Austen-inspired novel is comedian's first

Rachel Parris has written a sequel to Pride And Prejudice, imagining what happens to Charlotte Lucas after she marries the  ‘odious’ Mr Collins.

The comedian is a fan of Jane Austen and a founding member of    the comedy troupe Austentatious, which improvises a story in the style of the novelist. 

Entitled Introducing Mrs Collins, this will be Parris’ first novel and is set to be published in November 2025, ahead of Austen’s 250th birthday in December.

Publisher Coronet says: ‘Parris, like many Austen fans, has always puzzled over the character of Charlotte – intelligent, witty, sensible and in many ways similar to our heroine Elizabeth. And yet she says YES to odious Mr Collins!? 

‘In her debut novel, Parris revisits the story, starting with the point at which Charlotte says yes, but taking us far beyond the end of Austen’s tale – when Charlotte’s life in Kent of duty, routine and quiet contentment is upended by an unexpected visitor at Rosings Park. A spark is lit, an impossible longing awakened.’

Parris said: ‘As a lifelong Austen fan, I’ve been cheering on Charlotte Lucas since I first read Pride and Prejudice; a woman who is overlooked by most, who recognises society for what it is, who knows her mind and makes a bold choice for herself. 

‘I always wanted to know what happened next, so I’ve written it. I hope that it brings joy to fans of Austen and strikes a chord with anyone who has had to take an unusual path to find their happiness.’

Coronet’s editorial director Anna Mrowiec told trade website The Bookseller: ‘I’ve never had so many excited replies from colleagues as when I circulated this proposal. 

‘Rachel is the perfect person to write this novel. She touches on more modern themes and sensibilities that make this a thoughtful and affecting novel.’

In 2023, Parris released the book Advice From Strangers: Everything I Know From People I Don't Know, based on life tips that audience members at her comedy show had told her. 

She is not the first person to write a Pride And Prejudice sequel, with other titles include The Darcys of Pemberley by Shannon Winslow: Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James; The Other Bennet Sister  by Janice Hadlow and Pemberley: A Sequel to Pride and Prejudice" by Emma Tennant.

Introducing Mrs Collins is available to order in advance from Amazon in hardback or Kindle.

Published: 13 Mar 2025