It’s been almost a year since I enjoyed Elna Holst’s In The Palm (if you haven’t indulged on this masterpiece novella then I highly recommend doing so), and I have been greatly anticipating another book.Told with just as much craft and skill, Lucas is the queer Pride and Prejudice retelling/continuation we’ve all been waiting for. Admittedly, I had to skim through my old copy of P&P to stir my memory as it had been over ten years since my last reading. 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…
Have I mentioned how much 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.
Follow Elna Holst on Instagram: @elnaholstwrites