Hello, Madame Arcati
You will probably recall that EF Benson (“Fred” to his friends), the creator of the immortal “Mapp and Lucia” series, is now being hailed as a major gay writer. He managed to pull of the seemingly impossible; at a time when homosexuality was a serious criminal offence he lived openly with two different men and yet still entertained members of the royal family to lunch! This conflict is reflected in his books, which feature among other things a lesbian couple, a gay toy-boy chauffeur, a Duchess with a fetish for beards and (only Benson could think of this) a non-practising bi-sexual.
Just as Sebastian Faulks has done for James Bond, I have done for Mapp and Lucia. With the blessing of Benson’s estate I have written a brand new Mapp and Lucia book. Entitled Major Benjy it is published by Troubador in the UK, the US and Canada on 1 September. I do hope that this is the sort of item you would be prepared to cover (no pun intended). Without giving away the plot, you can rest assured that the book fully reflects all the sexual quirks of the originals.
Best wishes,
Guy Fraser-Sampson
My new website is now online at http://www.guyfs.com/
Get the latest on Major Benjy at http://www.troubador.co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid=627
9 comments:
This is a new one on me. I can't imagine another Benson-like novel without it degenerating into camp pastiche.
camp pastiche would be a lot better than 99% of new novels - which are mere pastiche.
Is there any sex in this new Mapp and Lucia? I'm not sure Benson did sex between the covers.
It's hopefully an "homage" rather than a "pastiche" (and how pretentious is that?)
There is indeed sex, but all in a rather gentle, naughty sort of way. And yes, sesame oil is involved.
Madame Arcati may shortly be doing an interview, at which point more details may be revealed.
Hmm, not entirely sure why the concept of a "non-practising bisexual" is something "only Benson could think of". There are plenty of us in the world dearie!
Still and all, I do love his books.
Does anyone know what kind of sex Benson liked? - I bet he was a bottom who likeda full load. I hope that's not going too far.
Hello Sue, I like your blog. I'll put in on my roll.
Madame, I am most honoured!
Let's not forget that there are already two 'Mapp and Lucia' novels not written by EFB. These are 'Lucia In Wartime' and 'Lucia Triumphant', both by Tom Holt.
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