Mona of the Manor

In Mona of the Manor, the long-awaited tenth instalment of Armistead Maupin’s internationally acclaimed Tales of the City series, readers are whisked away from the familiar streets of San Francisco to the charming English countryside. Here, we find Mona Ramsey, once a bohemian resident of 28 Barbary Lane, now the unlikely proprietor of Easley House, a picturesque but financially struggling manor.

Mona's journey to becoming the lady of the manor started when she married Lord Teddy Roughton. The marriage was meant to secure Teddy's visa, allowing him to pursue his dreams in San Francisco. However, by the age of 48, Mona unexpectedly finds herself the sole owner of Easley House after Teddy's untimely death. With her adopted son, Wilfred, by her side, Mona opens the doors of Easley to paying guests to ensure the upkeep of the expansive estate.

The arrival of a married American couple at Easley sets off a series of events that entwines everyone's fate in the manor. As Mona and Wilfred unravel the couple’s disturbing secret, they face a new challenge that distracts them from preparing for the visit of old friends Michael Tolliver and Anna Madrigal, matriarch of the tight-knit Barbary Lane family. In the midst of personal turmoil, Mona must muster her considerable charm, resilience, and cunning to rectify the situation before the manor's historic Midsummer ceremony takes place.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s England, Mona of the Manor masterfully blends comedy and drama. Maupin’s signature wit and keen observation are ever-present, as he explores themes of identity, family, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel juxtaposes the quaint English manor life with the eclectic realities of San Francisco, creating a compelling narrative that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Hurdling barriers both social and sexual, Armistead Maupin leads readers through an intricate dance of heartbreak and triumph, punctuated by moments of nail-biting tension and serendipitous joy. Characters old and new are vividly brought to life, their interconnected stories weaving a rich tapestry that highlights the enduring themes of love, acceptance, and community that have defined the series from the beginning.

The critic reviews reflect the novel's charm and relevance:

'A breeze' - The Times

'Delightful comedy of manners' - iPaper

'A welcome tenth instalment of his iconic Tales Of The City saga' - Mail on Sunday

'A witty novel about identity and finding a family in 1980s England' - Woman&Home

'The message still shines out in the new book- find the people who love and understand you' - The Scotsman

Mona of the Manor is a glittering addition to the Tales of the City series, continuing to enchant new generations with its warm-hearted and incisive examination of the human condition. Fans of the series will be delighted to reunite with beloved characters and immerse themselves in Maupin’s enduring world, while new readers will find a captivating entry point into this richly crafted saga.