Step into the quirky, heartwarming world of Runnymede, Maryland, where the Mason-Dixon Line splits more than just geography—it divides hearts, loyalties, and the feisty Hunsenmeir sisters! Rita Mae Brown’s Runnymede series is a delightful blend of historical fiction, humor, and Southern charm, following the lives of unforgettable characters through decades of love, rivalry, and small-town scandals. From brawls over bingo to poignant tales of family, this series captures the messy beauty of human connection.
With its vibrant cast, led by the irrepressible Julia ‘Juts’ and Louise ‘Wheezie’ Hunsenmeir, Runnymede offers a front-porch view of American life, steeped in wit and wisdom. Whether you’re drawn to gossip-fueled dramas or stories of resilience, this series promises a rollicking ride through a town where everyone knows your business—and loves to meddle.
How Runnymede Began
Rita Mae Brown, a trailblazing feminist and author of the groundbreaking Rubyfruit Jungle, launched the Runnymede series with Six of One in 1978. Inspired by her own upbringing in Hanover, Pennsylvania, near the Mason-Dixon Line, Brown crafted Runnymede as a fictional stand-in for her hometown. The battling Hunsenmeir sisters, modeled after her mother and aunt, anchor the series with their larger-than-life personalities. Brown’s goal? To weave a feminist tapestry of 20th-century America, celebrating strong women and their unapologetic quirks.
Her love for storytelling and sharp social commentary shines through, blending humor with history. The series grew organically, with Brown revisiting Runnymede over decades, each book adding layers to its colorful community.
The Heart of Runnymede
The Runnymede series spans five books, each a vibrant snapshot of small-town life. Six of One (1978) introduces Juts and Wheezie, whose lifelong bickering begins in 1909 over a hair ribbon and spans decades of love and rivalry. Bingo (1988) fast-forwards to the 1980s, where the sisters, now in their 80s, disrupt bingo nights and vie for a suitor’s attention. Loose Lips (1999) rewinds to the 1940s, capturing wartime Runnymede as the sisters’ antics lead to a soda fountain brawl. The Sand Castle (2008), a novella, offers a poignant 1952 beach day with Juts, Wheezie, and their young relatives. Finally, Cakewalk (2016) returns to the 1920s, exploring post-World War I tensions and a scandalous wedding.
Themes of family, resilience, and social change thread through the series, set against Runnymede’s unique position on the Mason-Dixon Line. Brown’s bold, humorous style tackles taboos—lesbian romance, class divides, and gender roles—with a light touch, making heavy topics accessible. The setting, a town split between North and South, mirrors its characters’ internal conflicts, from love to prejudice, all wrapped in Southern mores and gossip.
Brown’s characters, like the aristocratic Celeste Chalfonte and speakeasy-running Fannie Jump Creighton, leap off the page, their quirks and passions driving the narrative. Whether it’s a riot at the movie theater or a heartfelt moment on a Chesapeake Bay beach, Runnymede’s stories balance comedy and heart.
Why Runnymede Resonates
The Runnymede series has carved a niche in historical fiction, beloved for its unapologetic portrayal of strong women and its blend of humor and history. Fans praise its relatability, with characters inspired by Brown’s family lending authenticity. Reviews highlight the series’ ability to make readers feel like they’re eavesdropping on Runnymede’s gossip, with Library Journal calling Cakewalk “brimming with merriment.” Its feminist undertones and inclusive stories, like Celeste’s lesbian romance, were ahead of their time, resonating with readers seeking diverse narratives.
Though not as mainstream as Brown’s Mrs. Murphy mysteries, Runnymede’s charm lies in its niche appeal—a cozy yet provocative escape that invites readers to laugh, cry, and reflect on the ties that bind us.
- First Book: Six of One (1978)
- Total Books: 5
- Setting: Runnymede, Maryland, on the Mason-Dixon Line
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Southern Fiction
Grab Six of One and dive into Runnymede’s hilarious, heartfelt world—where sisters bicker, secrets unfold, and every page feels like coming home!