Rachel Parris pens Pride & Prejudice sequel
Comedian and Regency improv troupe Austentatious member Rachel Parris has written a sequel to Jane Austen's lauded novel, Pride & Prejudice.
Introducing Mrs Collins will be published by Coronet in November 2025, ahead of Jane Austen's 250th birthday in December and in the same year the well-remembered BBC TV adaptation turns 30.
The book's blurb explains: "A tale of love, loss and second chances, Introducing Mrs Collins is for anyone who wondered if there was more to the sensible character [of Charlotte Lucas] we met in Pride & Prejudice. It is the story of a woman who had written herself out of her own life, only to learn it is never too late to find your own happy ending."
Parris says: "As a lifelong Austen fan, I've been cheering on Charlotte Lucas since I first read Pride & 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."
Writing in The Bookseller, the publishers 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."
Editorial director Anna Mrowiec comments: "I've never had so many excited replies from colleagues as when I circulated this proposal. Hodder and the world beyond are full of Austen fans desperate for more and particularly to give Charlotte a second chance. 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."
Introducing Mrs Collins, due to be published in hardback and eBook formats on 6th November, is available to pre-order now.
Rachel Parris - Introducing Mrs Collins: A Pride And Prejudice Story
Charlotte Lucas always thought she wasn't romantic and had written herself out of her own life - but is it ever too late to find your own happy ending?
When Charlotte Lucas chooses security over romance, her eyes are wide open to the decision she is making. Marriage to Mr Collins offers stability, if not passion, and she is determined to make the best of it. While Elizabeth Bennet turns away in judgement of her choice, Charlotte builds a life in Kent - one of duty, routine and quiet contentment.
But everything changes when an unexpected visitor arrives at Rosings Park. A spark is lit, an impossible longing awakened.
Torn between what she must do and what she truly desires, Charlotte finds herself at the centre of a story she never expected to be hers. A tale of love, loss and second chances, Introducing Mrs Collins is for anyone who wondered if there was more to the sensible character we met in Pride And Prejudice. It is the story of a woman who had written herself out of her own life, only to learn it is never too late to find your own happy ending.
First published: Thursday 6th November 2025