Daffy and Marvelous Lucia and Mapp

Do you know the “Lucia” novels, by E. F. Benson? If not, and if you like a certain kind of witty, slightly daffy British humor, full of lovely nonsense, you have a treat in store. There are six novels, starting with “Queen Lucia” and ending with “Trouble for Lucia,” published in the 1920s and 1930s. These are collectively known as the “Make Way for Lucia” series. The main character, Lucia, has an ongoing friendly but intense rivalry with the other main character, Mapp, and hilarious antics ensue. Both are women "of a certain age" living in a small town, “Tilling.” (As an interesting aside: Lucia’s house, “Mallards,” is based on Benson’s house, Lamb House, where Henry James had also lived earlier.) Each wants to be the acknowledged social leader of the town. They go to great lengths to outdo each other, and they are not above playing tricks on each other. Each can be imperious, pretentious and manipulative, but all in good fun. Each has her supporters, and those characters too are very funny. Lucia and Mapp and all the characters are truly memorable, and these novels are incomparable, irresistible. They were also made into an equally hilarious BBC television series.