I promise that this is not a Mitford site now, but I wanted to share this biography as I have already heard from many readers about starting The Mitford Affair. The Mitfords are becoming more and more popular in literature, television, and culture. However, a lot of the detail gets lost in translation. That is unfortunate because their family story is fascinating and knowing it helps. This week’s Book Bite covers The Sisters by Mary S. Lovell and why it needs to be on your to-read list!
The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family, Mary S. Lovell
This biography tells the true story behind the gaiety and frivolity of the six Mitford daughters – and the facts are as sensational as a novel. There is Nancy, whose bright social existence masked a doomed obsessional love, which soured her success; Pam, a countrywoman married to one of the best brains in Europe; Diana, an iconic beauty, who was already married when, at 22, she fell in love with Oswald Moseley, leader of the British fascists; Unity, who, romantically in love with Hitler, became a member of his inner circle before shooting herself in the temple when World War II was declared; Jessica, the family rebel, who declared herself a Communist in the schoolroom; and the youngest sister, Debo, who became the Duchess of Devonshire. Their extraordinary lives are revealed by the author, who had exclusive access to the Mitford archives.
Why You Should Read This…
While I very much enjoy joint and group biographies, they sometimes shortchange one person or another. Thankfully, that is not the case in The Sisters. Lovell has no small feat- balancing the lives of all six Mitford sisters, their brother Tom, and their parents, David and Sydney, through two World Wars is a Herculean task. She does it though, and she does it well.
I personally found the inclusion of David and Sydney to be a crucial piece that many other Mitford biographies tend to skimp on. They (like all parents) had a massive impact on their children. Lovell traces their lives and the consequences that their children faced because of it, good and bad.
If you are anything like me, you will have several jaw-dropping moments while reading this. It is difficult to read about people (such as Sydney and Diana) who continue to praise Hitler during the war, and seem to have little understanding of why that would be problematic. In any case, following each member of the family throughout the 1930s and 1940s in particular offers a lot of insight. (Especially if you are reading or watching The Pursuit of Love.)
Have you read The Sisters by Mary S. Lovell?
Cheers,
The Historian
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