantastic social climber of the highest order. Miss Mapp at the moment is none too happy that Lucia plans on holding some tableux in her garden, Lucia however reminds Miss Mapp who is now pretender to the throne in Tilling. It's all very high brow and wonderfully twee but the power struggles are nothing short of delightful. Mapp is prone to calling Lucia by the name of Lulu which she despises so has peppered her conversations with references to Liblib.

Rounding out the wild and wacky characters in the towns of Tilling and dear darling Riseholme are.....

Georgie Pillson - Lucia's sidekick and very effeminate neighbour. He plays the Moonlight Sonata with her and although has stabs of jealousy is her true camp counterpart. He's beautifull bewigged at all times and enjoys embroidery and painting - possibly a contender for Miss World?!

Diva Plaistow - Mapp's fiery heavy set neighbour. Miss Mapp adores one-up-manship with 'poor' Diva. She loves upsetting Mapp but is slightly daffy.

Daisy Quantock - Similar in vein to Diva except a resident of Riseholme. Always tries to beat Lucia and fails miserably. When Lucia heads to London, Daisy conjures up the idea of a museum and the local society to play golf - needless to say, she causes a disaster with the museum and nobody can be bothered following her with golf.

Quaint Irene - She's called Quaint but I prefer lesbionic. Irene knows how to upset Mapp, she smokes from a pipe and wears attractive slacks. Mapp finds her Quaint although Lucia finds her adorable.

There are many more oddball and screwball characters who venture into Lucia and Mapp's lives although the struggle for power in Tilling is the bigegst entertainment of all! It's a must read and the two omnibuses are amazing reads, I'm savouring it chapter by chapter with wonderful titles Lucia Rising and Lucia Victrix!!