bailedI think Nancy Mitford‘s life and family are fascinating, and I wanted to read this book because it upset her family when it was published, especially the Nazi sympathizer members. She refused to let it be reprinted in her lifetime, partly because of the mediocre sales numbers and reviews, but mainly because she wanted to keep the peace within her family. I bailed. She‘s a good writer but the story and characters just didn‘t keep me interested.
so-soThis book was a very interesting glimpse into 1935 Britain. The subject matter is much more serious than Nancy anticipated, I believe, based on the flippant way she treats Naziism and Social Unionism. I see parallels in the way America treated certain people, events and policies pre-2016…
pickThis was hilarious, a complete “send up” of Oswald Mosley and his black shirt followers, of idle aristocrats, and pretentious Mrs. Lacey. I loved every single second once I made it past page 30. There is nothing in this book that is politically correct, but then again it was published in 1935. I loved it and will reread it with relish! 4.5/5
pickWell I am a fan of PG Wodehouse and this, my first Nancy Mitford book was a delighful Wodehousian romp! What a cast of characters and farce- I am told this is not one of her top 3 books but I enjoyed every minute! Heiresses and suitors and batty peers building nests in trees and the Union Jackshirts- clearly a farce with Oswald Mosely and Unity Mitford very losely fictionalized! This was my TBR”classics” read for this month and 4⭐️
After the most recent book fair I attended, I realized I now own four books by Nancy Mitford, but I‘ve yet to read any of them. Any suggestions on which of these to start with?
pickSince I can't describe this book any better than the blurb, I give you the blurb.
This novel is written in 1935, and I can't help wondering if she would have made fun of her sister's husband in a different way if it had been written later? In some scenes it's very pro Hitler and it feels weird reading those knowing what happened.
I will definitely read other novels by her.
The reference to Jolly Roger reminds me of something completely different. Isn‘t that the name Johnny Depp‘s boat in Pirates of the Caribbean?
pickI love Mitford's witty, satirical writing. On the other hand, she included a lot of political and socioeconomic subtext that I could only take so much of... This book has me itching to learn more about her sisters, 2 of which the characters in this book are (quite controversially) based on!
In other news, I hit a wall this afternoon (as did Chunk, pictured 🐱) and could read no further, but still managed to finish 3 books #4in48readathon 😅
Check out these charming Mitford novels @Reviewsbylola got me for my birthday! 😍 which one to start first???
Wigs on the Green | 
