Retro Reads discussion

For open spoilers & final conclusions!

So far, I am finding this novel the best one yet!

Yes, it's very good!

Amanda wrote: "Yes, it's very good!"

I'm sure the scriptwriters for an old British comedy series Keeping Up Appearances were inspired by these books.

Oh, sorry, here it is!

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Amanda wrote: "Yes, it's very good!"

I'm sure the scriptwriters for an old British comedy series Keeping Up Appearances were inspired by these books."

Oh, wow, get out of my head! I kept seeing Hyacinth Bucket in many of Lucia’s more shameless social-climbing plots and plans!

Susan in NC wrote: "Oh, sorry, here it is!"

Sorry Susan, I made a bit of a hash of adding this thread!

There are episodes on You Tube. I may watch some of them after I complete this read.

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Oh, sorry, here it is!"

Sorry Susan, I made a bit of a hash of adding this thread!"

I saw it, thank you.

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "There are episodes on You Tube. I may watch some of them after I complete this read."

Oh, cool - I only have the Geraldine McEwan DVD collection, which covers the “Mapp & Lucia” and beyond period of the series

Susan in NC wrote: "Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "There are episodes on You Tube. I may watch some of them after I complete this read."

Oh, cool - I only have the Geraldine McEwan DVD collection, which covers the “M..."

Oh sorry - I meant Keeping Up Appearances

I'll check after I finish the book if Mapp & Lucia are on You Tube.

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "There are episodes on You Tube. I may watch some of them after I complete this read."

Oh, cool - I only have the Geraldine McEwan DVD collection,..."

Oh, ok - it hit me, when poor Peppino got sick and just wanted to rest in Riseholme, that he was just like Hyacinth’s Richard, always carried along in the wake of his more forceful wife!

TBH, I have been picturing Richard every time poor Peppino makes an appearance!

Finished & I loved it. Hard to pick the best parts, but Lucia & Stephen's faux affair was pretty funny!

I found the ending a bit of a wasted opportunity.

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "TBH, I have been picturing Richard every time poor Peppino makes an appearance!"

Same here!

I only meant to read a chapter with breakfast to start my day, but having enjoyed Lucia's faux affair with Stephen, I carried on reading and laughed my way through Lucia's golfing.

Now enjoying she and Georgie's experience with the planchette and their interpretation of what has been written. so much that I'm now contemplating forgoing my planned tasks for this morning and reading to the end!

This book I've enjoyed so much more than the previous two.

Lesley wrote: "I only meant to read a chapter with breakfast to start my day, but having enjoyed Lucia's faux affair with Stephen, I carried on reading and laughed my way through Lucia's golfing.

Now enjoying s..."

Yes, I really enjoyed this book. Lucia is hilarious with her social climbing.

Lesley wrote: "I only meant to read a chapter with breakfast to start my day, but having enjoyed Lucia's faux affair with Stephen, I carried on reading and laughed my way through Lucia's golfing.

Now enjoying s..."

I loved the first one, but found Miss Mapp a bit unlikeable. I'm looking forward to the next one (which is in the Book Pool)

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Lesley wrote: "I only meant to read a chapter with breakfast to start my day, but having enjoyed Lucia's faux affair with Stephen, I carried on reading and laughed my way through Lucia's golfing.
..."

I think I enjoyed Lucia in this book more than the first because I'd become used to her. I feel she's a character you have to gradually get to know to like.
Miss Mapp just didn't do it for me as a 'person;.
I didn't realise the next is in the Book Pool so I'll have to get on and read it to be included there.
I did explore YouTube and found what appears to be full episodes of the 1985 TV series. This is the one that Geraldine McEwan plays the part of Lucia, and surprisingly Prunella Scales is cast as Miss Mapp! I haven't watched any of it yet, but for those interested here's the link

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Thanks! I will be watching that.

Lesley wrote: "Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Lesley wrote: "I only meant to read a chapter with breakfast to start my day, but having enjoyed Lucia's faux affair with Stephen, I carried on reading and laughed my..."

I treated myself to the CD collection years ago, was thrilled to find it on YouTube (my CD player is bound to konk out some time!) I love this version, both leads are perfect - Geraldine really brings Lucia to elegant, snobbish life, and Prunella has Mapp’s malice-hidden-behind-a wide, toothy-grin down pat!🤣🤣 The whole cast is perfection! As far as I recall, pretty close to the book plot, as well. I think I know what I’ll be watching this weekend! ;o)

I have just finished, and completely loved it all over again. Too funny.

Oddly, because the BBC later sreies mixes up the books, I find myself picturing Anna Chancellor as Lucia, but Prunelka Scales as Mapp. Very muddled.

Tania wrote: "I have just finished, and completely loved it all over again. Too funny.

Oddly, because the BBC later sreies mixes up the books, I find myself picturing Anna Chancellor as Lucia, but Prunelka Scal..."

But who do you see as Georgie?

I see Georgie as a slightly plumper Nigel Havers. I think I will have to watch some or the originals this weekend too. I have been watching the Jeeves and Wooster series while we were without internet this month, so it will be a nice follow on.

I watched episode 1 last night - I’m afraid Nigel Hawthorne will always be Georgie to me! The way he and Lucia giggle and make those baby sounds to each other, and the way he says “tarsome” and manages his cape! And Prunella Scales with Mapp’s alligator wide smile…and Geraldine McEwan has mastered Lucia’s basilisk stare! Delightful.

I really enjoyed the book. George was wonderful and I did look up Oxford bags because I could not picture his pants! Olga was such a good character, the only one who was both rich and talented but didn’t put on airs. Lucia is as dreadful as ever but I thought she needed a better adversary than “poor Daisy.” Miss Mapp gave her a run for her money! She revealed a softer side in her care of Pepino so that was to her benefit. I wonder if she decided at last it was better to be a big frog in a small pond.

Elinor wrote: "I really enjoyed the book. George was wonderful and I did look up Oxford bags because I could not picture his pants! Olga was such a good character, the only one who was both rich and talented but ..."

Thank you, very apt summation, Elinor! That’s the vibe I got, and why I only read this once - it was never referred to again, and then she and Georgie (view spoiler)[move to Tilling, and she rules there, again the biggest frog in a small pond (a Tillingite would never forgive me!) and all the books take place there! Although I have a vague memory that in a later book Lucia gets a bit big for her britches and must retrench to retrieve her throne, and someone from the London adventure might take part - I don’t remember. (hide spoiler)]Perfect excuse to read more Lucia!🤣