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Book Review: Mapp at Fifty - A Mapp and Lucia story in the style of the originals by E.F.Benson by Hugh Ashton

categories: Book, 1930s, British Humour, Tilling, Lucia, Mapp, Benson, Pastiche, Satire

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Hugh Ashton

about this book: Elizabeth Mapp-Flint of Tilling is approaching her fiftieth birthday, and plans a party to celebrate the event. However, as so often happens in Tilling, things don't go entirely according to plan, as Major Benjy, her husband, over-refreshes himself at the party, and presents her with an entirely unwelcome birthday gift. Meanwhile, Emmeline ("Lucia") Pillson and her husband Georgie, together with the rest of Tilling look on as Elizabeth's sister, the existence of whom had been hitherto unsuspected, visits Tilling and exposes a few family secrets.

Mapp at Fifty is written in sincere tribute to the original Mapp and Lucia novels by E.F.Benson, comic but yet sympathetic portraits of middle-class society in England in the 1920s and 1930s.

"...thoroughly enjoyed ... felt like I was visiting my dear friends in Tilling again." Suzanne Langshaw
"A delightful homage to Mr Benson's original novels." Alistair Kerr
"How lovely to revisit old Tilling friends. Hugh captures the spirit of Tilling perfectly. So uplifting." Mike Fitchett
"Delicious echoes of Fred [Benson]'s voice come through loud and clear in this short story." Sarah Luckham-Down
"I read the book over two deliciously-decadent days and within the first few lines was transported back to Tilling. Hugh Ashton has skilfully captured Benson's style, rhythm and prose and brought Tilling's most beloved characters to life once again. What a treat!" Mary Mills-Brown
"Any E.F. Benson aficionado, particularly Mapp & Luciaphiles, will gasp with delight when they read Hugh Ashton's "Mapp at Fifty". I believe he's channelled Benson through Princess Popofsky!" Marty Hanson-Roscoe

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		$Leo\'s Luck by Hugh Ashton$

How delicious...

How delicious to be able to dip one's toe into Tilling society once more and spend some time amongst much loved friends. More please. [by Caroline Mosley]