Queen Lucia by Edwin F. Benson is a delightful and humorous novel that transports readers to the quaint English village of Riseholme. The story follows the flamboyant and eccentric Lucia as she navigates the social circles of the village with her signature wit and charm.

Set in the 1920s, the novel provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of village life and the societal expectations of the time. Benson's writing is elegant and witty, perfectly capturing the idiosyncrasies of the characters and the dynamics of their relationships.

One of the highlights of the book is Lucia's larger-than-life personality, which makes her a captivating and memorable protagonist. Her interactions with the other residents of Riseholme are both entertaining and compelling, showcasing Benson's skill at creating vivid and engaging characters.

Overall, Queen Lucia is a charming and engaging read that offers a delightful escape into the world of a small English village. Fans of classic British literature and witty social satire will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Book Description:

E. F. Benson (1867-1940) was born at Wellington College in Berkshire, where his father, who later went on to become the Archbishop of Canterbury, was the first Headmaster. He wrote 105 books in all.

Queen Lucia (first published in 1920) was the first of Benson’s ‘Mapp and Lucia’ novels of which there were six. This first book is a comedy of manners based in the provincial village of Riseholme, where Emmeline Lucas (the Queen Lucia of the title) presides over the social and artistic universe of the gullible residents. Her aide-de-camp in these matters is the somewhat effete Georgie Pillson and the chief competitor for her ‘crown’ is Daisy Quantock. The scandal of the Guru, the psychical goings on with Princess Popoffski and the arrival into the sleepy village of a famous Prima Donna all conspire to threaten her supremacy…