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Lucas
"I thought ease would come, here, tucked away in the safe uneventfulness of Hunsford. It would seem I was mistaken."
In 1813, upon her marriage to Mr Collins, the rector of Hunsford Parsonage, Charlotte Collins née Lucas left her childhood home in Hertfordshire for Kent, where she is set to live out her life as the parson’s wife, in an endless procession of dinners at Rosings Park, household chores, correspondence, and minding her poultry. But Mrs Collins carries with her a secret, a peculiar preference, which is destined to turn all her carefully laid plans on their head.
Lucas is a queer romance, a mock-epistolary novel, and a retelling and continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, teeming with Regency references and Sturm und Drang. It is an homage to English literature—and a brazen, revisionist fan fiction. But, first and foremost, it is a love story. Read it as you will.
In 1813, upon her marriage to Mr Collins, the rector of Hunsford Parsonage, Charlotte Collins née Lucas left her childhood home in Hertfordshire for Kent, where she is set to live out her life as the parson’s wife, in an endless procession of dinners at Rosings Park, household chores, correspondence, and minding her poultry. But Mrs Collins carries with her a secret, a peculiar preference, which is destined to turn all her carefully laid plans on their head.
Lucas is a queer romance, a mock-epistolary novel, and a retelling and continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, teeming with Regency references and Sturm und Drang. It is an homage to English literature—and a brazen, revisionist fan fiction. But, first and foremost, it is a love story. Read it as you will.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2020
7 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Elna Holst
22books49followersOften quirky, always queer, Elna Holst is an unapologetic genre bender who writes anything from lesbian lust and love stories to the odd existentialist horror piece. Find her on Instagram (@elnaholstwrites) or ŷ (yes, you're right here).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 15, 2021
I’m far from a Jane Austen expert, in part because I’m French and grew up reading French classics (and YA novels from English-speaking countries, since my mother would buy any book I wanted as long as it was in English, great way to learn), so while I have an idea of the atmosphere, it all feels very exotic. I’m reading or planning to read so many Austen retellings that, while they usually stand alone perfectly, I wonder whether the time hasn’t come to go back to the original, which I read a thousand years ago, as a teenager. For the time being, however, I’ll focus on Lucas.
I spent most of my time reading Lucas thinking how fabulous and exquisite the writing was. I could feel my brain cells dance with joy. I didn’t stay on the surface though, as that beautiful and, as far as I can tell, accurate writing tells a captivating story of forbidden love.
Married to a man she doesn’t love and who doesn’t love her, grieving the death of her son, Charlotte Collins, née Lucas, has convinced herself that she’s content with her boring life. The arrival of Ailsa Reid, the local doctor’s bright and irreverent cousin, shatters the still image of life as she knows it and fills Charlotte with all sorts of desires and possibilities. In letters � never sent � to her best friend (and first love) Elizabeth Darcy, née Bennet, she describes growing feelings and love between herself and Ailsa, the schemes they have to resort to, the hope and despair.
Even if she doesn’t understand it immediately, it’s love at first sight for Charlotte (and for Ailsa, as she’ll tell her repeatedly afterwards). At first, it’s all stolen looks and secret touches, until their first night together allows them to explore further, unleashing fire and passion. The intimate scenes are just as grandiose as the rest of the book, the author detailing the actions and events lesfic readers are used to reading about with completely different words, without ever weakening the hotness of the scenes. If you’ve ever felt like you’re reading the same sex scene over and over in lesfic, these will delight you.
There’s a lot more to this book than pretty words and clever turns of phrase. Ailsa is irresistible, clever, with a strong will and a kind heart. Charlotte aka Charly aka Lucas is naive and sensitive and passionate. They’re wonderful characters that you’ll just want to root for. Around them, each character has a very real personality. Charlotte’s husband is both bland and annoying, Ailsa’s cousin Tom is earnest and kind, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is stern and a diva, her daughter Anne and her nurse are full of surprises�
Beyond the romance, Lucas is a tale of adventures, of unforeseen betrayals and unexpected allies. It’s as heartbreaking as it is clever and, yes, thrilling and funny too.
ARC provided to for an honest review.
I spent most of my time reading Lucas thinking how fabulous and exquisite the writing was. I could feel my brain cells dance with joy. I didn’t stay on the surface though, as that beautiful and, as far as I can tell, accurate writing tells a captivating story of forbidden love.
Married to a man she doesn’t love and who doesn’t love her, grieving the death of her son, Charlotte Collins, née Lucas, has convinced herself that she’s content with her boring life. The arrival of Ailsa Reid, the local doctor’s bright and irreverent cousin, shatters the still image of life as she knows it and fills Charlotte with all sorts of desires and possibilities. In letters � never sent � to her best friend (and first love) Elizabeth Darcy, née Bennet, she describes growing feelings and love between herself and Ailsa, the schemes they have to resort to, the hope and despair.
Even if she doesn’t understand it immediately, it’s love at first sight for Charlotte (and for Ailsa, as she’ll tell her repeatedly afterwards). At first, it’s all stolen looks and secret touches, until their first night together allows them to explore further, unleashing fire and passion. The intimate scenes are just as grandiose as the rest of the book, the author detailing the actions and events lesfic readers are used to reading about with completely different words, without ever weakening the hotness of the scenes. If you’ve ever felt like you’re reading the same sex scene over and over in lesfic, these will delight you.
There’s a lot more to this book than pretty words and clever turns of phrase. Ailsa is irresistible, clever, with a strong will and a kind heart. Charlotte aka Charly aka Lucas is naive and sensitive and passionate. They’re wonderful characters that you’ll just want to root for. Around them, each character has a very real personality. Charlotte’s husband is both bland and annoying, Ailsa’s cousin Tom is earnest and kind, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is stern and a diva, her daughter Anne and her nurse are full of surprises�
Beyond the romance, Lucas is a tale of adventures, of unforeseen betrayals and unexpected allies. It’s as heartbreaking as it is clever and, yes, thrilling and funny too.
ARC provided to for an honest review.
September 27, 2020
Lucas gives us the story of a woman who has settled into a dispirited marriage. She is the wife of the rector; she is Mrs. Collins; she has accepted this role with a quiet, sad resignation.
The world flips when the local doctor’s cousin, Ailsa Reid, moves into the village. At first, Charlotte gains only a much needed friend but then life gifts her the love of a lifetime.
Passion rules but a patriarchal society and strict rules of conduct work against the pair but they will not be denied. Intrigue and deception give them a fighting chance and it’s a nail-biter to the end. Both Charlotte (Lucas) and Ailsa are distinctive. The supporting characters of family and snooty villagers add depth and humor. If you’re a fan of Pride and Prejudice, this one’s for you. If you just want to read a well spun story and a clever play on iconic characters, this one is most definitely for you.
Sweet and fun in all the best ways.
The world flips when the local doctor’s cousin, Ailsa Reid, moves into the village. At first, Charlotte gains only a much needed friend but then life gifts her the love of a lifetime.
Passion rules but a patriarchal society and strict rules of conduct work against the pair but they will not be denied. Intrigue and deception give them a fighting chance and it’s a nail-biter to the end. Both Charlotte (Lucas) and Ailsa are distinctive. The supporting characters of family and snooty villagers add depth and humor. If you’re a fan of Pride and Prejudice, this one’s for you. If you just want to read a well spun story and a clever play on iconic characters, this one is most definitely for you.
Sweet and fun in all the best ways.
June 25, 2020
In my last review of a Holst novella, I wished her books were longer. Yes! Wishes do come true. This is truly beautiful and completely different from her three novellas. Set in the early 1800s, this is a spin-off of Pride and Prejudice taking a speculative view of Charlotte Collins (nee Lucas), Elizabeth Darcy’s (nee Bennet) best friend. Charlotte married Mr Collins when she was 27, already venturing into ‘old maid� territory, and although she didn’t love him, nor him her, it was considered and wise match. This is the approximate background to the story but not where it actually begins. Charlotte has a stash of secret letters that she addresses to Elizabeth Darcy, divulging her innermost thoughts, but never sends. In them she details her meeting of the local physician’s cousin, Ailsa Reid.
I have no education in literature of the time but the language felt authentic and it created a fantastic atmosphere. It’s by no means difficult to read but it doesn’t allow one to forget the time period. Charlotte’s descriptions of her liaisons with Ailsa are sexy and sensual and convey not only their love for each other but their physical reactions to each other. I was taken in by the story and invested in their wellbeing from the moment I started reading.
I loved the speculation into the life of a minor character of a world-renowned novel. It has certainly made me wonder how often a marriage of convenience hid something not able to be expressed.
I have no education in literature of the time but the language felt authentic and it created a fantastic atmosphere. It’s by no means difficult to read but it doesn’t allow one to forget the time period. Charlotte’s descriptions of her liaisons with Ailsa are sexy and sensual and convey not only their love for each other but their physical reactions to each other. I was taken in by the story and invested in their wellbeing from the moment I started reading.
I loved the speculation into the life of a minor character of a world-renowned novel. It has certainly made me wonder how often a marriage of convenience hid something not able to be expressed.
April 13, 2020
"I thought ease would come, here, tucked away in the safe uneventfulness of Hunsford. It would seem I was mistaken."
Charlotte Lucas, now Mrs. Collins is living the dull live of a parson’s wife just as she wanted. Resigned to a loveless marriage her days are filled with endless dinners at Rosings Park, household chores, correspondence, and minding her poultry. That changes abruptly when she meets the mysterious Ailsa Reid, who has come to stay with her cousin, the village physician Dr. Thomas Reid. A torrid romance ensues. An affair that’s deemed to be ill-fated for Mrs. Collins is not free to love, but maybe Charly Lucas is.
Lucas was my first Elna Holst experience, and oh am I glad to have found her. Her style elegant and soulful and perfectly in tune with the period. I fell in love with the story, the characters we know so well but get to see in a totally different light (well, at least some of them), and with the author as well. I completely bowled over and in serious need of reading her entire back catalogue.
Lucas is an account of what happened to Charlotte and Ailsa between September 1815 and June 1816, written in a series of letters never sent to an imaginary version of her best friend Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bennet (now of course Mrs. Darcy). First I thought, Oh no, letters mean we are going to be too far removed from the feelings to get emotionally involved. Luckily that was not the case. Au contraire! Instead we are front row and center as this whole illicit love affair unfolds with enough passion to make your ears burn.
I loved that the romance happens early in the book so we get plenty of quality time with our two heroines and their stolen moments. Yes, Charlotte is cuckolding Mr. Collins and she is plenty aware of that. The author makes sure to convince the reader that Charlotte is at no point flippant about the choices she makes and how it will affect others. I also urge readers who would normally ignore a book with adultery as a subject to take a leap of faith. If you know the character of Mr. Collins you will find it easier already.
”I could do nothing but quake and draw my hand over my face, repeatedly, as if I could rub away the culpability that must be stamped upon it. Would he know? Would he be able to descry the unspeakable deed I have committed? To be cuckolded by a man� Oh! But by a woman! For such I must call it. I will not allow myself to veil my sin by linguistic mincing about. I have been unfaithful. I would—I will—be unfaithful again, should the opportunity arise. The infidelity of my flesh is as nothing, of no consequence, compared to the waywardness of my heart and soul. Even at that very moment, waiting for the door to be opened, for Travis to inform me of his return, I could feel her breath upon me. I could taste her sweet kisses on my lips. I was blushing. I was torn by guilt. I was defiant. If he could not tell from the merest glance, then he must be a greater dunce than ever even your papa would have reckoned him.�
Ailsa Reid is such a wonderful character. I loved her ardent nature, the way she goes after her Charly was thrilling. She comes with some pretty heart breaking drama from her past that will catch up with her in the present. Maidservant Lilly plays an important part in all of this and it kicks the plot into action. Some shocking revelations I could not foresee (superbly done, Elna Holst).
There was an excellent balance of romance, passion, drama and humor. It was engaging from start to finish and I completely fell in love with the book and will re-read it many times. I almost wanted to start at the beginning again as soon as I finished it, just to spend more time with Lucas and Ailsa. Lovers of Regency romance, Georgette Heyer fans, Jane Austen fans, Pride and Prejudice fans, historical romance fans, run to Amazon now and get this book. You don’t want to miss out.
Possible triggers: description of stillbirth, and mention of past non-consensual sexual abuse.
f/f explicit but in keeping with the period
Themes: 1815, secret letters, a love that does not dare speak its name, migraines, a pink rosebud left on the grave, Charlotte’s escritoire, Switzerland, a trip to Bath, Miss Anne de Bourgh likes to have her bottom paddled, the sisterhood to the rescue, Jane Austen would have approved.
5 Stars
* ARC provided by the author to in exchange for an honest review
Charlotte Lucas, now Mrs. Collins is living the dull live of a parson’s wife just as she wanted. Resigned to a loveless marriage her days are filled with endless dinners at Rosings Park, household chores, correspondence, and minding her poultry. That changes abruptly when she meets the mysterious Ailsa Reid, who has come to stay with her cousin, the village physician Dr. Thomas Reid. A torrid romance ensues. An affair that’s deemed to be ill-fated for Mrs. Collins is not free to love, but maybe Charly Lucas is.
Lucas was my first Elna Holst experience, and oh am I glad to have found her. Her style elegant and soulful and perfectly in tune with the period. I fell in love with the story, the characters we know so well but get to see in a totally different light (well, at least some of them), and with the author as well. I completely bowled over and in serious need of reading her entire back catalogue.
Lucas is an account of what happened to Charlotte and Ailsa between September 1815 and June 1816, written in a series of letters never sent to an imaginary version of her best friend Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bennet (now of course Mrs. Darcy). First I thought, Oh no, letters mean we are going to be too far removed from the feelings to get emotionally involved. Luckily that was not the case. Au contraire! Instead we are front row and center as this whole illicit love affair unfolds with enough passion to make your ears burn.
I loved that the romance happens early in the book so we get plenty of quality time with our two heroines and their stolen moments. Yes, Charlotte is cuckolding Mr. Collins and she is plenty aware of that. The author makes sure to convince the reader that Charlotte is at no point flippant about the choices she makes and how it will affect others. I also urge readers who would normally ignore a book with adultery as a subject to take a leap of faith. If you know the character of Mr. Collins you will find it easier already.
”I could do nothing but quake and draw my hand over my face, repeatedly, as if I could rub away the culpability that must be stamped upon it. Would he know? Would he be able to descry the unspeakable deed I have committed? To be cuckolded by a man� Oh! But by a woman! For such I must call it. I will not allow myself to veil my sin by linguistic mincing about. I have been unfaithful. I would—I will—be unfaithful again, should the opportunity arise. The infidelity of my flesh is as nothing, of no consequence, compared to the waywardness of my heart and soul. Even at that very moment, waiting for the door to be opened, for Travis to inform me of his return, I could feel her breath upon me. I could taste her sweet kisses on my lips. I was blushing. I was torn by guilt. I was defiant. If he could not tell from the merest glance, then he must be a greater dunce than ever even your papa would have reckoned him.�
Ailsa Reid is such a wonderful character. I loved her ardent nature, the way she goes after her Charly was thrilling. She comes with some pretty heart breaking drama from her past that will catch up with her in the present. Maidservant Lilly plays an important part in all of this and it kicks the plot into action. Some shocking revelations I could not foresee (superbly done, Elna Holst).
There was an excellent balance of romance, passion, drama and humor. It was engaging from start to finish and I completely fell in love with the book and will re-read it many times. I almost wanted to start at the beginning again as soon as I finished it, just to spend more time with Lucas and Ailsa. Lovers of Regency romance, Georgette Heyer fans, Jane Austen fans, Pride and Prejudice fans, historical romance fans, run to Amazon now and get this book. You don’t want to miss out.
Possible triggers: description of stillbirth, and mention of past non-consensual sexual abuse.
f/f explicit but in keeping with the period
Themes: 1815, secret letters, a love that does not dare speak its name, migraines, a pink rosebud left on the grave, Charlotte’s escritoire, Switzerland, a trip to Bath, Miss Anne de Bourgh likes to have her bottom paddled, the sisterhood to the rescue, Jane Austen would have approved.
5 Stars
* ARC provided by the author to in exchange for an honest review
June 8, 2020
Simply divine, a work of art!
Jane Austen left poor Charlotte Lucas languishing in the parsonage at Rosings, married to the offensive and oily Mr Collins. Elna Holst sends her a lifeline in the form of her letters to her dear friend Elizabeth Darcy, (although we only ever get to read the unsent and uncensored drafts) and the company of a new friend: Miss Reid, the doctor's cousin.
I love epistolary novels, the way the nature of the text draws attention the very fact that we might not get the full story. In "Lucas", this feeling is heightened when our letter writer breaks off mid-sentence, or declares she cannot bring herself to write as she is too upset. The occasional strikethrough again highlights that what we are reading is something created by a key player in this drama.
I have read a few other "Pride & Prejudice" books by other authors and was disappointed each time as they merely tried to replicate the original, but set in Pemberley for example. For me, one of the reasons that "Lucas" really works is because it doesn't focus on Elizabeth Bennett, (anyone who's read the original has their own strong ideas around her). Equally important is Holst's chameleon-like ability to switch genres seamlessly: I've read an awful lot of Austen, Georgette Heyer etc. and this is a flawless 'Recency' romance - admittedly this is much better given it features a lesbian couple!
Jane Austen left poor Charlotte Lucas languishing in the parsonage at Rosings, married to the offensive and oily Mr Collins. Elna Holst sends her a lifeline in the form of her letters to her dear friend Elizabeth Darcy, (although we only ever get to read the unsent and uncensored drafts) and the company of a new friend: Miss Reid, the doctor's cousin.
I love epistolary novels, the way the nature of the text draws attention the very fact that we might not get the full story. In "Lucas", this feeling is heightened when our letter writer breaks off mid-sentence, or declares she cannot bring herself to write as she is too upset. The occasional strikethrough again highlights that what we are reading is something created by a key player in this drama.
I have read a few other "Pride & Prejudice" books by other authors and was disappointed each time as they merely tried to replicate the original, but set in Pemberley for example. For me, one of the reasons that "Lucas" really works is because it doesn't focus on Elizabeth Bennett, (anyone who's read the original has their own strong ideas around her). Equally important is Holst's chameleon-like ability to switch genres seamlessly: I've read an awful lot of Austen, Georgette Heyer etc. and this is a flawless 'Recency' romance - admittedly this is much better given it features a lesbian couple!
November 26, 2020
I feel like Belle from Beauty and the Beast when I say "I've just read the most wonderful story."
This is like nothing I've ever read before. I had never read Jane Austen, nor anything even remotely related to Pride and Prejudice, but this story is quite magical. It's beautifully written (another review mentions that it's almost like it sings, and it's true!), both characters are brilliant, and I swear I had a proper lump in my throat towards the end. A lovely HEA, considering the risks and worry involved in something that seems as natural as breathing.
This book is something else entirely, and I loved it. Thank you so much for a wonderful story! I also have a strange urge to now watch everything from Gentleman Jack to Downtown Abbey, which is a sentence I never thought I'd say, lol. The historical piece isn't something I would ever have chosen, but I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book. Highly recommend!
This is like nothing I've ever read before. I had never read Jane Austen, nor anything even remotely related to Pride and Prejudice, but this story is quite magical. It's beautifully written (another review mentions that it's almost like it sings, and it's true!), both characters are brilliant, and I swear I had a proper lump in my throat towards the end. A lovely HEA, considering the risks and worry involved in something that seems as natural as breathing.
This book is something else entirely, and I loved it. Thank you so much for a wonderful story! I also have a strange urge to now watch everything from Gentleman Jack to Downtown Abbey, which is a sentence I never thought I'd say, lol. The historical piece isn't something I would ever have chosen, but I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book. Highly recommend!
August 27, 2023
we as a people (the nation of 👩❤️👩👯♀️👩❤️💋�) have got to do better...this shit was so dull!
I have always known (known, I tell you!!!) that charlotte lucas and I batted for the same team. to this day I remain haunted by the memory of having read some scholarly treatise to the effect, years and years and years back, that I have never since been able to find.
and so—in spite of completely forgetting that this was a Queer Charlotte Lucas book, as sometimes happens when a book has been languishing on my to-read shelf for years, as I intentionally don't reread the blurbs before finally checking something out from the library so as to avoid unnecessary spoilers; I mistakenly thought this was going to be a [more explicitly and separably] trans thing and probably also a western thing, because I thought I remembered having read this with the tagline "mama doesn't like most boys...but lucas isn't most boys," but that must have been another book, as I quickly realized when I started to read it—I had a pretty deep emotional investment here. and yet, even so, elna holst could not manage to compel me. for a book that is at least in part a pseudo-erotic thing, one that certainly can't shut up for even a single moment about another character's supposedly risqué proclivities (this character likes, get this, you wild cookies, being spanked! titter titter titter, etc.; this one-note joke is ridden well and thoroughly into the ground by novel's end), lucas is about as sexy as watching paint dry.
the instalove doesn't help, and holst simply never sold me on why ailsa is such a desirable partner, other than the fact of her being the only other woman in a fifty-mile radius who is (to charlotte's knowledge, of course) both a) gay and b) available. it's not that ailsa comes across as unattractive, in the broad sense; it's just that I never felt the spark, the chemistry, the passion. these beeps are crying their eyes out and swearing violent love and eating each other's pussies non fucking stop while I sat reading like a stone, every last one of my orifices bone-dry.
the aping of austen also fails on occasion, with silly grammatical constructions and so on that make no sense in that time period or ours (although apparently 'IOU' dates back to the 1610s!!!).
and the choice to make this a dear-diary thing? my god. I am staggered by the depths of the badness of that choice. I think that's a large part of what strips us as the reader of the excitement and keeps us at a remove from the supposed passions; why this couldn't simply have been written in good old-fashioned third-person past I'll never know—I'm sure holst could have found some other way to shove charlotte's lingering obsession with elizabeth at us.
just kind of tonally bizarre for me. mostly it's an experience of, like, having dinner with a new couple that are ALL over each other the whole entire time and calling each other 'my dove' or whatever and you and your other dinner-goers are just exchanging glances with each other like my god put a cork in it.
um, there's also some...uh, I guess I'll call it 'chicken abuse'...in this book that, at the risk of sounding like that one person on letterboxd who does vegan warnings for every movie, I honestly found reprehensible.
it's not a terrible book. it's just boring.
�
I have always known (known, I tell you!!!) that charlotte lucas and I batted for the same team. to this day I remain haunted by the memory of having read some scholarly treatise to the effect, years and years and years back, that I have never since been able to find.
and so—in spite of completely forgetting that this was a Queer Charlotte Lucas book, as sometimes happens when a book has been languishing on my to-read shelf for years, as I intentionally don't reread the blurbs before finally checking something out from the library so as to avoid unnecessary spoilers; I mistakenly thought this was going to be a [more explicitly and separably] trans thing and probably also a western thing, because I thought I remembered having read this with the tagline "mama doesn't like most boys...but lucas isn't most boys," but that must have been another book, as I quickly realized when I started to read it—I had a pretty deep emotional investment here. and yet, even so, elna holst could not manage to compel me. for a book that is at least in part a pseudo-erotic thing, one that certainly can't shut up for even a single moment about another character's supposedly risqué proclivities (this character likes, get this, you wild cookies, being spanked! titter titter titter, etc.; this one-note joke is ridden well and thoroughly into the ground by novel's end), lucas is about as sexy as watching paint dry.
the instalove doesn't help, and holst simply never sold me on why ailsa is such a desirable partner, other than the fact of her being the only other woman in a fifty-mile radius who is (to charlotte's knowledge, of course) both a) gay and b) available. it's not that ailsa comes across as unattractive, in the broad sense; it's just that I never felt the spark, the chemistry, the passion. these beeps are crying their eyes out and swearing violent love and eating each other's pussies non fucking stop while I sat reading like a stone, every last one of my orifices bone-dry.
the aping of austen also fails on occasion, with silly grammatical constructions and so on that make no sense in that time period or ours (although apparently 'IOU' dates back to the 1610s!!!).
and the choice to make this a dear-diary thing? my god. I am staggered by the depths of the badness of that choice. I think that's a large part of what strips us as the reader of the excitement and keeps us at a remove from the supposed passions; why this couldn't simply have been written in good old-fashioned third-person past I'll never know—I'm sure holst could have found some other way to shove charlotte's lingering obsession with elizabeth at us.
just kind of tonally bizarre for me. mostly it's an experience of, like, having dinner with a new couple that are ALL over each other the whole entire time and calling each other 'my dove' or whatever and you and your other dinner-goers are just exchanging glances with each other like my god put a cork in it.
um, there's also some...uh, I guess I'll call it 'chicken abuse'...in this book that, at the risk of sounding like that one person on letterboxd who does vegan warnings for every movie, I honestly found reprehensible.
it's not a terrible book. it's just boring.
�
how can I put it into words? do you remember that concert in town you took me to, with the great virtuoso who played the presto from vivaldi's 'l'estate', with such furore that there were more than one fainting fit in the audience? do you remember how he kept us spellbound, anxious for each mighty dip and turn of his bow, the notes tangible, visceral, seeming to touch and ignite our very skin where they went? and how we ached and yearned for—something, some release from our earthly shackles, some spiritual immanence, some alternate eternity that the music seemed to offer, beyond sense, beyond sound, beyond all but this sublime now, soon (presto, presto!) and we were all uplifted into this ethereal frenzy, and as the final movement faded we all fell: like angels, like leaves, like—as I meant to say all along—lovers.
April 21, 2020
Lucas is definitely one of my favorite reads for this year
Elizabeth Benett, the main character of the beautiful chef-d'oeuvre pride and prejudice, had a best friend named Charlotte Lucas, who sometime throughout the events of the novel had accepted the marriage proposal of the insufferable William Collins.
This is an elegant and original tribute to Jane Austen featuring Charlotte, as she goes by her daily duties as Mrs. Collins.
The novel is written in the form of virtual correspondences to Elizabeth, but mainly serving as a journal for Charlotte. She recounts her encounter with Miss Ailsa Reid, and how they gradually and passionately fell in love with each other.
I have to admit, that at first, I was a little bit discouraged to read a serie of letters. Well, I was pleasantly surprised and I stand in awe for author Elna Holst, for delivering this beautiful masterpiece; and I genuinely think this going to be a part of the pillars of the queer literature. The novel can get graphic yet it still follows the classical style of the period.
Many thanks to Netgalley and nineStar press for my electronic copy, in exchange for an honest review
Elizabeth Benett, the main character of the beautiful chef-d'oeuvre pride and prejudice, had a best friend named Charlotte Lucas, who sometime throughout the events of the novel had accepted the marriage proposal of the insufferable William Collins.
This is an elegant and original tribute to Jane Austen featuring Charlotte, as she goes by her daily duties as Mrs. Collins.
The novel is written in the form of virtual correspondences to Elizabeth, but mainly serving as a journal for Charlotte. She recounts her encounter with Miss Ailsa Reid, and how they gradually and passionately fell in love with each other.
I have to admit, that at first, I was a little bit discouraged to read a serie of letters. Well, I was pleasantly surprised and I stand in awe for author Elna Holst, for delivering this beautiful masterpiece; and I genuinely think this going to be a part of the pillars of the queer literature. The novel can get graphic yet it still follows the classical style of the period.
Many thanks to Netgalley and nineStar press for my electronic copy, in exchange for an honest review
June 27, 2020
Thanks to net galley.com and NineStar Press publishing for the advance ARC copy for my honest review.
This was my first read from author Elna Holst, that she uses a character from Jane Austen's classic "Pride and Prejudice", with "Lucas" made it both fascinating and an interesting read. It's written in the epistolary style, letters written by Charlotte to her childhood friend Elizabeth Bennet, the writing is perfect for the 1800's that it's written in and found it be a nice change from traditional writing.
Did find that it took most of Volume 1 for me to get into the story but the further into 'Lucas', I got the better it got and will read more from Elna Holst.
Liked both characters in this one, Charlotte Collins AKA 'Lucas' and Ailsa Reid, from their first meeting, the reader can visualize the attraction between the two, the chemistry they have, that no matter how wrong it is, they can't end the relationship and feel like the author could continue this into a series. Continue on with their travel to Switzerland, stories of their life in the Castle that Ailsa inherited from her mother and even add a twist as 'Lucas" portraying herself as Charles Lucas when they are out in public.
This was my first read from author Elna Holst, that she uses a character from Jane Austen's classic "Pride and Prejudice", with "Lucas" made it both fascinating and an interesting read. It's written in the epistolary style, letters written by Charlotte to her childhood friend Elizabeth Bennet, the writing is perfect for the 1800's that it's written in and found it be a nice change from traditional writing.
Did find that it took most of Volume 1 for me to get into the story but the further into 'Lucas', I got the better it got and will read more from Elna Holst.
Liked both characters in this one, Charlotte Collins AKA 'Lucas' and Ailsa Reid, from their first meeting, the reader can visualize the attraction between the two, the chemistry they have, that no matter how wrong it is, they can't end the relationship and feel like the author could continue this into a series. Continue on with their travel to Switzerland, stories of their life in the Castle that Ailsa inherited from her mother and even add a twist as 'Lucas" portraying herself as Charles Lucas when they are out in public.
February 1, 2021
Pride and Prejudice must be one of the most widely read books in the world. Centering around the Bennet sisters, the focus of that book is on Elizabeth Bennet. One of the most important relationships that Elizabeth has is with Charlotte Lucas, her best friend. A sensible (seemingly cynical) young lady, Charlotte surprises everyone by marrying the insufferable ass William Collins after Elizabeth refuses him. Charlotte’s marriage to Collins has always remained a problem. While it speaks volumes about the lot of women in that age and the choices, sacrifices and compromises they had to make, Collins is so beneath Charlotte in intelligence, polish and bearing that the pairing has always sat ill on readers.
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April 28, 2020
A review.
3.75 stars
This is not a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, and you need not be overly familiar with Austen’s work to be able to read and enjoy this story. It would add some background, but isn’t necessary to understand the story here of a woman who finds herself made less � who struggles to conform without giving up, entirely, on herself while living a lie. Wed to a man she neither loves nor likes, who is neither a friend nor even a foe, who is just � a fool, and one she holds in contempt without compassion, Charlotte writes letters to the ghost of her dearest friend instead of a diary.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety .
3.75 stars
This is not a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, and you need not be overly familiar with Austen’s work to be able to read and enjoy this story. It would add some background, but isn’t necessary to understand the story here of a woman who finds herself made less � who struggles to conform without giving up, entirely, on herself while living a lie. Wed to a man she neither loves nor likes, who is neither a friend nor even a foe, who is just � a fool, and one she holds in contempt without compassion, Charlotte writes letters to the ghost of her dearest friend instead of a diary.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety .
April 4, 2021
I'm only just getting into historical romance, and I really enjoyed the style of this one. It's inspired by Pride and Prejudice and picks up after the events in that book, and I thought the writing style really matched the vibe of Jane Austen's novels while still being very readable. I found myself really enjoying the writing style.
That said, I found myself enjoying the actual story and especially the romance less, at least initially, because it all just felt like it happened too fast - it felt quite rushed. Especially in historical romance, I personally prefer a slowburn. Later on, I did become more invested in the story as it progressed into a lot of yearning, which I'm always here for!
That said, I found myself enjoying the actual story and especially the romance less, at least initially, because it all just felt like it happened too fast - it felt quite rushed. Especially in historical romance, I personally prefer a slowburn. Later on, I did become more invested in the story as it progressed into a lot of yearning, which I'm always here for!
February 4, 2021
This one took a bit to get into. It is a story told in all letters. Correspondence between a woman and her 'friend' whom she never actually sends the letters to. She just uses the writing as sort of like a journal, I guess.
The sentence structure and words were also hard to follow. I'm sure the author did a great job of making it match the era, but I felt like I do when I watch movies or shows with British accents. I need subtitles because I can't understand them.
It was a bit depressing, to be honest. Such an oppressive weight. To not be able to be who you are. Marry and be a little woman. Obedient wife. Bad things constantly happening. Ailments. Loss. At times, this didn't feel very hopeful.
But overall, it had that kind of epic feel.
The sentence structure and words were also hard to follow. I'm sure the author did a great job of making it match the era, but I felt like I do when I watch movies or shows with British accents. I need subtitles because I can't understand them.
It was a bit depressing, to be honest. Such an oppressive weight. To not be able to be who you are. Marry and be a little woman. Obedient wife. Bad things constantly happening. Ailments. Loss. At times, this didn't feel very hopeful.
But overall, it had that kind of epic feel.
August 7, 2020
This is the pride and prejudice update I didn’t know I needed. The character of Charlotte makes so much sense this way, the epistolary format is done so well, and the story gripped me and wouldn’t let go.
April 30, 2020
This is 249 pages of beautiful writing. It’s structure and form are opulently crafted. Its text is written so elegantly, it nearly sings. This is art, plain and simple. This is not light reading, to be gobbled up quickly. This is a book to be savored and enjoyed with every turn of the page. This is a book for people who love to read, especially those who love the classics.
Lucas is a reimagining, if you will, of the beloved classic Pride and Prejudice. It is very much in keeping with the Georgian Era and includes many of the familiar names and places we know from Jane Austen’s novel. Holst’s version, however, turns things on its head in quite a delightful way.
The story is primarily told from letters penned by Charlotte Lucas. She is married to William Collins, the rector of Hunsford Parsonage. She dutifully fulfills her role as a rector’s wife, pragmatically tending to the obligations that are required of her. However, she is anything but fulfilled by her station as a parson’s wife. She writes letters that she can never send to her friend Elizabeth, detailing her inner thoughts and utmost complacency. The theme of those letters, however, begins to change once Ailsa Reid, cousin of the local doctor, arrives on the scene. The two are immediately drawn to one another, and this is where the real story begins.
This retelling of Austen’s classic is nothing short of a beautiful love story. Charlotte and Ailsa’s passion is intense and consuming. Unfortunately, it must be concealed from the world with such care to survive. Holst’s heart rendering tale of their love captures your heart and tugs on it in very wonderful ways. This is a book that resonates and reverberates long after its close. Charlotte and Alisa’s story of love and triumph is one you will want to revisit. A book like this needs to be appreciated again and again.
If you love re-tellings of classic fiction, then Lucas will hit the mark with you. It is well written and engaging from start to finish. I enthusiastically recommend this book. It is a gem.
Lucas is a reimagining, if you will, of the beloved classic Pride and Prejudice. It is very much in keeping with the Georgian Era and includes many of the familiar names and places we know from Jane Austen’s novel. Holst’s version, however, turns things on its head in quite a delightful way.
The story is primarily told from letters penned by Charlotte Lucas. She is married to William Collins, the rector of Hunsford Parsonage. She dutifully fulfills her role as a rector’s wife, pragmatically tending to the obligations that are required of her. However, she is anything but fulfilled by her station as a parson’s wife. She writes letters that she can never send to her friend Elizabeth, detailing her inner thoughts and utmost complacency. The theme of those letters, however, begins to change once Ailsa Reid, cousin of the local doctor, arrives on the scene. The two are immediately drawn to one another, and this is where the real story begins.
This retelling of Austen’s classic is nothing short of a beautiful love story. Charlotte and Ailsa’s passion is intense and consuming. Unfortunately, it must be concealed from the world with such care to survive. Holst’s heart rendering tale of their love captures your heart and tugs on it in very wonderful ways. This is a book that resonates and reverberates long after its close. Charlotte and Alisa’s story of love and triumph is one you will want to revisit. A book like this needs to be appreciated again and again.
If you love re-tellings of classic fiction, then Lucas will hit the mark with you. It is well written and engaging from start to finish. I enthusiastically recommend this book. It is a gem.
June 7, 2021
I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen and of Pre-romanticism, Gothic novels and Romanticism, especially British, American and French literatures, so it has been quite a pleasure to read Lucas by Elna Holst as it brought back many of the themes and motifs dear to me, but it finally also gave me what I always wished would have happened in Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma, when thinking of a free spirit like Elizabeth Bennet, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, Emma Woodhouse and if I may say, also Jo March from Little Women.
Free spirited women, not willing to settle for the obvious, for what society expects from them. Wise, strong women who want to be respected and play an active role in their future. Women who are writers of their own story.
Lucas is an epistolary novel, the main character, Charlotte Collins, née Lucas, recollects her days addressing her words to an imaginary and real friend, Elizabeth, Lizzie. Mrs Collins carries a normal and monotone life, married to a boring and insignificant husband whom she assists in all society gatherings, she seems destined to fulfill the essential duties on a woman in the XIX century: be a merely reproductive accessory next to a man. Her life is shaken to its core the day she meets Ailsa Reid, the cousin of Mrs Collins’s physician, a free spirit with a mysterious secret.
What did I like the most about this book?
I loved the contrast between Charlotte and Ailsa, one more prone to reasoning, the other more led to instinct, open, vital, and bold. The intimate moments they share together are pure romanticism, when even a gentle touch of a hand covered with a glove would send thrills all over the body. The excitement in removing all layers of clothing, in order to reach the naked skin. The torment of the soul while longing for the one you truly desire, the desperation for not being able to see each other, the explosive passion of the secret meetings. The witty dialogues between them and audacity of words when speaking from the heart, leaving reason behind.
Furthermore, if I think of the Gothic novel genre, and the theme of the “Monster� and the “Damsel in distress� in it, I certainly appreciated the fact that this time the monster is not an imaginary creature, the monster is “a man�, a man who thinks he’s entitled to take also what it’s not his, just because he thinks his gender allows him to. A man who is a stalking shadow haunting the victim and forcing the latter to a frantic escape. Mrs Jenkinson says it herself: “The man � the man, say I? The demon would be more apt. […] and yet they call us unnatural.�
But after all, in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the real monster was Frankenstein himself, not the creature. What Lucas teaches you, although, it’s that not “all men� are monsters, some can be allies, friends, and kind people. There’s still hope for humanity. What can seem “unnatural� to some, will be understood, and supported by others.
I cannot but not have empathy for the existentialist torment that Charlotte/Lucas proves throughout the whole book, her sense of duty, of not hurting anyone when trying to be finally happy and the continuous fight against her feelings and what religion/society obliges her to do.
What if there’s another way of pursuing happiness once you finally found it? What path would you choose if you have another chance to do what you should do?
“How many times in life must we necessarily cross paths with our future selves, playing the parts of our own ghosts, and be none the wiser�.
This sentence made me think quite a lot, and I’m glad this book showed that there are other paths to follow, that a woman can be in control of her own destiny, even if, in that century the only way of doing so, would have been assuming the identity of a man or receiving a small fortune as inheritance. I’m glad for those pioneering women, because even if it’s still difficult, I can be myself today.
Free spirited women, not willing to settle for the obvious, for what society expects from them. Wise, strong women who want to be respected and play an active role in their future. Women who are writers of their own story.
Lucas is an epistolary novel, the main character, Charlotte Collins, née Lucas, recollects her days addressing her words to an imaginary and real friend, Elizabeth, Lizzie. Mrs Collins carries a normal and monotone life, married to a boring and insignificant husband whom she assists in all society gatherings, she seems destined to fulfill the essential duties on a woman in the XIX century: be a merely reproductive accessory next to a man. Her life is shaken to its core the day she meets Ailsa Reid, the cousin of Mrs Collins’s physician, a free spirit with a mysterious secret.
What did I like the most about this book?
I loved the contrast between Charlotte and Ailsa, one more prone to reasoning, the other more led to instinct, open, vital, and bold. The intimate moments they share together are pure romanticism, when even a gentle touch of a hand covered with a glove would send thrills all over the body. The excitement in removing all layers of clothing, in order to reach the naked skin. The torment of the soul while longing for the one you truly desire, the desperation for not being able to see each other, the explosive passion of the secret meetings. The witty dialogues between them and audacity of words when speaking from the heart, leaving reason behind.
Furthermore, if I think of the Gothic novel genre, and the theme of the “Monster� and the “Damsel in distress� in it, I certainly appreciated the fact that this time the monster is not an imaginary creature, the monster is “a man�, a man who thinks he’s entitled to take also what it’s not his, just because he thinks his gender allows him to. A man who is a stalking shadow haunting the victim and forcing the latter to a frantic escape. Mrs Jenkinson says it herself: “The man � the man, say I? The demon would be more apt. […] and yet they call us unnatural.�
But after all, in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the real monster was Frankenstein himself, not the creature. What Lucas teaches you, although, it’s that not “all men� are monsters, some can be allies, friends, and kind people. There’s still hope for humanity. What can seem “unnatural� to some, will be understood, and supported by others.
I cannot but not have empathy for the existentialist torment that Charlotte/Lucas proves throughout the whole book, her sense of duty, of not hurting anyone when trying to be finally happy and the continuous fight against her feelings and what religion/society obliges her to do.
What if there’s another way of pursuing happiness once you finally found it? What path would you choose if you have another chance to do what you should do?
“How many times in life must we necessarily cross paths with our future selves, playing the parts of our own ghosts, and be none the wiser�.
This sentence made me think quite a lot, and I’m glad this book showed that there are other paths to follow, that a woman can be in control of her own destiny, even if, in that century the only way of doing so, would have been assuming the identity of a man or receiving a small fortune as inheritance. I’m glad for those pioneering women, because even if it’s still difficult, I can be myself today.
April 21, 2020
Charlotte Collins is married to Mr Collins the rector of Hunsford Parsonage in the early 1800s. Her duty/job to take care of her husband, the church, home etc. She is pretty unsatisfied with her life and takes to writing in her diary to her childhood friend (Lizzy) who is now married and has children and who she seems to have been in love with at some point. This story centers around Charlotte who eventually becomes Lucas.
I thought this was a rather interesting romance. I wasn't sure what to expect but knew I needed a change in what I was reading. This history romance shows how women were treated back in the 1800s. Also, the speech was for sure different. I had to look up a few things to make sure I understood what was going on. I must say, that even though I suspected a good outcome, this historical romance had a many twists and turns that made me want to keep reading.
I understand that many people have issues with infidelity when reading a romance, but you should be able to over look that in Lucas. Everything falls together with how Charlotte was treated to understanding that this setting was different to current times.
I thought this was a rather interesting romance. I wasn't sure what to expect but knew I needed a change in what I was reading. This history romance shows how women were treated back in the 1800s. Also, the speech was for sure different. I had to look up a few things to make sure I understood what was going on. I must say, that even though I suspected a good outcome, this historical romance had a many twists and turns that made me want to keep reading.
I understand that many people have issues with infidelity when reading a romance, but you should be able to over look that in Lucas. Everything falls together with how Charlotte was treated to understanding that this setting was different to current times.
April 20, 2020
I was super excited with Elna Holst reached out to me with news of this book’s publication and the offer to read a copy.
“I am sick of interposing these superfluous men between us.�
Lucas is a book I never knew I needed, but now that I’ve read it, I’ll never look at Pride and Prejudice the same way again, in the best kind of way.
Largely to save her friend from a loveless marriage to a boring man, Charlotte Lucas married William Collins in 1813. In this story, after a stillborn birth and a pretty joyless life as a rector’s wife, Miss Ailsa Reid shows up and changes her entire life. Charlotte has always held a peculiar preference, one that Ailsa brings to the surface, but it’s the early 1800s, and what chance do two women have to find happiness? This revisionist fiction dares to explore the untold queer story of one of the most important friends in Austen history.
For the past two(ish) weeks, all I’ve wanted to do is sit down and read this book, and I’ve stolen a few letters here and there at the end of each long day, but this morning, I finally had a solid hour and a half to sit down and finish it. I was on the edge of my seat for a good 50% of the book. Well versed in not only queer literature, but film, television, and culture, I know the odds of a happy ending for most lesbians, much less those in historical fiction, but I had faith that perhaps Charlotte “Lucas� and Ailsa might find some way to be together.
I love re-tellings and revisionist fiction, particularly when it involves queer characters, and Holst, I felt, stayed true to the original story and characters while giving me more incentive to care about them. Let’s be honest, all you have to do is tell me there are lesbians, and I’m all in, but I loved the life that Holst gave to Charlotte. Dear, sweet Charlotte who only wanted a comfortable home and was more than willing to sacrifice a chance at happiness so that Lizzie need not live a life of misery.
Nine Star Press never fails to deliver for me, and this latest publication is no different. If you’re an Austen fan and need something to hold your interest in these weird ass times that make it hard to concentrate, you’ll enjoy a quick escape back into the world of Austen with new perspectives.
“I am sick of interposing these superfluous men between us.�
Lucas is a book I never knew I needed, but now that I’ve read it, I’ll never look at Pride and Prejudice the same way again, in the best kind of way.
Largely to save her friend from a loveless marriage to a boring man, Charlotte Lucas married William Collins in 1813. In this story, after a stillborn birth and a pretty joyless life as a rector’s wife, Miss Ailsa Reid shows up and changes her entire life. Charlotte has always held a peculiar preference, one that Ailsa brings to the surface, but it’s the early 1800s, and what chance do two women have to find happiness? This revisionist fiction dares to explore the untold queer story of one of the most important friends in Austen history.
For the past two(ish) weeks, all I’ve wanted to do is sit down and read this book, and I’ve stolen a few letters here and there at the end of each long day, but this morning, I finally had a solid hour and a half to sit down and finish it. I was on the edge of my seat for a good 50% of the book. Well versed in not only queer literature, but film, television, and culture, I know the odds of a happy ending for most lesbians, much less those in historical fiction, but I had faith that perhaps Charlotte “Lucas� and Ailsa might find some way to be together.
I love re-tellings and revisionist fiction, particularly when it involves queer characters, and Holst, I felt, stayed true to the original story and characters while giving me more incentive to care about them. Let’s be honest, all you have to do is tell me there are lesbians, and I’m all in, but I loved the life that Holst gave to Charlotte. Dear, sweet Charlotte who only wanted a comfortable home and was more than willing to sacrifice a chance at happiness so that Lizzie need not live a life of misery.
Nine Star Press never fails to deliver for me, and this latest publication is no different. If you’re an Austen fan and need something to hold your interest in these weird ass times that make it hard to concentrate, you’ll enjoy a quick escape back into the world of Austen with new perspectives.
May 11, 2020
Told with craft and skill, Lucas is the queer Pride and Prejudice retelling/continuation we’ve all been waiting for. Do you remember Charlotte Lucas? Elizabeth’s friend who marries Mr. Collins? She’s our leading lady here as she lives her life as a clergyman’s wife, minding her poultry, in what appears to be numb indifference. That is until Ailsa Reid attends one of Lady Catherine’s dinners�
I adore letters. It is the superior way of communicating and the most intimate as what is more intimate than physical paper between two hands, the senders handwriting beneath your fingertips, and reading words sent with intent? I was very pleased to discover that this entire books consists of them. Mostly all are from Charlotte to a pretend Elizabeth Bennet (Darcy) describing her life and relationship with Ailsa Reid. It was such a personal way to tell the story and the writing is so beautiful, raw, and emotional. The vocabulary is impressive, and sets the setting perfectly for 19th century England. I really enjoyed Charlotte’s voice; it was rife with passion, intelligence, and a little humor, resulting in a very compelling narrative.
As for the plot � Charlotte Collins meets Ailsa Reid, cousin of Dr. Thomas Reid and a new member to their part of society having just left her Uncle’s house, at a dinner party. Commiserating through mutual illness as both women were not well enough to actually attend the dinner party though social standards dictated their presence, they formed an instant connection. Ailsa, a bit younger but no stranger to man’s nasty impositions, is strong and full of wit. How exciting for Charlotte to have a friend in the flesh once again, the very thing she desired, and watching that friendship turn intimate � Charlotte’s reacquaintance with happiness � was like watching someone breathe again after nearly drowning, or spotting a blooming flower after a particularly harsh winter. Boldened by love, the two women plan a future in which they can live together in bliss, but conflict ensues before they can execute their happily ever after. I won’t give away any spoilers, but the drama here is unpredictable and scandalous. Fear not, this is a love story in which our two maidens are happy though not without some small sacrifice. Naturally, I enjoyed the struggle.
I can’t end this review without touching upon the more romantic scenes. I don’t think I’ve seen depictions of lesbian relations laid out so eloquently as they are here. With foreplay that includes John Donne poetry and Holst’s own poetic description, I was left breathless on quite a few occasions by the sheer beauty of it. The writing is strictly phenomenal.
This is a book I look forward to returning to. If you are a fan of historical fiction, Pride and Prejudice, or just a good love story, then Lucas will not disappoint you.
I adore letters. It is the superior way of communicating and the most intimate as what is more intimate than physical paper between two hands, the senders handwriting beneath your fingertips, and reading words sent with intent? I was very pleased to discover that this entire books consists of them. Mostly all are from Charlotte to a pretend Elizabeth Bennet (Darcy) describing her life and relationship with Ailsa Reid. It was such a personal way to tell the story and the writing is so beautiful, raw, and emotional. The vocabulary is impressive, and sets the setting perfectly for 19th century England. I really enjoyed Charlotte’s voice; it was rife with passion, intelligence, and a little humor, resulting in a very compelling narrative.
As for the plot � Charlotte Collins meets Ailsa Reid, cousin of Dr. Thomas Reid and a new member to their part of society having just left her Uncle’s house, at a dinner party. Commiserating through mutual illness as both women were not well enough to actually attend the dinner party though social standards dictated their presence, they formed an instant connection. Ailsa, a bit younger but no stranger to man’s nasty impositions, is strong and full of wit. How exciting for Charlotte to have a friend in the flesh once again, the very thing she desired, and watching that friendship turn intimate � Charlotte’s reacquaintance with happiness � was like watching someone breathe again after nearly drowning, or spotting a blooming flower after a particularly harsh winter. Boldened by love, the two women plan a future in which they can live together in bliss, but conflict ensues before they can execute their happily ever after. I won’t give away any spoilers, but the drama here is unpredictable and scandalous. Fear not, this is a love story in which our two maidens are happy though not without some small sacrifice. Naturally, I enjoyed the struggle.
I can’t end this review without touching upon the more romantic scenes. I don’t think I’ve seen depictions of lesbian relations laid out so eloquently as they are here. With foreplay that includes John Donne poetry and Holst’s own poetic description, I was left breathless on quite a few occasions by the sheer beauty of it. The writing is strictly phenomenal.
This is a book I look forward to returning to. If you are a fan of historical fiction, Pride and Prejudice, or just a good love story, then Lucas will not disappoint you.
May 24, 2022
I really liked the way this story was told, through letters to an Eliza that existed in Charlotte’s past (or imagined in her mind?). Very well written and enjoyable from start to finish.
Edited to add: second time around as an audiobook and the narration was very well done. Still a really enjoyable romance.
Edited to add: second time around as an audiobook and the narration was very well done. Still a really enjoyable romance.
February 9, 2021
This book has a little bit of everything: a happy ending for Charlotte Lucas, sex in a church, ladies fainting because of love and/or fear, noblewomen getting spanked, the childhood best friend you accidentally fall in love with but can't tell because they're (probably) straight, sex in the rain, lesbian friends, oral sex so good it makes nearby flower bloom, symbolic dresses. And lots--and lots--of very Gothic punctuation.
Pros:
The writing is fantastic. There are a couple stand-out passages, but really the whole thing is lovely. The word choice seemed period (or period enough to pass, anyway), the style flowed nicely. It did that thing where the letter-writer has been "interrupted" and has to "come back later" approximately every other chapter, but it worked.
Well-paced--it ended at the right point, didn't draw out the conflict and the ending fit. Everything wrapped up neatly.
Con:
Alisa seemed almost too perfect. She says she has flaws, and I think they're period-appropriate flaws. But as a modern reader, those flaws just seem more like reasons to like her. She wasn't exactly shallow, but she got close. I'd have liked to see more of her bad side. Especially compared to Charlotte, she kind of faded into the background. Ironic, given Charlotte's role in P&P.
Pros:
The writing is fantastic. There are a couple stand-out passages, but really the whole thing is lovely. The word choice seemed period (or period enough to pass, anyway), the style flowed nicely. It did that thing where the letter-writer has been "interrupted" and has to "come back later" approximately every other chapter, but it worked.
Well-paced--it ended at the right point, didn't draw out the conflict and the ending fit. Everything wrapped up neatly.
Con:
Alisa seemed almost too perfect. She says she has flaws, and I think they're period-appropriate flaws. But as a modern reader, those flaws just seem more like reasons to like her. She wasn't exactly shallow, but she got close. I'd have liked to see more of her bad side. Especially compared to Charlotte, she kind of faded into the background. Ironic, given Charlotte's role in P&P.
May 30, 2020
Lucas, by Elna Holst, is a delightful re-imagining of Jane Austen's world, following the story of Charlotte Collins, Elizabeth Bennet's childhood friend. While Charlotte writes to the Lizzy we all know and love, this story is told in a second, secret set of correspondence Charlotte can never send to her friend, detailing her affection for women and her unexpected fall into infatuation and love--not with her husband, the rector of Rosings Park in Kent, but her physician's cousin, the delightfully unorthodox Miss Ailsa Reid. Ms. Holst paints a wonderful historic picture from the gardens and simplicity of Kent to the finery and excitement of a winter vacation Bath. Despite the fun and adrenaline of new, forbidden love, the more serious aspects of womanhood in Regency England were dealt with honestly and with respect.
Throughout the tale, Charlotte becomes increasingly akin to her imagined penpal, torn into two versions of herself: one, the demure, sensible Mrs Collins, rector's wife, the other swooning, secretive Charly Lucas, lover to the beguiling Ailsa. While the epistolary nature of the book made for a bit less world-building and richness than I would have liked, everything I love about Austen's world is here, from the longing and drama, to the exquisite clothes and races across the countryside for someone's honor and safety. I was hooked as Charlotte had to choose between her family's reputation and her own happiness.
Throughout the tale, Charlotte becomes increasingly akin to her imagined penpal, torn into two versions of herself: one, the demure, sensible Mrs Collins, rector's wife, the other swooning, secretive Charly Lucas, lover to the beguiling Ailsa. While the epistolary nature of the book made for a bit less world-building and richness than I would have liked, everything I love about Austen's world is here, from the longing and drama, to the exquisite clothes and races across the countryside for someone's honor and safety. I was hooked as Charlotte had to choose between her family's reputation and her own happiness.
August 3, 2020
I haven’t read a Gothic novel since university, but holy shit did this book drag me back and remind me of all the stuff I loved about them. Angst, drama, and passion! Lucas had it all. It sucked me in right away because it captured the feel of early 19th century fiction just well enough, but it definitely has some stuff that raised my eyebrow on many an occasion and left me saying “wait, what?!?!!!�
Full review:
Full review:
May 5, 2020
I will admit It took a little bit to actually get into this one. I had no idea what to expect when I went into it. The entire story is told through letters the main character Charlotte is writing to a friend that she never actually plans to send. While this was different and unique, the language and lack of context early on made it difficult to get involved with the story.
I think after about a third of the way through the book however I actually started getting into the story and I grew fond of Charlotte.
I'm glad I stuck with it, but I that it might be a little too unique for some readers.
I feel it is worth noting that I have not read Pride and Prejudice so I cannot comment on it's connections to this story.
I think after about a third of the way through the book however I actually started getting into the story and I grew fond of Charlotte.
I'm glad I stuck with it, but I that it might be a little too unique for some readers.
I feel it is worth noting that I have not read Pride and Prejudice so I cannot comment on it's connections to this story.
October 27, 2020
I loved this reimagining of Charlotte Lucas post Pride and Prejudice. I always wondered about Charlotte, since Lizzy Bennet is such a bright, funny character, but her best friend is not very developed in the original. To me, this is a believable and enjoyable twist on Charlotte's story, and it definitely explains away her willingness to be bound to Mr. Collins. Lucas and Alisa are very sweet and have great chemistry, and although some things do seem odd in the context of our modern society, I can appreciate what lengths they had to go through to be together at the time this book was set. Overall, it was a fun read.
June 13, 2020
Review excerpted from my blog post over at Pan/Cis LGBT2SQ+ Romance Reviews ()
Overall Rating: 4.0 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library LGBT2SQ+ historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Fast burn
Relationship dynamics: The Long-Suffering Parson’s Wife (h1) / The Charming New Neighbour (h2)
Sexual content: A fair amount; some explicit and some semi-explicit
Gender Identity: Cis (h1) / Cis (h2)
Sexual Identity: Lesbian (h1) / Lesbian (h2)
Triggers: Descriptions of stillbirth, extreme grief, rape, and religious angst around homosexuality
Acceptance Rating: 2.5 stars
Acceptance Rating Explanation: This book includes historically accurate attitudes towards homosexuality and also contains a fair amount of self-loathing related to sexual identity.
Grammar/Editing: My ARC included a couple of typos and grammatical errors, but was otherwise clean.
Review: Lucas is a Pride and Prejudice spin-off presented, essentially, in a “dear diary� format. The pacing is even and fairly quick. It is set primarily in Kent in 1815, with much reliance on Jane Austen’s descriptions of the setting. That being said, although I can’t imagine many people picking this title up if they haven’t read Pride and Prejudice, there is enough detail included for this book to be read independently. Essentially, this book is for those who wanted to hear more of Charlotte Lucas� story, or wanted something else for her entirely.
The main characters of Lucas are Charlotte and Ailsa. Charlotte is, as most readers will be aware, the long-suffering wife of the dreadful Mr. Collins, and best friend of Lizzie Bennet (now Darcy). We see a significant transformation of her character from the original material, however � although she starts the novel as she ever was, she quickly becomes impassioned and quite impulsive. Gone is the shrewd realist that was Charlotte Lucas. Ailsa is the cousin of the local physician who has come to live with him after leaving their uncle’s house, in which she endured terrible treatment. While Charlotte has never really examined her attraction to women, Ailsa knows that she is a lesbian � a sapphist, as she would have been referred to at the time. She is fiery, at times jealous, and very passionate. Their relationship is a little instalove and, at times, melodramatic, for my taste but, overall, this is an interesting study of what it must have been like for many lesbians of this era.
In terms of supporting characters, there are many returning characters from Pride and Prejudice, as well as newly introduced characters. Dr. Reid is interesting, although I don’t think we got as much development for him as we could have. Some of the changes to original Pride and Prejudice characters also seem a bit like the author has rewritten them purely for comedic purposes rather than any noble reason, especially Anne De Bourgh.
Overall, a fascinating second-chance spin off for Charlotte that is worth a read by devotees of the original.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Rating: 4.0 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library LGBT2SQ+ historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Fast burn
Relationship dynamics: The Long-Suffering Parson’s Wife (h1) / The Charming New Neighbour (h2)
Sexual content: A fair amount; some explicit and some semi-explicit
Gender Identity: Cis (h1) / Cis (h2)
Sexual Identity: Lesbian (h1) / Lesbian (h2)
Triggers: Descriptions of stillbirth, extreme grief, rape, and religious angst around homosexuality
Acceptance Rating: 2.5 stars
Acceptance Rating Explanation: This book includes historically accurate attitudes towards homosexuality and also contains a fair amount of self-loathing related to sexual identity.
Grammar/Editing: My ARC included a couple of typos and grammatical errors, but was otherwise clean.
Review: Lucas is a Pride and Prejudice spin-off presented, essentially, in a “dear diary� format. The pacing is even and fairly quick. It is set primarily in Kent in 1815, with much reliance on Jane Austen’s descriptions of the setting. That being said, although I can’t imagine many people picking this title up if they haven’t read Pride and Prejudice, there is enough detail included for this book to be read independently. Essentially, this book is for those who wanted to hear more of Charlotte Lucas� story, or wanted something else for her entirely.
The main characters of Lucas are Charlotte and Ailsa. Charlotte is, as most readers will be aware, the long-suffering wife of the dreadful Mr. Collins, and best friend of Lizzie Bennet (now Darcy). We see a significant transformation of her character from the original material, however � although she starts the novel as she ever was, she quickly becomes impassioned and quite impulsive. Gone is the shrewd realist that was Charlotte Lucas. Ailsa is the cousin of the local physician who has come to live with him after leaving their uncle’s house, in which she endured terrible treatment. While Charlotte has never really examined her attraction to women, Ailsa knows that she is a lesbian � a sapphist, as she would have been referred to at the time. She is fiery, at times jealous, and very passionate. Their relationship is a little instalove and, at times, melodramatic, for my taste but, overall, this is an interesting study of what it must have been like for many lesbians of this era.
In terms of supporting characters, there are many returning characters from Pride and Prejudice, as well as newly introduced characters. Dr. Reid is interesting, although I don’t think we got as much development for him as we could have. Some of the changes to original Pride and Prejudice characters also seem a bit like the author has rewritten them purely for comedic purposes rather than any noble reason, especially Anne De Bourgh.
Overall, a fascinating second-chance spin off for Charlotte that is worth a read by devotees of the original.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2022
(Read as part of a "sapphic takes on Jane Austen" binge.) This novel builds on the premise that Charlotte Lucas (of Pride and Prejudice) now Mrs. Collins, harbored a secret and never expressed passion for Lizzie Bennet. Having resigned herself to Lizzie’s happiness as Mrs. Darcy, and deeply unhappy and unsatisfied in her own marriage, she finds herself falling for the sister of the local doctor, a woman with a mysterious and ultimately horrifying backstory. A somewhat uncomfortable psychological novel, though structurally satisfying as a romance. But there were several plot twists and backstory scenarios that stretched my willing disbelief to the breaking point. The writing is quite good, though.
November 28, 2021
I've always hoped for a "gay Pride and Prejudice", and I've found it here in Holst's Lucas. Although I've always found Austen's style hard to follow, Holst has recreated it here seamlessly. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out this book was published by Ninestar Press. If you're looking for a sweet yet passionate Austen-inspired romance, this is it.
December 17, 2024
A for effort? That's all I can say. The writing style is apt, although it sometimes lapses into modernisms. Mostly, the story was too fast and too dramatic, the main character did not fit the Jane Austen characterization imo, and her love interest is barely fleshed out through her eyes. They so much, incredible things happen, and they swear eternal love.
September 24, 2021
4.5 stars
A beautiful love story. All I wanted was for both Charlotte and Ailsa to be happy and safe. There were some scenes that broke my heart, but, thankfully, the ending was very satisfying. Overall, a gorgeously written book filled with tender romance, some tragedy and a few humorous moments.
A beautiful love story. All I wanted was for both Charlotte and Ailsa to be happy and safe. There were some scenes that broke my heart, but, thankfully, the ending was very satisfying. Overall, a gorgeously written book filled with tender romance, some tragedy and a few humorous moments.
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