Miss Mapp

"Miss Mapp" by E. F. Benson is a witty novel that explores social life in the fictional town of Tilling. The story follows Miss Elizabeth Mapp, a middle-aged woman with a nose for gossip and a knack for social scheming. From her perch overlooking the town, Miss Mapp keeps a close eye on her eccentric neighbors, particularly Major Flint and Captain Puffin. This story kicks off with Miss Mapp’s blend of annoyance and nosiness as she spies on her neighbors, always on the lookout for a juicy bit to share or an opening to climb the social ladder. The other residents are a lively bunch whose actions fuel Miss Mapp’s complex friendships and bitter rivalries, which are highlighted when one of them, Mrs. Poppit, throws a bridge party. The novel shows the funny tension and complicated social games that fill Miss Mapp's world, setting the stage for the delightful clashes that define the rest of the book.