This is a nice and funny book describing the life of Miss Mapp who governs a small English village called Tilling. There are not many inhabitants there and the lady who is very intelligent has the power to manipulate them, make them do some expected things. Every character in this village is very bright and easy-to-remember. Among them it is worth to mention the greatest rival of Miss Mapp's Diva and the local artist Irene who does not really like the main character often embarrassing her. We also meet Vicar who is bright for his way of talking as in his speech he mixes Shakespearian English and Burnsian dialect. The novel starts with the description of a bridge party that takes place at Poppit's house. Such parties are often organized in the village and they are the main place of social life. Miss Mapp uses bridge to see other people's weaknesses and to keep in mind the ways of her possible future manipulations. The author Edward Benson does a great job in showing the smallest details of everyday life in Tilling. For example, he describes the opposition of Miss Mapp and Diva who want to be better-dressed. There is also a respected and the most handsome man name Mr. Wyse for whose attention almost all women are struggling. And of course, it is not possible to imagine a small village without gossiping where Miss Mapp takes an active part. The book is wonderfully written with the help of simple and ironic language. It will keep you smiling and laughing when you dive into it.