About the Book
Charlotte Lucas always thought she wasn't romantic and had written herself out of her own life - but is it ever too late to find your own happy ending?
When Charlotte Lucas chooses security over romance, her eyes are wide open to the decision she is making. Marriage to Mr Collins offers stability, if not passion, and she is determined to make the best of it. While Elizabeth Bennet turns away in judgement of her choice, Charlotte builds a life in Kent - one of duty, routine and quiet contentment.
But everything changes when an unexpected visitor arrives at Rosings Park. A spark is lit, an impossible longing awakened.
Torn between what she must do and what she truly desires, Charlotte finds herself at the centre of a story she never expected to be hers. A tale of love, loss and second chances, Introducing Mrs Collins is for anyone who wondered if there was more to the sensible character we met in Pride and Prejudice. It is the story of a woman who had written herself out of her own life, only to learn it is never too late to find your own happy ending.
About the Author :
Rachel Parris is a BAFTA-nominated comedian, musician, actor and improvisor, best known for her viral segments on The Mash Report and Late Night Mash, which have garnered over 100 million views. Her TV appearances include Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You?, QI and Mock the Week, and she is a regular guest on Radio 4's The Now Show and I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue. She co-hosts the popular podcast How Was It for You? with her husband Marcus Brigstocke. Rachel also wrote and presented a Jane Austen comedy programme, Austensibly Feminist, about how to view Jane Austen as modern feminists.
Rachel is a founding member of the critically acclaimed improv comedy group Austentatious, in which the all-star cast invent a play based on a title suggestion from the audience. As a touring comedian she has performed her award-winning musical comedy to sell-out audiences across the UK.
Review :
Beautifully done, full of drama, with a delectable Regency setting as a backdrop
The perfect Austen fix. Charlotte Lucas of Pride and Prejudice finds her sensible marriage to Mr L ticking along, until cupid takes aim. Delightful, beguiling and accomplished!
I have JUST devoured Mrs C (so to speak) and adored it. So good it made me grateful that I was stuck on a train
Genuinely funny and moving. I enjoyed every second of Introducing Mrs Collins. It was like spending time with old friends
Parris has achieved a remarkable feat by adding to Jane Austen's world a truly funny novel that delivers an emotional heart as well. Jane would be very amused indeed
Hoovered it up! GREAT fun!
Funny, then suddenly deep, then deeply romantic. A marvellous and mighty literary magic trick. It's genuinely funny - brilliantly plotted, and then suddenly it opens up into deep and subtle and unexpected emotions. Rather like the work of another author I love, born 250 years ago
A delightfully witty, moving debut . . . Parris' comedic flair shines through, balancing insight, charm and heart. It's clever, warm-hearted reimagining that gives Charlotte her own happily ever after, at last
Really loved this. A very believable sequel to Pride & Prejudice which treads the line of being faithful to the original characters while adding convincing context and just the right amount of subversion!
In Jane Austen's 250th anniversary year, comedian Rachel Parris - a founding member of the improvised play Austentatious - delivers a witty debut. She brings Charlotte Lucas, often sidelined in Pride & Prejudice into sharp, humorous focus, exploring the life she builds after marrying Mr Collins
A fitting finale to Jane Austen's 250th birthday year, this delightful tale continues the story of Charlotte Lucas after she chooses security over romance and marries Mr Collins. But, as her best friend Lizzy Bennet argues, is there more in store for her than a life of duty?
Introducing Mrs Collins is the feminist Jane Austen reimagining you didn't know you needed! This reclamation of Charlotte Lucas is hilarious, warm and deeply satisfying. I loved the empathetic and surprising new perspective on some of our other favourite female characters too! This is a gorgeous, cosy, funny read, but it also deals poignantly with deeper issues, from miscarriage to female friendship, examining what it has meant to be a woman in a patriarchal society for centuries, with observations that still ring painfully true today
Comedian (and Jane Austen fan) Rachel has turned her hand to novels, and this sequel to Pride & Prejudice is both clever and interesting. It picks up Charlotte Lucas' story just as she agrees to marry odious Mr Collins - and asks: what on earth was she thinking?!
Really terrific! A brilliant imagining of Pride and Prejudice's other heroine, and all the surprises life can throw your way even after you 'settle' - full of wisdom, wit, warmth, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Hugely recommended
PRAISE FOR RACHEL PARRIS
Warm witty and wise
Rachel is one of my favourite comedians. This book is warm, wise and hilarious. It is written in her comic voice - a voice she mainly has used to tell me off, so I am thrilled to see it deployed in this way
A hilarious, fiery, reassuring hug of a book. Full of laughter, compassion and feminist wisdom.
Hilarious, original and wise. This is essential reading.
Hilarious, wise and heart breaking. Like an all-night over-share with your best friend
