Showing results by author "E.F.Benson" in All Categories

Barbara Jefford is the hilariously outrageous Lucia in this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of the novel by E.F. Benson. Lucia is the uncrowned queen of 1920s provincial society, the Everest of social climbers and the most delicious of snobs. In the pastoral serenity of the village of Riseholme, Lucia and her unforgettable cronies face up to an Indian guru, spiritualism, and a cultural usurper.

Join Mrs. Emmeline Lucas, affectionately known as Lucia, as she navigates the dazzling world of Londons elite in the third installment of the Mapp and Lucia series. With a newfound legacy, this provincial social climber is determined to extend her influence beyond the quaint confines of Riseholme. Will she succeed in her quest for high society acceptance? - Summary by Beeswaxcandle

Step into the opulent world of London society at the turn of the century with Dodo, a captivating bestseller from 1893. This novel introduces us to Dodo, a spirited young woman who revels in her place among the elite. As she prepares to enter into a promising marriage with a wealthy man of title, the stakes of high society become ever more intriguing. Experience the complete tale in this audiobook, featuring both Volume 1 and 2, beautifully narrated by Anna Simon.

Relatos fantásticos de gatos y trenes es un intento por reivindicar a dos criaturas que por frecuentación o excesiva confianza solemos rebajar a simples arquetipos. Los gatos y los trenes ocupan un lugar privilegiado en este libro, y no justamente por asociaciones caprichosas sino por astucias mutuas, por sincronías, por merodeos cómplices en la noche. Los narradores clásicos incluidos evidencian un destino que pocos han logrado eludir: es imposible escribir un relato habitado por felinos o ferrocarriles sin que el misterio sea el verdadero protagonista.

E. F. Benson, born at Wellington College in Berkshire to a father who would become the Archbishop of Canterbury, authored an impressive 105 books throughout his career. Queen Lucia, first published in 1920, marks the beginning of his beloved Mapp and Lucia series, which consists of six novels. This witty comedy of manners is set in the quaint village of Riseholme, where the charmingly self-assured Emmeline Lucas—known as Queen Lucia—rules over the social and artistic lives of her gullible neighbors. Assisting her in these endeavors is the rather delicate Georgie Pillson, while the ...

Set against the backdrop of World War I yet taking place in a quieter time, David Blaize is a captivating coming-of-age tale centered around an all-boys boarding school. Join David as he journeys from prep school to Marchester College prep school, confronting the challenges of friendship, academic life, and the ever-popular game of cricket. - Summary by TriciaG

In Colin, we delve into the intriguing saga of the Stanier family, rooted in the quaint village of Stanier near Rye, Sussex. The narrative begins around 1600, when the original Colin Stanier makes a Faustian bargain with the devil to achieve his dreams—featuring a tantalizing encounter with Queen Elizabeth I, who finds herself enchanted by his charm. Fast forward to 1900, where another Colin Stanier, strikingly similar to his ancestor, resorts to deceit and treachery in a desperate bid to claim the family fortune from his older twin brother, Raymond. A contemporary review captures the ...

Dive into the captivating world of Dodos Daughter, the second installment in the enchanting Dodo series. Join us as we follow the journey of unforgettable characters and explore themes of resilience and adventure. (Summary by Crowgirl)

Emmeline Lucas, known to all as "Lucia", and her husband, Peppino, acquire a second home in fashionable Brompton Square in London from a deceased Aunt. When they move there for the season, Lucia's 'subjects' in Riseholme seethe with envy and outrage that she has deserted them for more illustrious circles, where her snobbism and blatant ambition reach new heights.

"Dodo Wonders" is the third and final installment in the "Dodo" series by E. F. Benson. The series was rumoured to be based on Lady Asquith, though she herself claimed that she had little in common with the character of Dodo - except the splendour of her drawing-room, perhaps. The glitzy life of Lady Dodo Chesterford is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of World War I. Along with her husband and their friends, Lady Dodo is faced with the challenge of rapidly adapting to an unfamiliar and dangerous new environment.

The narrative follows the stylishly controversial Dodo, a young woman from the British upper-middle-class. She is very confident she is about to make a most advantageous match which should position her perfectly for the social status and money she so deeply craves. This makes for a work replete with sardonic and romantic and paranormal melodrama. In an atmosphere so full of extreme snobbery that it is a riot of hilarity.

When a Londoner retreats to the Cornish Coast for a break, he encounters a veiled woman. Could it be the ghost of intrepid explorer Miss Alice Trellings, who disappeared whilst staying at the hotel?

Keen to escape London to work on their respective music scores and novel, two cousins stumble across a rural holiday let that is well below their budget. But it soon proves too good to be true when something on the top landing starts spooking them and their staff.

Brain surgeon Dr Francis Assheton is sceptical when one of his oldest friends holds a séance to show him ‘The Thing’ that has been appearing at his home. But when he witnesses it for himself and his friend then dies in mysterious circumstances, the doctor must recount his tale before it is too late.

Harry Pershore knocks down a wall to create a secret garden, despite warnings from his friend who has spotted that the patch of land has been walled off for a reason and is actually an altar of sacrifice. Pershore ignores his friend’s advice and it’s not long before strange things start happening in the garden.

In the remote town of Firham-By-Sea, two holidaymakers are curious about the derelict Corner House and its mysterious owners. Upon investigation, they unveil the grim story of Mr and Mrs Labson.

‘The Outcast’ tells the story of Mrs Bertha Acres, who is handsome and charming company, but inspires horror and dread in all who meet her, most notably her husband who killed himself after only a month of marriage. She starts afresh in a new village, but she is cursed to always be an outcast.

‘The Bath-Chair’ tells the story of the Faraday siblings. Edmund is a shrewd businessman, priding himself on his impeccable health. His spinster sister, Alice, lives with him performing all domestic duties and despises him. When Edmund starts seeing a lame figure who looks startlingly like himself and his own health starts mysteriously declining, Alice revels in plotting his downfall.

Reported to be an account of a real haunting experienced by the author at a house in Rye, this story features fleeting glimpses of an apparition in a walled garden.

Hester Ward is blessed with youth, health, beauty, a husband and two adorable children, but she is being tormented by a face in her dreams. It is hoped that a holiday by the coast will relieve her, but the face eventually manifests itself.