The Mitford Affair
Bestselling author Marie Benedict is back with a compelling novel about the real Mitford family in pre-WWII England. Cousins of Clementine Churchill, the Mitfords are a family of six sisters and one brother, all in their teens and twenties as the 1930s begin in London. The family has recently descended from greater heights, downsizing their home more than once in an effort to remain in wealthy circles while actually affording their lifestyle.
The Mitford sisters could probably each carry their very own book, as they are all so bold in their unique ways, but it’s perhaps more fun to see them interact with each other here. The focus stays primarily on Diana, Unity, and Nancy, who are all learning a bit about fascism and having responses ranging from turning away from it to falling in love with Hitler. The sisters clash with history as it’s being made and with each other, noting early in the book that “We Mitford sisters never forget. Only pretend to forgive,” clearly foreshadowing the adventures to come. Benedict pulls no punches here, and is even bold enough to make both Churchill and Hitler characters with dialogue outside of speeches or other recorded history. Most fascinating is the organization of chapters, with one from Nancy, one from Diana, and one from Unity, always one after another in that order, almost always recording their thoughts and actions on the exact same dates, but with only Nancy’s chapters written in the first person. It may sound confusing, but readers will likely find it quite captivating.
