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Mapp & Lucia #5
Lucia's Progress
Lucia and Mapp's adventures in Tilling continue in LUCIA'S PROGRESS, previously published in the U.S. as THE WORSHIPFUL LUCIA. In this volume both Lucia and Mapp stand for election to the Town Council, and Lucia speculates in gold shares. While re-decorating Miss Mapp's house, Lucia discovers and hide the remains of a Roman Villa. Excitements ensue!
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1935
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About the author
E.F. Benson
1,025 books341 followersEdward Frederic "E. F." Benson was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist and short story writer.
E. F. Benson was the younger brother of A.C. Benson, who wrote the words to "Land of Hope and Glory", Robert Hugh Benson, author of several novels and Roman Catholic apologetic works, and Margaret Benson, an author and amateur Egyptologist.
Benson died during 1940 of throat cancer at the University College Hospital, London. He is buried in the cemetery at Rye, East Sussex.
Last paragraph from Wikipedia
E. F. Benson was the younger brother of A.C. Benson, who wrote the words to "Land of Hope and Glory", Robert Hugh Benson, author of several novels and Roman Catholic apologetic works, and Margaret Benson, an author and amateur Egyptologist.
Benson died during 1940 of throat cancer at the University College Hospital, London. He is buried in the cemetery at Rye, East Sussex.
Last paragraph from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 10, 2024
There were a couple of lulls, but I'm still going to give this installment 5★ as it is just so funny!
Lucia & Mapp are now seasoned veterans in their campaign to be Queen Bee of Tilling. Every barb is delivered smilingly, but is deadly none the less.
This quote is regarding a bridge game.
Just dripping with sarcasm, but don't be thinking that this will pierce Lucia's giant ego!
This book is far more tightly plotted than the previous ones, & includes a plot development that took me completely by surprise!
Strongly recommended & I am looking forward to reading the no doubt magnificent finale in August with the Retro Reads group.
Why don't you join us?
Lucia & Mapp are now seasoned veterans in their campaign to be Queen Bee of Tilling. Every barb is delivered smilingly, but is deadly none the less.
This quote is regarding a bridge game.
Lucia herself relied largely on psychic bids: in other words, whenever she announced a high contract in any suit, her partner had to guess whether she held, say, a positive tiara of diamonds, or whether she was being psychic. If he guessed wrong, a frightful disaster might result, and Elizabeth Mapp-Flint had once been justifiably sarcastic on the conclusion of one of these major debacles. 'I see dear,' she said, 'when you declare four diamonds, it means you haven't got any and want to be taken out. I shall know better another time.'
Just dripping with sarcasm, but don't be thinking that this will pierce Lucia's giant ego!
This book is far more tightly plotted than the previous ones, & includes a plot development that took me completely by surprise!
Strongly recommended & I am looking forward to reading the no doubt magnificent finale in August with the Retro Reads group.
Why don't you join us?
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October 10, 2019
Darlings, you simply must view the outrageous exhibition on display in Tilling! Art should of course both enlighten and revivify - but sometimes it must shock as well! And this display will shock the bonnets right off of your heads! Who knew the charms of provincial life in a small town would be but pleasant cover for all of the bloodthirstiness, public humiliation, devious politicking, and cuttingly passive-aggressive "compliments" running rampant in this arena? The cozy cobbled lanes of Tilling run rosy-red, pink, and carnelian with the blood of these artistes at battle!
One might query: who are these terrifying gladiators, these untrammeled champions of village social life, social discourse, and social isolation, these artful artisans specializing in sneaky subterfuge and bold attack? Who are these exterminating angels on display?
And one would answer: the tableaux of course features the fearsomely repressive matron Mapp and that shining social light Lucia! Two portraits of animal cunning, claws long and teeth sharp, lips curled in deadly smiles!
This series recounts their overweening ambitions to dominate what constitutes the "high society" of various wee villages. This installment has expanded their fearful reach: now all of Tilling lies in harm's way - not just the crème de la crème! Mapp & Lucia trade blows (verbal) and homes (in need of redecorating), run for local council, generously donate (or comment acerbically on those donations), and invest their savings in the stock exchange - all in the public eye, with that public being the prize itself in their long games. Mapp & Lucia have, as they say, "leveled up" in their continuous Game of Queens.
But it is E.F. Benson himself that remains High Queen! His arch prose, his acidic wit and sadistic levity, his marvelously cruel and caustic portraits of egoism and "altruism" never fail to amuse those likewise cruel and caustic in nature. Namely, this reader. All Hail the Queen!
One might query: who are these terrifying gladiators, these untrammeled champions of village social life, social discourse, and social isolation, these artful artisans specializing in sneaky subterfuge and bold attack? Who are these exterminating angels on display?
And one would answer: the tableaux of course features the fearsomely repressive matron Mapp and that shining social light Lucia! Two portraits of animal cunning, claws long and teeth sharp, lips curled in deadly smiles!
This series recounts their overweening ambitions to dominate what constitutes the "high society" of various wee villages. This installment has expanded their fearful reach: now all of Tilling lies in harm's way - not just the crème de la crème! Mapp & Lucia trade blows (verbal) and homes (in need of redecorating), run for local council, generously donate (or comment acerbically on those donations), and invest their savings in the stock exchange - all in the public eye, with that public being the prize itself in their long games. Mapp & Lucia have, as they say, "leveled up" in their continuous Game of Queens.
But it is E.F. Benson himself that remains High Queen! His arch prose, his acidic wit and sadistic levity, his marvelously cruel and caustic portraits of egoism and "altruism" never fail to amuse those likewise cruel and caustic in nature. Namely, this reader. All Hail the Queen!
May 6, 2015
Geez, was this written by an upper middle-class chap for the amusement of other upper middle-class folk after having read Jane Austen and Mrs. Gaskell? This is by no means the wonderful, sly, comedy of manners that Austen wrote so exquisitely, nor the lovely involvement of the world of Cranford that Mrs. Gaskell (when not feeling socially and politically motivated) wrote about. Angst-ridden social climbers, amusing to his intended audience or those who had aspirations to be that class, but not to me. I don't know why I bothered finishing it.
July 8, 2021
I don’t write reviews.
This edition presents Mapp and Lucia in an election bid for town council of Tilling. They continue at loggerheads throughout. Though Lucia always turns up a little sweeter since she’s not really mean like Mapp.
I found that Diva was the real standout in the series for me. She’s silly and strange, rushing around, “popping in” and out of stores and houses to gather more gossip. I enjoy her straightforward dealings with Mapp.
Georgie is my other favourite. He is weak and needs the support of his Queen, but he’s such a pillar of strength for her in return. Not to forget his amazing sartorial selections. Oh and he grows a lovely Van Dyke beard in this volume.
This edition presents Mapp and Lucia in an election bid for town council of Tilling. They continue at loggerheads throughout. Though Lucia always turns up a little sweeter since she’s not really mean like Mapp.
I found that Diva was the real standout in the series for me. She’s silly and strange, rushing around, “popping in” and out of stores and houses to gather more gossip. I enjoy her straightforward dealings with Mapp.
Georgie is my other favourite. He is weak and needs the support of his Queen, but he’s such a pillar of strength for her in return. Not to forget his amazing sartorial selections. Oh and he grows a lovely Van Dyke beard in this volume.
February 24, 2024
2/2024: 4.5-5 stars, because sometimes Elizabeth’s acid tongue becomes a bit much - I don’t know why the rest of Tilling puts up with her! Lucia can be incredibly self-involved and self-aggrandizing, but she’s sensitive and aware enough to pick up on the feelings of her friends, and rein in her ambitions when they are getting fed up! And she is very generous to her friends and her town.
Last read, 12/2017: Still a five-star favorite for me, several years after my first read. The endless bickering and gossip of Tilling never ceases to leave me with a great big smile on my face!
In this outing Lucia and Elizabeth Mapp-Flint continue their rivalry for social domination of Tilling, both running for town council and dabbling in the stock market - and the inexhaustible Lucia takes up archeological exploration in her garden and philanthropy. Great fun and silliness among the idle, well-to-do in England in the interwar years.
Last read, 12/2017: Still a five-star favorite for me, several years after my first read. The endless bickering and gossip of Tilling never ceases to leave me with a great big smile on my face!
In this outing Lucia and Elizabeth Mapp-Flint continue their rivalry for social domination of Tilling, both running for town council and dabbling in the stock market - and the inexhaustible Lucia takes up archeological exploration in her garden and philanthropy. Great fun and silliness among the idle, well-to-do in England in the interwar years.
June 23, 2020
Lucia’s Progress is book 5 in Benson’s Mapp and Lucia series, telling of the further adventures of Emmeline Lucas, ‘Lucia’, as she pits her wits against her arch-rival Elizabeth Mapp-Flint (now married to major Benjy) to be ‘queen’ of Tilling. As this instalment opens, Lucia is about to turn fifty and realises that while she has been doing her bit (more than her bit, in fact) in the social life of Tilling—from leading social life with her musical evenings and lessons, to reading to the inmates of the work house, delivering lectures, singing in the choir and also engaging in her own studies and music—she hasn’t made the best use of her energies. And so starts her new adventure—this time on the stock market as she makes various investments with her shrewd advisor’s help (all the while making out that he is acting on her advice) but this is sufficient to pique Tilling’s interest as all the rest begin to follow in her path, including Elizabeth Mapp-Flint who once again acts but without thinking it out, while Diva follows too but wavers. But that is only the beginning, for Mrs Mapp-Flint finds herself in a position where she just might be able to get one step ahead of Lucia. Life in Tilling moves on alongside with their Bridge parties, and the homeowners (most of them) letting out their houses in the summer for a nice change as well as some extra income. But when Lucia and Elizabeth Mapp-Flint take their ‘contest’ a step ahead by contesting against each other for Town Council, things take a more serious turn, threatening to make Tilling life bitter as well, for like it or not, without the two there isn’t much of it. How does the election turn out? And who comes out in top in Tilling this time?
This outing was once again a great deal of fun, and once again, because of Miss Mapp, rather Mrs Mapp-Flint’s mean/nasty streak, I found myself supporting Lucia though even she had moments when she took things a step too far. But still, even if she wants to lead, she doesn’t wish anyone ill or any harm, and so one finds one can cheer her on while even when Elizabeth Mapp isn’t getting the better end of things one doesn’t feel particularly sorry for her. Also Lucia (even if she does get her ideas from outside), is still quite original, while Mapp simply borrows from others in Tilling, most times merely to pull them down, or is happy to create certain impressions which she knows to be untrue right from the start. But one does feel for poor major Benjy though, as life as Elizabeth’s husband isn’t the pleasantest of things, and he manages to make a few blunders getting himself into a soup. Meanwhile Lucia and Georgie realise how much they value each other, and there are some changes in that relationship too. One of my favourite characters from the first book, Olga Bracely finds a mention too, and we know her to be still living in Riseholme.
Overall I enjoyed their antics in this one except on a couple of occasions; Lucia’s archaeological adventures were especially good fun, and how she handled the whole thing (although there was some deception in it after all) was all the more so. I don’t think Miss Mapp (I find myself thinking of her as that too, like ‘quaint Irene’) has the talent to handle things quite that way. Meanwhile with the ending--I won’t say what—the stage is set for a new set of adventures, sadly, the last one. But I still have book 3 to revisit in the middle, and while ending a series does make one a little sad, being books, one knows one can always start all over again!
Incidentally, I only noticed on this read that floods must be a fairly common occurrence in Tilling/Rye, for our residents seem to always be impacted. I don’t remember if this happens in the last book too—must keep a look out!
This outing was once again a great deal of fun, and once again, because of Miss Mapp, rather Mrs Mapp-Flint’s mean/nasty streak, I found myself supporting Lucia though even she had moments when she took things a step too far. But still, even if she wants to lead, she doesn’t wish anyone ill or any harm, and so one finds one can cheer her on while even when Elizabeth Mapp isn’t getting the better end of things one doesn’t feel particularly sorry for her. Also Lucia (even if she does get her ideas from outside), is still quite original, while Mapp simply borrows from others in Tilling, most times merely to pull them down, or is happy to create certain impressions which she knows to be untrue right from the start. But one does feel for poor major Benjy though, as life as Elizabeth’s husband isn’t the pleasantest of things, and he manages to make a few blunders getting himself into a soup. Meanwhile Lucia and Georgie realise how much they value each other, and there are some changes in that relationship too. One of my favourite characters from the first book, Olga Bracely finds a mention too, and we know her to be still living in Riseholme.
Overall I enjoyed their antics in this one except on a couple of occasions; Lucia’s archaeological adventures were especially good fun, and how she handled the whole thing (although there was some deception in it after all) was all the more so. I don’t think Miss Mapp (I find myself thinking of her as that too, like ‘quaint Irene’) has the talent to handle things quite that way. Meanwhile with the ending--I won’t say what—the stage is set for a new set of adventures, sadly, the last one. But I still have book 3 to revisit in the middle, and while ending a series does make one a little sad, being books, one knows one can always start all over again!
Incidentally, I only noticed on this read that floods must be a fairly common occurrence in Tilling/Rye, for our residents seem to always be impacted. I don’t remember if this happens in the last book too—must keep a look out!
June 23, 2018
I thought that I had read the entire Mapp & Lucia series but nothing in this 5th entry in the series struck me as familiar. In any case, I continue to enjoy the rivalry between Miss Mapp (now Mrs. Mapp-Flint) and Lucia!
June 16, 2011
It's another installment in the lives of Lucia and Mapp and the circle of acquaintances in Tilling, with more of the social manipulations that are the essence of these stories. You could read any of the 6 books that have been grouped into a series called "Make Way for Lucia" as stand-alones, but I have enjoyed reading them in order. I like these E. F. Benson stories as much as I like P. G. Wodehouse Blandings stories, and perhaps even a little more. It is amazing how these can be stories about upper middle class British folks set in the 1920s to 1930s, and still feel like they are current tales. It is amazing how events and behaviors can be so ridiculous and outrageous, yet told so well that they are believable. I'm reading the final book, "Trouble for Lucia" now, but with confidence I can heartily recommend all of them.
June 11, 2019
E.F. Benson has found his way into my heart!
This book was simply brilliant. After so many mediocre stories I have read recently, this was incredibly refreshing. With a huge amount of ingenuity and intelligence Benson tells the story of a little town and its quirky inhabitants, especially two ladies who are bitter rivals and yet always smile falsely at each other. Here you can find intrigue of the most entertaining sort, not the awful pistol swinging, death plotting sort, but just fun, good-old bickering.
Character studies are my favorite and Benson really excels in letting his characters stumble into all kinds of innocent mishaps, bringing out the funniest of behavior.
I do hope I can read a lot more by him. In my opinion this is comedy of the highest order.
This book was simply brilliant. After so many mediocre stories I have read recently, this was incredibly refreshing. With a huge amount of ingenuity and intelligence Benson tells the story of a little town and its quirky inhabitants, especially two ladies who are bitter rivals and yet always smile falsely at each other. Here you can find intrigue of the most entertaining sort, not the awful pistol swinging, death plotting sort, but just fun, good-old bickering.
Character studies are my favorite and Benson really excels in letting his characters stumble into all kinds of innocent mishaps, bringing out the funniest of behavior.
I do hope I can read a lot more by him. In my opinion this is comedy of the highest order.
June 9, 2021
Fifth in the series, and more of the same. Good!
July 29, 2012
I wonder how how E.F. Benson devised the idea of including Emmeline "Lucia" Lucas and Elizabeth Mapp, both conniving, social-climbing queen bees, in the same book. I can imagine it now: In a moment of leisure, Benson suddenly had a stroke of brilliance: Include Mrs. Lucas and Miss Mapp in the same novel and watch the fur fly!
Elizabeth Mapp has long been the uncontested queen of Tilling society -- at least in her own mind; however, when Lucia takes Mapp's cottage for a two-month holiday, she can no more not dominate her social mileu than a shark can survive without swimming. Before chapter 5 in Miss Mapp and Lucia, Lucia has begun her plan to "teach [Miss Mapp] her place." Needless to say, Miss Mapp isn't about to abdicate the throne without a fight, and plots, in her own words, a "romantic revenge on that upstart visitor for presuming to set herself up as Queen of the social life of Tilling." But Miss Mapp is slow to grasp just how tenacious an opponent she has in Lucia. Which of these femmes formidables will prevail in this battle for top social billing?
In Lucia's Progress, the next book in the series, Lucia feels listless. Having accomplished so much and with her 50th birthday fast approaching, Lucia feels ennui: What has she really accomplished? Lucia hits on several schemes to give her life greater meaning. When a tipsy Colonel Benjy Flint reveals that he's standing for Town Council, Lucia decides to run for Town Council of Tilling (a thinly fictionalized portrait of Rye in East Sussex), too. Needless to say, Miss Mapp throws herself into thwarting Lucia's political ambitions. In addition to politics, Lucia turns her hand to archeology (having decided her house is built atop a Roman ruin), culture, philanthropy, sports, and -- could it be? -- matrimony. What are the results? Well, the title of the volume that anthologizes all of the Lucia works isn't called Make Way for Lucia for nothing!
I've loved all of the Lucia books, and Mapp and Lucia is probably the best. The clashes between Lucia Lucas and Elizabeth Mapp deliver laugh-out-loud hilarity. However, be sure to read the books in order -- Queen Lucia, which introduces us to Lucia in her native setting of Riseholme, and its sequel, Lucia in London, in which Lucia takes her snobbery and social climbing to greater heights in the big city, and Miss Mapp, which introduces the calculating, miserly and passive-aggressive busybody Elizabeth Mapp -- before reading Mapp and Lucia and its sequel, Lucia's Progress. The latter two are paired in an extremely reasonably priced Kindle edition.
Elizabeth Mapp has long been the uncontested queen of Tilling society -- at least in her own mind; however, when Lucia takes Mapp's cottage for a two-month holiday, she can no more not dominate her social mileu than a shark can survive without swimming. Before chapter 5 in Miss Mapp and Lucia, Lucia has begun her plan to "teach [Miss Mapp] her place." Needless to say, Miss Mapp isn't about to abdicate the throne without a fight, and plots, in her own words, a "romantic revenge on that upstart visitor for presuming to set herself up as Queen of the social life of Tilling." But Miss Mapp is slow to grasp just how tenacious an opponent she has in Lucia. Which of these femmes formidables will prevail in this battle for top social billing?
In Lucia's Progress, the next book in the series, Lucia feels listless. Having accomplished so much and with her 50th birthday fast approaching, Lucia feels ennui: What has she really accomplished? Lucia hits on several schemes to give her life greater meaning. When a tipsy Colonel Benjy Flint reveals that he's standing for Town Council, Lucia decides to run for Town Council of Tilling (a thinly fictionalized portrait of Rye in East Sussex), too. Needless to say, Miss Mapp throws herself into thwarting Lucia's political ambitions. In addition to politics, Lucia turns her hand to archeology (having decided her house is built atop a Roman ruin), culture, philanthropy, sports, and -- could it be? -- matrimony. What are the results? Well, the title of the volume that anthologizes all of the Lucia works isn't called Make Way for Lucia for nothing!
I've loved all of the Lucia books, and Mapp and Lucia is probably the best. The clashes between Lucia Lucas and Elizabeth Mapp deliver laugh-out-loud hilarity. However, be sure to read the books in order -- Queen Lucia, which introduces us to Lucia in her native setting of Riseholme, and its sequel, Lucia in London, in which Lucia takes her snobbery and social climbing to greater heights in the big city, and Miss Mapp, which introduces the calculating, miserly and passive-aggressive busybody Elizabeth Mapp -- before reading Mapp and Lucia and its sequel, Lucia's Progress. The latter two are paired in an extremely reasonably priced Kindle edition.
December 6, 2020
This is the fifth volume in E.F. Benson’s wonderful series of comedic stories about snobbery and one-upmanship in England. The series began in the early 1920s but this one is set in 1935, so not long before WWII. My review contains minor spoilers.
The village of Riseholme is no longer Lucia’s home, she having moved to Tilling a few years ago. Her main rival is still the indomitable Miss Mapp who, in fact, is now Mrs Mapp-Flint, she having married retired Major Benjamin Flint (Benji).
These books are so popular, I believe, because they are a perfect study in human nature, and that does not change irrespective of the era. Benson must have had a great eye and ear for personal habits, cutting comments and the polite ways in which people try to out-do one another because has a knack for getting his dialogue and his situations just right, with wonderful nuances and little details that make these stories come alive, and his readership chuckle to themselves (ourselves) involuntarily.
In addition to her rivalry with Lucia, Elizabeth Mapp-Flint now has an errant husband to control and he, crafty old devil that he is, is just as intent on ignoring her instructions not to drink alcohol, being a dedicated fan of wine and whisky at every opportunity – and he uses his wits to create opportunities as often as he can.
Lucia and her close friend Georgie Pillson continue to enjoy each other’s company frequently, she furiously practising a new piece of music on the piano for hours or days before they play a duet of this ‘new music we have not tried before’, and Georgie continues to be just as aware that she is doing it without resentment. Georgie is Lucia’s most ardent friend and admirer but has no desire whatever to be linked with her romantically. His interests lie in his music and his embroidery, his careful and stylish dressing and his unwavering support of Lucia’s schemes and ideas. Sex will never rear its unwelcome head between them.
Lucia does have one admirer, however, whom one suspects would like very much to be her lover; this is ‘quaint Irene’, an unconventional woman artist who rides motorbikes, blocks the street by setting up her easel in the road, smokes cigars and speaks her mind, and who is unafraid both to be herself and to live life to the full without giving a damn what people think of her – a brave woman in the 1930s.
This volume involves machinations involving share dealing, house buying-and-selling, illness and charitable giving on a large scale. It has all the charm and cleverness of the previous books, and this one is one of my favourites.
I won’t give more away and I heartily recommend this series to anyone who is interested in human nature, small-town English life and escapist, witty literature. It’s a gem. I would advise reading these books in order, by-the-way, because you will benefit from getting the full history of the characters. Wonderful.
The village of Riseholme is no longer Lucia’s home, she having moved to Tilling a few years ago. Her main rival is still the indomitable Miss Mapp who, in fact, is now Mrs Mapp-Flint, she having married retired Major Benjamin Flint (Benji).
These books are so popular, I believe, because they are a perfect study in human nature, and that does not change irrespective of the era. Benson must have had a great eye and ear for personal habits, cutting comments and the polite ways in which people try to out-do one another because has a knack for getting his dialogue and his situations just right, with wonderful nuances and little details that make these stories come alive, and his readership chuckle to themselves (ourselves) involuntarily.
In addition to her rivalry with Lucia, Elizabeth Mapp-Flint now has an errant husband to control and he, crafty old devil that he is, is just as intent on ignoring her instructions not to drink alcohol, being a dedicated fan of wine and whisky at every opportunity – and he uses his wits to create opportunities as often as he can.
Lucia and her close friend Georgie Pillson continue to enjoy each other’s company frequently, she furiously practising a new piece of music on the piano for hours or days before they play a duet of this ‘new music we have not tried before’, and Georgie continues to be just as aware that she is doing it without resentment. Georgie is Lucia’s most ardent friend and admirer but has no desire whatever to be linked with her romantically. His interests lie in his music and his embroidery, his careful and stylish dressing and his unwavering support of Lucia’s schemes and ideas. Sex will never rear its unwelcome head between them.
Lucia does have one admirer, however, whom one suspects would like very much to be her lover; this is ‘quaint Irene’, an unconventional woman artist who rides motorbikes, blocks the street by setting up her easel in the road, smokes cigars and speaks her mind, and who is unafraid both to be herself and to live life to the full without giving a damn what people think of her – a brave woman in the 1930s.
This volume involves machinations involving share dealing, house buying-and-selling, illness and charitable giving on a large scale. It has all the charm and cleverness of the previous books, and this one is one of my favourites.
I won’t give more away and I heartily recommend this series to anyone who is interested in human nature, small-town English life and escapist, witty literature. It’s a gem. I would advise reading these books in order, by-the-way, because you will benefit from getting the full history of the characters. Wonderful.
July 18, 2009
As is only to be expected, as our characters move toward the late 1920s, they begin to be swept up in the wave of financial speculation that led up to the Wall Street crash of 1929, though it is some sense a plot contrivance to allow one character to get rather richer and one somewhat poorer, which allows certain other events to follow.
It seems noteworthy to contemporary minds that every character in these books, regardless of income, relies on their gardens for a substantial portion of their produce - it goes without saying that is where vegetables come from and if you are rich, it simply means you hire someone to do the actual work of the gardening for you,
It seems noteworthy to contemporary minds that every character in these books, regardless of income, relies on their gardens for a substantial portion of their produce - it goes without saying that is where vegetables come from and if you are rich, it simply means you hire someone to do the actual work of the gardening for you,
August 21, 2012
The second book about Lucia's battle with Miss Mapp, now successfully Mistress Mapp-Flint, for social supremacy in Tilling. Lucia takes up archeology, the money market and politics, and her platonic romance with Georgie comes to a crisis. Just absolutely scrumptious and laced with poison, especially when Elizabeth is involved.
July 9, 2013
More Mapp and Lucia rivalry, which is really what makes these books so much fun.
August 12, 2025
This is the 5th and penultimate book in the six-book Mapp and Lucia book series called “Make Way for Lucia” in the paperback series I own. That paperback series uses the U.S. title of The Worshipful Lucia whereas my Kindle edition uses the U.K. title Lucia's Progress. I prefer the U.K title.
The first two installments of this series involved the town of Riseholme’s social queen Lucia efforts to maintain her crown. The third installment introduced a new town called Tilling and its queen-wannabe Miss Mapp. Book Four, the best book of the series, put Lucia and Mapp together by having Lucia along with her right hand man George take up summer residence in Miss Mapp’s Tilling. By the end of that book, Lucia and George became permanent Tilling residents with Lucia fending off Mapp’s aggressively devious resistance and achieving social queen status above Mapp.
In this book, the events concern Lucia’s efforts to maintain and increase that social queen status. Hence my preference for the descriptively-accurate title of Lucia's Progress. As in the predecessor book, the plot and humor come from Lucia’s ability to fend off Mapp’s sneaky attempts to obstruct Lucia’s efforts.
This book was not quite as engaging as its predecessor Mapp and Lucia. The events were a bit more mundane and the duo’s conflict a little less fresh-feeling for this book to be the “gem of a reading experience” that I described Mapp and Lucia as being. However, despite coming up short of its predecessor, this was still a very entertaining reading experience. Once again, Benson created inner monologues, dialogue and scene depictions that are sharp, witty, crisply written and deftly handled. I also liked the ending and what it portends for the final installments. I rate this as a solid 4 stars.
The first two installments of this series involved the town of Riseholme’s social queen Lucia efforts to maintain her crown. The third installment introduced a new town called Tilling and its queen-wannabe Miss Mapp. Book Four, the best book of the series, put Lucia and Mapp together by having Lucia along with her right hand man George take up summer residence in Miss Mapp’s Tilling. By the end of that book, Lucia and George became permanent Tilling residents with Lucia fending off Mapp’s aggressively devious resistance and achieving social queen status above Mapp.
In this book, the events concern Lucia’s efforts to maintain and increase that social queen status. Hence my preference for the descriptively-accurate title of Lucia's Progress. As in the predecessor book, the plot and humor come from Lucia’s ability to fend off Mapp’s sneaky attempts to obstruct Lucia’s efforts.
This book was not quite as engaging as its predecessor Mapp and Lucia. The events were a bit more mundane and the duo’s conflict a little less fresh-feeling for this book to be the “gem of a reading experience” that I described Mapp and Lucia as being. However, despite coming up short of its predecessor, this was still a very entertaining reading experience. Once again, Benson created inner monologues, dialogue and scene depictions that are sharp, witty, crisply written and deftly handled. I also liked the ending and what it portends for the final installments. I rate this as a solid 4 stars.
December 12, 2020
My Christmas present to myself every year is to read one of my treasured collection of E. F. Benson’s Mapp & Lucia novels. I make my selection randomly because I know that whatever choice emerges I will most definitely have picked a plum. All six novels in the series are wonderful. I have read each several times and I never tire of them. As good as the Channel 4 TV adaptations starring Prunella Scales and Geraldine McEwan were (there have been other less successful attempts to bring the stories to the small screen), having just reread ‘Lucia’s Progress’ for what must be the fourth time I am more convinced than ever that much the best way to savour Benson’s delicious satirical soufflés is via the good old printed page.
This, the fifth book in the sequence, has all the ingredients we devotees of these jousts for social supremacy between arch schemers Elizabeth Mapp and Emmeline Lucas (‘Lucia’) know and love: gentle satire, wry observation, droll humour, harmless snobbery and, of course, brilliant Bensonian characterisation. The plot revolves around the usual trivialities and fripperies: bridge parties, gossip, luncheon and the other mildly diverting social activities that take up most of the time of the middle class denizens of Tilling. In this instance, there’s a particular focus on the battle between Lucia and Elizabeth to be elected to the Town Council.
But, as ever, the details of the plot are really not that relevant. The Mapp & Lucia novels are not serious literature. They are pure escapism. They highlight the absurdity and the comical nature of much of our day to day behaviour and of our lives while also pointing out that, amidst it all, we are vulnerable and human. They are written with wit and are brilliant light comedies. ‘Lucia’s Progress’ is wonderfully entertaining. 9/10.
This, the fifth book in the sequence, has all the ingredients we devotees of these jousts for social supremacy between arch schemers Elizabeth Mapp and Emmeline Lucas (‘Lucia’) know and love: gentle satire, wry observation, droll humour, harmless snobbery and, of course, brilliant Bensonian characterisation. The plot revolves around the usual trivialities and fripperies: bridge parties, gossip, luncheon and the other mildly diverting social activities that take up most of the time of the middle class denizens of Tilling. In this instance, there’s a particular focus on the battle between Lucia and Elizabeth to be elected to the Town Council.
But, as ever, the details of the plot are really not that relevant. The Mapp & Lucia novels are not serious literature. They are pure escapism. They highlight the absurdity and the comical nature of much of our day to day behaviour and of our lives while also pointing out that, amidst it all, we are vulnerable and human. They are written with wit and are brilliant light comedies. ‘Lucia’s Progress’ is wonderfully entertaining. 9/10.
April 5, 2012
"'I must put up in large capital letters over my bed 'I am fifty'', she thought as she let herself into her house,'and that will remind me every morning and evening that I've done nothing yet which will be remembered after I am gone. I've been busy (I will say that for myself) but beyond giving others a few hours of enchantment at the piano, and helping them to keep supple, I've done nothing for the world or indeed for Tilling. I must take myself in hand.'"
Lucia's Progress continues the comic rivalry between the newly-wed Elizabeth Mapp-Finch and Emmeline Lucas (aka Lucia) as each strives to be the Top Dog in the town of Tilling - persistently outdoing each other. In this fourth book of the series no-one understands why Georgie has gone missing, there is speculation on the stock exchange, rumours about a pregnancy and a Roman excavation, Major Benjy gets himself into a spot of bother, some house-swapping, elections for the Town Council, a marriage and finally a much-desired reward - but who is it for? At the centre of all of these happenings are Elizabeth and Lucia of course, whenever Lucia takes a lead, Elizabeth follows - often with the unfortunate Diva in her wake. Sadly for Elizabeth, whilst things have a tendency to turn out well for Lucia, she seems to come off the worst in everything, and seems to make enemies among the locals because of her bitterness and jealousy.
The nosey-ness of the characters is truly cringe-worthy, but unfortunately realistic, as any resident of a small town will testify: "This dreadful gossipy habit......if there isn't any news they invent it." That's certainly true of the town where I live!
I believe everyone knows a Elizabeth and Lucia. I know several, which makes reading this book more enjoyable. As the reader (onlooker) you know it's all so superficial, but yet some people will go to the greatest lengths to "go places" and get recognised.
"It was bright-green jealousy, just because none of them had ever had a line in any paper about their exploits, let alone a column. And who, after all, had spent a thousand pounds on an organ for Tilling, and got a Bishop to dedicate it, and ordered a thunderstorm, and asked them all to a garden-party afterwards? They snatched all the benefits of their patroness, and then complained that they were being patronized. Of course her superior airs and her fibs could be maddening sometimes, but even if she did let a reporter think that she sppoke Italian as naturally as English and had dug up Samian ware in her garden, it was 'pretty Fanny's way', and they must put up with it."
Love the characters, love the rivalries, love this series.
Lucia's Progress continues the comic rivalry between the newly-wed Elizabeth Mapp-Finch and Emmeline Lucas (aka Lucia) as each strives to be the Top Dog in the town of Tilling - persistently outdoing each other. In this fourth book of the series no-one understands why Georgie has gone missing, there is speculation on the stock exchange, rumours about a pregnancy and a Roman excavation, Major Benjy gets himself into a spot of bother, some house-swapping, elections for the Town Council, a marriage and finally a much-desired reward - but who is it for? At the centre of all of these happenings are Elizabeth and Lucia of course, whenever Lucia takes a lead, Elizabeth follows - often with the unfortunate Diva in her wake. Sadly for Elizabeth, whilst things have a tendency to turn out well for Lucia, she seems to come off the worst in everything, and seems to make enemies among the locals because of her bitterness and jealousy.
The nosey-ness of the characters is truly cringe-worthy, but unfortunately realistic, as any resident of a small town will testify: "This dreadful gossipy habit......if there isn't any news they invent it." That's certainly true of the town where I live!
I believe everyone knows a Elizabeth and Lucia. I know several, which makes reading this book more enjoyable. As the reader (onlooker) you know it's all so superficial, but yet some people will go to the greatest lengths to "go places" and get recognised.
"It was bright-green jealousy, just because none of them had ever had a line in any paper about their exploits, let alone a column. And who, after all, had spent a thousand pounds on an organ for Tilling, and got a Bishop to dedicate it, and ordered a thunderstorm, and asked them all to a garden-party afterwards? They snatched all the benefits of their patroness, and then complained that they were being patronized. Of course her superior airs and her fibs could be maddening sometimes, but even if she did let a reporter think that she sppoke Italian as naturally as English and had dug up Samian ware in her garden, it was 'pretty Fanny's way', and they must put up with it."
Love the characters, love the rivalries, love this series.
February 16, 2019
Lucia’s Progress is the fifth of E F Benson’s famous series, opening about a year after the previous story ended. Lucia is contemplating her upcoming fiftieth birthday with steely resignation. Now living in Grebe cottage, which isn’t really grand enough for Lucia, she is only looking for a chance to get her hands on Mallards again. Elizabeth Mapp is back at Mallards, though not alone. She is now married – to Major Benjy – and has hyphenated her name to Mapp-Flint. The whole of Tilling is completely fascinated by this marriage – who exactly is it that wears the trousers there? Major Benjy has been seen drinking tea, and he isn’t playing as much golf as he used to either.
“Elizabeth Mapp-Flint had schemes for her husband and meant to realize them. As a bachelor, with an inclination to booze and a very limited income, inhabiting that small house next to Mallards, it was up to him, if he chose, to spend the still robust energies of his fifty-five years in playing golf all day and getting slightly squiffy in the evening. But his marriage had given him a new status: he was master, though certainly not mistress, of the best house in Tilling…”
Full review: https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2018/...
“Elizabeth Mapp-Flint had schemes for her husband and meant to realize them. As a bachelor, with an inclination to booze and a very limited income, inhabiting that small house next to Mallards, it was up to him, if he chose, to spend the still robust energies of his fifty-five years in playing golf all day and getting slightly squiffy in the evening. But his marriage had given him a new status: he was master, though certainly not mistress, of the best house in Tilling…”
Full review: https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2018/...
April 28, 2015
The fifth volume in E.F. Benson's Lucia series.... and still excellent fun. Lucia the focus of all social groups in the small English town of Tilling once again butts heads...but, in an ever-so English and polite manner, with her neighbor and rival Elizabeth Mapp. Mapp, newly married, leads others to wrongfully believe she is pregnant. Lucia and Mapp run against each other for the Town Council. They decide to swap homes. Lucia discovers Roman antiquities in her new garden-- or does she? Lucia guides many into buying gold mine stocks...which doesn't work out well for Mapp. There is also a surprise wedding at the end. I love this series and sorry to say that there is only one more to read. But then I am anxious to watch the BBC's dramatic take.
July 21, 2015
I read this book to complete the category of “Humorous or Satirical Classic” for the Back to the Classics 2015 challenge hosted at http://karensbooksandchocolate.blogsp... . This was by far my easiest choice for the challenge, as I have come to love this series; these books make me laugh out loud…frequently. Lucia’s Progress is number five, so I only have one more left, but I suspect that these books will be excellent re-reads, so I am not too sad. In this book, the Mapp and Lucia rivalry continues as Lucia and Mapp (now Mrs. Mapp-Flint) compete for a council seat, Lucia pretends to have found Roman ruins in her back garden, Mapp pretends to be pregnant and everyone one who is anyone in Tilling is thoroughly entertained by the ensuing gossip and backbiting.
September 8, 2014
Life is never dull in Tilling. Lucia is turning 50 and having a mid-life crisis, Georgie is battling a case of shingles, Elizabeth is pushing Benjy into running for public office, and Lucia decides to dabble in the stock market. Nothing is more thrilling in Tilling than a competitive political campaign or competitive market investing. It's interesting to read that stockbrokers were advocating "dollar cost averaging" even in 1932. Lucia is on a roll of one success after another, making up for what she feels has been lost time, all to the chagrin of Elizabeth Mapp Flint. The book ends with several climactic events that leave me very eager to get into the final volume of the set.
July 24, 2019
The Lucia and Mapp books have always been a favorite series of mine - as if the gossipy ladies of Cranford meshed with the antics of Bertie Wooster. Both Elizabeth and Lucia are characters you love and hate simultaneously and they deserve it. You have to appreciate the dryness of British comedy to enjoy Benson's books but if you do, these are fabulous!
February 7, 2017
These books are just bloody marvellous. I now find myself rooting for Lucia. While she is a fake social climber with delusions of grandeur who likes to think she is cultured, at least she is not spiteful and malicious like Mapp. The two of them vying for social supremacy is hilarious.
July 4, 2019
I feel kind of bad for Elizabeth Mapp.
September 5, 2025
Every word is perfect and these books are a great joy of my life!
February 3, 2024
Takes place a year after “Mapp and Lucia,” now Mapp married to Maj Benjy Flint, so she’s Eizabeth Mapp-Flint. Lucia invests successfully, so she makes an offer for the house she had rented and always wanted, Mapp’s Mallard house. She trades for her coastal villa, Grebe House under a cliff that protects from the N wind…adding a couple thousand pounds more to make up for Elizabeth’s losses at investment. Lucia thinks she found roman hypocaust when pipes are dug up. She scrapes off caked dirt from letters on a glass fragment: apoll. When she finds the full word, she fills in the hole: “Apollonaris.” No footnote, so I google: a sparkling table water imported from Germany since 1852. Not classical.
Lucia’s first succeeds investing in gold, South African Sirmiami which her broker suggests, though Lucia tends to think she suggested it to the broker (named Mammoncash). (p.63) When gold seems nearing a high— and what if the U.S. goes off the gold standard? [which it will, we latecomers know]— Lucia moves into Burmese silyer, not the Western railroad. Elizabeth Mapp opposes Lucia, stays in gold and loses.
The series is mock-heroic-epic, with the battlefields parties, the weapons, conversation.
“With embryos of plots and counterplots…Susan Wyse’s party tonight was likely to prove a scene of carnage” (207). A trench can be a newspaper, “Benjy had entrenched himself behind the newspaper”(43).
As always, the American reader translates Briticisms, like “squiffy” for drunk, and “navvy” for worker. When Paddy the Irish Setter bites a navvy, I thought it was another animal.
Behavioral and health problems enter: Georgie, tall despite his diminutive name, has Shingles, can’t shave so stays away from public view. Maj Benjy, a drinker, marries the tea-drinking Elizabeth. He develops stratagems to drink, leaving the house for a walk-- to Georgie's house for his whiskey. Lucia notes Benjy was not that clever when he married, but "marriage has sharpened his wits. Little bits of foxiness, little evasions"(281). Lucia's looking at people, often described as "gimlet-glance." Footnote: a small device for boring holes.
We learn of Lucia’s bust of Beethoven, and her piano-playing, Georgie hearing behind their mutual wall: Beethoven’s 5th Symphony arranged for piano. Benson compares it to “a stage army passing by, some in kilts instead of trousers.” Finally, several loud thumps end the movement.
With all the money Lucia makes on her broker's investment advice, she rebuilds the church organ with new pipes, and does her Moonlight Sonata with Georgie doing pedals, diapason. At the dedication of the organ she asks the pro to do Falberg's "Storm at Sea," with the "mutter of thunder"(Benson's fine phrase). Meanwhile, during the dedicatory recital, actual lightening arrives, timed perfectly so Lucia can still give her reception outside.
Two newspapers cover the event, with the procession of Mayor and Bishop--one paper, large photo of Lucia between these two worthies. Of course, the other paper includes a full page, with errors and omissions. Mapp disdains Lucia's Mallard House as "Lucia's family home" (owned it 3 months, Mapp's inheritance), and Georgie is hurt not to have his playing the organ pedals noted.
In sum, the novel begins with the Mapp-Flint marriage, Benjy the cigar-smoking drinker, Elizabeth almost a tea-totaller, and ends with another perhaps as unexpected a union.
Lucia’s first succeeds investing in gold, South African Sirmiami which her broker suggests, though Lucia tends to think she suggested it to the broker (named Mammoncash). (p.63) When gold seems nearing a high— and what if the U.S. goes off the gold standard? [which it will, we latecomers know]— Lucia moves into Burmese silyer, not the Western railroad. Elizabeth Mapp opposes Lucia, stays in gold and loses.
The series is mock-heroic-epic, with the battlefields parties, the weapons, conversation.
“With embryos of plots and counterplots…Susan Wyse’s party tonight was likely to prove a scene of carnage” (207). A trench can be a newspaper, “Benjy had entrenched himself behind the newspaper”(43).
As always, the American reader translates Briticisms, like “squiffy” for drunk, and “navvy” for worker. When Paddy the Irish Setter bites a navvy, I thought it was another animal.
Behavioral and health problems enter: Georgie, tall despite his diminutive name, has Shingles, can’t shave so stays away from public view. Maj Benjy, a drinker, marries the tea-drinking Elizabeth. He develops stratagems to drink, leaving the house for a walk-- to Georgie's house for his whiskey. Lucia notes Benjy was not that clever when he married, but "marriage has sharpened his wits. Little bits of foxiness, little evasions"(281). Lucia's looking at people, often described as "gimlet-glance." Footnote: a small device for boring holes.
We learn of Lucia’s bust of Beethoven, and her piano-playing, Georgie hearing behind their mutual wall: Beethoven’s 5th Symphony arranged for piano. Benson compares it to “a stage army passing by, some in kilts instead of trousers.” Finally, several loud thumps end the movement.
With all the money Lucia makes on her broker's investment advice, she rebuilds the church organ with new pipes, and does her Moonlight Sonata with Georgie doing pedals, diapason. At the dedication of the organ she asks the pro to do Falberg's "Storm at Sea," with the "mutter of thunder"(Benson's fine phrase). Meanwhile, during the dedicatory recital, actual lightening arrives, timed perfectly so Lucia can still give her reception outside.
Two newspapers cover the event, with the procession of Mayor and Bishop--one paper, large photo of Lucia between these two worthies. Of course, the other paper includes a full page, with errors and omissions. Mapp disdains Lucia's Mallard House as "Lucia's family home" (owned it 3 months, Mapp's inheritance), and Georgie is hurt not to have his playing the organ pedals noted.
In sum, the novel begins with the Mapp-Flint marriage, Benjy the cigar-smoking drinker, Elizabeth almost a tea-totaller, and ends with another perhaps as unexpected a union.
September 25, 2020
In these uncertain times, there's something so refreshing about spending some time with a protagonist who can take any situation and turn it to her advantage. Every Mapp and Lucia book is a winner, and this one is no exception. If I were to criticise it at all, it would merely be to say that E.F. Benson seemed to be becoming overly-fond of Lucia and allowed her to rack up far too many wins in this book than was her due. Everything she turns her hand to flourishes, and when it doesn't, she manages to salvage every situation. Poor Mapp (or Mapp-Flint as she is now) can't seem to catch a break anywhere.
The entire book is extremely funny, but a short exchange towards the end of my book was particularly rewarding. After overcoming multiple obstacles, Lucia is offered the role of Mayor - one of her goals, but as always she plays the long game and leads people to think it was their idea rather than hers. She presents the idea to Georgie, who is less than thrilled at taking a back seat:
"Do you mean I shall be something?" Georgie asked eagerly.
"Not officially, of course, but how many duties must devolve on the Mayor's husband!"
"A sort of mayoress," said Georgie with the eagerness clean skimmed off his voice.
"A thousand times more than that," cried Lucia. "You will have to be my right hand, Georgie. Without you, I couldn't dream of undertaking it. I should entirely depend on you, on your judgment and your wisdom. There will be hundreds of questions on which a man's instinct will be needed by me. We shall be terribly hard-worked. We shall have to entertain; we shall have to take the lead, you and I, in everything, in municipal life as well as social life, which we do already. If you cannot promise to be always by me for my guidance and support, I can only give one answer: an unqualified negative."
Lucia's eloquence, with all the practice she had had at Town Councils, was most effective. Georgie no longer saw himself as a mayoress, but as the power behind the throne; he thought of Queen Victoria and Prince Consort, and bright images bubbled in his brain.
This back-and-forth is quite funny in its own right, but reading it with a feminist lens it seems particularly charming; how many women have been given a similar sell job for unpaid work? It reminds me of the Twitter account of The Man Who Has It All, in which things that women say or have said to them are reversed and placed in a man's mouth - where they of course sound ridiculous.
The entire book is extremely funny, but a short exchange towards the end of my book was particularly rewarding. After overcoming multiple obstacles, Lucia is offered the role of Mayor - one of her goals, but as always she plays the long game and leads people to think it was their idea rather than hers. She presents the idea to Georgie, who is less than thrilled at taking a back seat:
"Do you mean I shall be something?" Georgie asked eagerly.
"Not officially, of course, but how many duties must devolve on the Mayor's husband!"
"A sort of mayoress," said Georgie with the eagerness clean skimmed off his voice.
"A thousand times more than that," cried Lucia. "You will have to be my right hand, Georgie. Without you, I couldn't dream of undertaking it. I should entirely depend on you, on your judgment and your wisdom. There will be hundreds of questions on which a man's instinct will be needed by me. We shall be terribly hard-worked. We shall have to entertain; we shall have to take the lead, you and I, in everything, in municipal life as well as social life, which we do already. If you cannot promise to be always by me for my guidance and support, I can only give one answer: an unqualified negative."
Lucia's eloquence, with all the practice she had had at Town Councils, was most effective. Georgie no longer saw himself as a mayoress, but as the power behind the throne; he thought of Queen Victoria and Prince Consort, and bright images bubbled in his brain.
This back-and-forth is quite funny in its own right, but reading it with a feminist lens it seems particularly charming; how many women have been given a similar sell job for unpaid work? It reminds me of the Twitter account of The Man Who Has It All, in which things that women say or have said to them are reversed and placed in a man's mouth - where they of course sound ridiculous.
April 1, 2024
Lucia is totally formidable in this fifth of the series of Lucia novels. She has Tilling eating out of her hand, especially after she finds that if she follows the advice of her wise financial advisor, she can buy and sell shares like a master and make heaps of money. So much money that she can buy Mallards, donate funds to Tilling organizations as well as civic works that she becomes the center of all that is good and powerful. Poor Elizabeth Mapp, although married to Major Benjy, still retains her name of "Mapp" among her friends. Benjy's boozy ways make management of him at every gathering a total chore, leaving her only half her energy and imagination to challenge Lucia's bid to become patroness of everything. There are floods, town council elections, pretend pregnancies, financial success and despair, and the joy of completely remodeling a rival's house (now your own) and finding ancient Roman artifacts to boot. Which of course, are neither Roman nor ancient. Tilling is never without excitement, human nature plays to a grand standard and life is so full that one longs for a nap. Love this heroine; love Tilling, Lucia, Mapp, and Georgie with his new beard. May God always protect Tilling!
July 2, 2020
In the fifth installment of the Mapp and Lucia series, Miss Mapp has now become Mrs. Mapp-Flint, married Major Benjy. While others wonder whether the older newlyweds are truly happy together, Lucia sets her sights on greatness. She dabbles in archaeology (seeing herself as an authority on ancient Roman ruins), investing in the stock market, and politics. Meanwhile, Mrs. Mapp-Flint endures a series of setbacks in her attempts to surpass Lucia and her greatness.
As a direct sequel to Mapp and Lucia, the book has plenty of funny moments and surprises along the way. Lucia's self-importance and delusions of grandeur, Georgie's vanity and appetite for gossip, and the foibles of the rest of the Tilling social set make for an amusing read.
Who should read this book: those who've read Mapp and Lucia, fans of social satire, fans of comedies of manners, fans of British comedies
As a direct sequel to Mapp and Lucia, the book has plenty of funny moments and surprises along the way. Lucia's self-importance and delusions of grandeur, Georgie's vanity and appetite for gossip, and the foibles of the rest of the Tilling social set make for an amusing read.
Who should read this book: those who've read Mapp and Lucia, fans of social satire, fans of comedies of manners, fans of British comedies
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