L'Affaire Mitford

by Marie Benedict, Nathalie Serval (Translator)

ELLES S'APPELAIENT NANCY, DIANA, UNITY, PAMELA, JESSICA ET DEBORAH
Issues de la vieille noblesse anglaise, les six sœurs Mitford règnent sur le Londres de l'entre-deux-guerres. Belles, spirituelles, excentriques, les jeunes femmes passent de bals en cocktails, entourées d'une cour d'admirateurs. Mais les années 1930 sonnent le glas de l'insouciance lorsque la crise économique précipite la ruine de leurs parents.
Diana crée bientôt le scandale en divorçant pour devenir la maîtresse du sulfureux Oswald Mosley, chef de file du fascisme britannique. Partie étudier en Allemagne, l'impulsive Unity gagne l'amitié de son idole, un certain Adolf Hitler. Quant à Nancy, tandis que l'ombre d'un nouveau conflit plane sur l'Europe, elle voit le poison du nazisme contaminer sa famille. La jeune romancière décide alors de mettre ses talents au service de son pays en se rapprochant de Winston Churchill, quitte à trahir les liens du sang...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, World War II, British Literature, Book Club, Adult

391 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2023

About the author

Marie Benedict is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Queens of Crime, The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Only Woman in the Room, Lady Clementine, Carnegie's Maid, The Other Einstein, and the novella, Agent 355. With Victoria Christopher Murray, she co-wrote the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian and the Target Book of the Year The First Ladies. With Courtney Sheinmel, she co-wrote the first in a middle grade historical adventure series, called The Secrets of the Lovelace Academy.

Her books have been translated into thirty languages, and selected for the Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, Costco Book Club, Indie Next List, and LibraryReads List.

Up next is the March 24, 2026 release, DAUGHTER OF EGYPT, the sweeping tale of a young aristocratic archaeologist — Lady Evelyn of Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey — who unearths the truth about a forgotten female Pharaoh, rewriting both of their legacies forever.

Reviews

[Teres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Communists, fascists, and Nazis, oh my! Welcome to the world of the affluent, eccentric, glamorous Mitford sisters as events unfold in Germany and Britain leading up to the Second World War. Filled with political intrigue, scandal, and suspense — MI5, Hitler, Churchill! — a fascinating and captivating story that kept me interested from beginning to end.😳

UPDATE 8-14-24
Ooooh, exciting! Get a first look at Outrageous, a new television series about the brilliant, scandalous siblings. Can't wait!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mitford Affair reimagines the lives of the Mitford sisters who dominated the English political and social scenes between the World Wars. The family starts struggling to keep up the good image when one marries a fascist leader and another is rumored to be Hitler’s mistress.

Due to the worldwide economic crisis, the family loses the money that would give the six sisters some cushion. Now, they have to find their own way in the world.

The story is driven mainly by three sisters. Nancy is a novelist who tries to mend the bridge with Diana and Unity who fall out of grace with the family. Diana makes a scandal with her divorce to a Guinness tycoon, whom she leaves for a leader of the British Union of Fascists. Diana, with her sister Unity, shares the same vision of joining the BUF. They see it as the bright future for Britain with so many unemployed people. Diana is ambitious in her dreams of building up the BUF to becoming the prominent governing political body in Great Britain; and uniting Great Britain with Germany in this common political cause.

Unity is an ardent Nazi and obsessed with Hitler. She moves to Munich to study the German language and its culture. After cozying up to Hitler, she receives a flat that is procured by the Nazis from a Jewish family who most likely is sent to a concentration camp.

There is a believable presentation of how people are lured into believing Hitler’s ideology. And the decision Unity makes after Hitler invades Poland begs a question - was she fooled as many others?

Decca is a drastic contrast. She chooses to serve in the press corps in the Spanish Civil War. She stands with the people who are being oppressed and violently attacked by the fascists only because they have communist inclinations.

The story of the Mitford sisters weaves two clashing ideologies of fascism and communism, which further create fractions within the family. Not only that the personal interests and fears drive some of their decisions. There is one who is not afraid to point to the hypocrisy within the family, and stands for what she believes is right, but the others strongly believe in their good cause, too.
It is a fascinating and sad example of family who falls into the dismay because of politics. It is an example that is relevant to present time.

As with previous books by Marie Benedict, this story is character-driven and told with crisp prose. It is intriguing and engaging. It involves a view of two sides and a subject that brings a conversation to the table.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving Marie Benedict’s books. She highlights strong female historical figures. In this case, it’s the Nancy Mitford and her sisters. Several months ago, a dear friend, Antoinette, placed Nancy Mitford’s (classic) books on my TBR. Around the same time, I learned about this hist fic title featuring her life.

About the book: "Plunges readers into a world of glamorous, charismatic young British debutantes and then turns that shiny world on its head...the most delicious storytelling." —Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post

From New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict comes an explosive novel of history's most notorious sisters, one of whom will have to choose: her country or her family?”

Wow, wow, wow. I previously had no idea the Mitford sisters’ lives were this fascinating and high profile. Set during the 1930s and 40s in Great Britain, the story centers on these six sisters, especially Nancy. The family experiences more than one scandal, but the biggest ones seem to occur when sister Diana divorces her husband and marries a fascist, with Unity following suit and is rumored to be a mistress of Hitler.

At first, Nancy is loyal and stays in touch with her sisters. These same women become spies for the Nazi party, and Nancy must take a stand. Towards the end is when the story becomes its most compelling and hard to put down. I loved the short chapters and enjoyed the way Nancy’s character grew and found her voice. I’m even more excited to read her books now.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

With this book, Marie Benedict tackles the Mitford sisters. In the 1920s and early 1930s, they were known for being part of The Bright Young Things. But as the decade went on, they became more known for their political and romantic affiliations. The story alternates between Nancy, Unity and Diana. Diana was married to Bryan Guinness, but divorced him to be with Oswald Mosley, the head of the British Fascist movement, even knowing he would never leave his wife. Nancy, afraid of being an old maid at 29, marries Peter Rodd, who was an alcoholic. And Unity goes even further than Nancy into the fascist fold, becoming a devotee of Hitler.
I found all three sisters unlikeable. Every now and then, Benedict inserts a niggling doubt into Unity’s thoughts about the Nazi Jewish solution. It was impossible to tell if this was based on fact or an attempt to make her less despicable. Diana seems willing to do anything for the love of a bad man. And Nancy, supposedly the heroine of the story, dithered for ages about turning in the information she had about what Diana and Oswald were up to. But the people I really have problems with are the parents. I give Benedict credit for tackling a story when the main characters are not easily relatable.
The pacing of the story was also uneven. I got bored reading about how many teas Unity had with Hitler and how often she put on her Nazi uniform. It wasn’t until the end that the story truly got interesting.
My preference for historical fiction is to have more facts interspersed into the story. I found it difficult to get a feel how popular BUF really got and what kind of threat it represented, for example. At the end of the book, I had multiple questions still unanswered. It would have also been helpful if she provided information on how the sisters lives eventually turned out in her Author’s Note.
My thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advance copy of this book.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you pick up book because of the title or the plot or the cover. At others, you enjoy the author's writing so much, you will choose the book just to read his or her latest tale. I've been a big fan of Marie Benedict's historical fiction novels over the last five years, reading all her recent ones. I knew nothing of the Mitford sisters prior to this book, but I requested an ARC from NetGalley and was pleasantly surprised to receive it. As expected, the writing is strong; Benedict beautifully describes the 1930s-1940s in Great Britain, showcasing her amazing talent for capturing the energy and ambiance of a select period in history. For that reason alone, I'd give the book five stars... but since I'm primarily a plot guy, I really struggled with this one, as essentially, there is no plot... so I would've given it three stars. In the end, I averaged it out and settled on four for my review.

In terms of the characters, Benedict did a solid job at conveying the personalities of each of the sisters and their one brother. Nancy and Diana get the most page-time, followed by Unity, but so much of their lives were caught up in their obsessions with Fascism, Nazis, and Communism. The family went out of their way to support monsters who tortured people during WW1 and WW2. How or why would anyone like these people or be fascinated by them? I struggled to focus on the book mostly because they were all so dislikable... and I wonder whether Benedict took a more negative view of them which in turn alienated me as a reader. That said, I saw some spark in the personalities, and maybe during the 1930s before much was known about the true atrocities being performed behind the scenes, these women were highly admired for their lifestyles and drama. Modern day Kardashians, I suppose.

None of that speaks to Benedict's writing which was the best part of the book. I just couldn't accept the topics and the lack of a plot to really relax and enjoy the book. I will still jump on the next novel the author writes but I hope it's a more interesting subject.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

It turns each one of us into authors of our own histories; we become patriots and heroes, and were necessary, spies and traitors. Which of these, I wonder, am I?

How personal are our politics? We live in a time with much contention in the realm of politics. The time between the two World Wars in Great Britain was also that sort of a time. The debates about Hitler's plans and fascism were raging -- even within a well-heeled family like the Mitfords. Marie Benedict presents this issue through the eyes of Nancy the oldest, Diana the beautiful, and Unity the oddball. Early attendance at fascist rallies leads to trips to Germany and eventually an intimate friendship with Hitler for two of the sisters. Watching them succumb to his charismatic presence is eye-opening and frustrating. If only they knew then what we know now, right? The old adage holds true, though. You don't know what you don't know. . . Reading this book has given me a new resolve to pick up a Nancy Mitford book sooner than later. Although she is not the most likable character, she most certainly makes some hard decisions in the interest of helping others and pursuing truth.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The six Mitford sisters, Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica and Deborah are known as the Bright Young Things. Their parents David and Sydney Mitford, are rather distant, the girls and their only brother Tom grew up being looked after by a series of nannies and running wild in the English countryside. The families rather fond of calling each other by odd nick names, the children invented their own private language, and they called their father (Farve) and their mother (Muv).

When Diana divorces her husband the 2nd Baron of Moyne or Bryan Guinness, it caused a big scandal, she was having an affair with the leader of the British Union of Fascists, Sir Oswald Mosley and she believed in his radical ideas. Two other Mitford sisters have different political ideas to most British citizens, Jessica’s a communist and Unity’s obsessed by Adolf Hitler. A socially awkward and tall Unity leaves England, moves to Germany, joins the Nazi party and meets her idol.

Nancy Mitford is a published novelists, she marries Peter Rodd and dreams of having a family of her own. She’s rather shocked by Diana’s and Unity’s choices, with another war looming, she’s worried they will be seen as a threat to English security and she’s right. The family has links to Winston Churchill, so Nancy has to make the difficult decision, who deserves her loyalty her country or her sisters?

I received a copy of The Mitford Affair from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Marie Benedict in her latest book, delves into the lives of the famous Mitford sisters, especially Nancy, Diana and Unity. Were, Diana and Unity extremely naïve, even selfish and lacked basic common sense? The novel looks at how two upper class sisters, placed themselves at the center of scandal and political intrigue, in the lead up and during the Second World War, by believing in and supporting Fascism and Nazism. Nancy was put in the awful position, she loved her sisters and I think Diana in particular was selfish.

Marie Benedict never disappoints, like in her previous two book I have read, Lady Clementine and Her Hidden Genius, by skilfully using a combination of fact and fiction, she creates a fascinating narrative that holds your attention and five stars from me.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I am a big fan of Marie Benedict’s books. Her writing is intelligent and well researched. I was excited to receive a copy of THE MITFORD AFFAIR for review. Right from the start, I could see that this novel on the Mitford family was well researched, unfortunately this is where my compliments stop. I found this book to be slow and boring at times. I kept waiting for something of substance to happen. The characters were not as captivating as in her other books. I am not a fan of self-centered, and delusional characters and there were a lot in this book. And it did not stop there, this family had way too many odd nicknames that had nothing to do with the actual name of the characters. This made it hard to keep track of them all. This love affair with fascism and Hitler was unsettling and tempted me to stop reading many times. From what I have seen on Goodreads, many people enjoyed this book so don’t let my review stop you from getting a copy if you are curious about the Mitford family and their involvement with the up-and-coming factions before WWII.

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[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. It wasn’t the writing, it was totally just me & the subject matter - it’s just not very enjoyable reading about family divisions due to politics right now, people involved with fascists and Nazi's, hits way too close to home, my bad. The Mitford sisters are interesting history, however, and worth learning about (especially for parents). May revisit someday

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS LANDMARK for an egalley

I went into this historical fiction set in 1930s England and Germany 100% blind. Although I had heard the name Mitford, I had no prior knowledge about the six Mitford sisters- Nancy, Diana, Unity, Jessica, Pamela, and Deborah or their brother, Thomas. But they certainly were people that reflected the period of history in which they lived. Nancy, a novelist, and Diana, a Fascist married to Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists. Unity, a Nazi who was enamored with Adolf Hitler. Sister Jessica became a Communist, Deborah, a duchess, and Pamela, not as well known but also aligned with fascism.

The novel's narration is split between Nancy, Diana, and Unity and it is through their eyes that we see events like BUF rallies and tea times with Hitler. Honestly, it was very unnerving to read a book that is from the perspective of people who aligned with this side of history. In her author's note, Marie Benedict does admit that it was difficult to write Unity Mitford's perspective. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that the way I felt about NKOTB as a young girl is how Unity felt about Adolf Hitler. Our girl, Unity, fangirled very heavily over the Führer. Oh and the rivalry between Diana and Unity at who was a more committed fascist. Dear heavens!

There's so much written on the internet about this family and after finishing the book, I have been on a mission to read everything about these women that I can. So I thank the author, Marie Benedict, for providing me with some research time during my leisure hours. Something tells me that Nancy's novels are about to trend once again on book lists.

I once again join the reviewer chorus of "Dear Goodreads, we need half-star ratings." because this novel finds itself dangling between a 3 and 4. It was a little bit difficult to get invested in the narration in the beginning. True to life, Diana and Unity's storylines overshadowed their sister, Nancy. However, the second half of the novel is quite stellar and it ended on a high note. I have a feeling this will not be the last historical fiction on the Mitford sisters that we can anticipate hitting bookstores.




Expected Publication Date 17/01/23
Goodreads review published 13/01/23
#TheMitfordAffair #NetGalley.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I don't know how I feel about this book. I thought I would enjoy this book more than I did. It had several things I enjoy in Historical Fiction:

1. Fraught family dynamics
2. Messy romantic relationships
3. Political intrigue
4. Rich white people problems
5. Unlikable characters

And yet something just kept me from fully enjoying this book.

A lot of people need to like or agree with the main characters decisions, but I don't. I love reading about people that I can't stand....if they are interesting. This book is about 3 of The Mitford sisters Nancy, Diana and Unity who are real people. The Mitfords were the Kardashians of their day. They were famous for being rich and connected to powerful people and they enjoyed hanging out with Antisemitic people and Fascist. Diana and Unity are Nazi's, not just people who have Political opinions you don't agree...they were actual Nazi's Unity may have even been Hitler's mistress. It was hard to read from their pov at first but as I got into the story I was able to get swept up in the story of these real life women. Nancy is I guess supposed to be the character we see as the good sister because she is 100% against Fascism and the Nazi movement but she's so boring. I also wonder why the author didn't choose Decca the Communist sister as a main character. We got 2 Nazi's and a main stream politically slanted character but why leave out the Communist when she seems like the most interesting sister.

I guess overall my problem with this book is that despite the subject matter being super interesting and more prescient than ever given the global rise of Fascism and Antisemitism. The story seemed dull at times and the ending was anticlimactic. The book just kinda ends in what feels like the middle of the story.

I didn't enjoy book as much as I had hoped but I am still interested in reading more from Marie Benedict in the future.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that this story is based on actual events was mind blowing and sent me researching all sorts of things. When historical fiction sends me down a rabbit hole, I know the book is one that’s made a lasting impression. (I was surprised to see just how many novels Nancy Mitford had written I had to look at all of them and so much more.)

At first glance, this book might seem like there’s a lot of socialite drama, but its scope broadens to include espionage, Nazi propaganda, and high stakes suspense. Marie Benedict is becoming a favorite of mine in the historical fiction genre. With its rich, elegant prose, complex subject matter, and keen characterization, The Mitford Affair, is another winner.

The novel opens in 1932 with the formerly affluent Mitford family experiencing the throes of The Great Depression. The once financially secure siblings now face the reality that they will have to support themselves without the benefit of family funds. The socialites soon find themselves at the center of scandal for a host of reasons.

Nancy Mitford, eldest sister and author, finds herself in a precarious situation as the novel unfolds. One of her sisters, Diana, divorces Bryan Guinness to pursue a relationship with Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists. Then, there’s Unity, her intense, socially awkward, and downright bizarre sister, who grew up idolizing Mussolini and Hitler. She learns to speak German, moves to Germany, where soon rumors abound that Unity is Hitler’s mistress.

Both the political and the psychological aspects of this novel were fascinating. The push and pull of familial bonds sometimes predictable, other times painful. The desperation and suffering of those displaced by the Nazi regime were heartbreaking. The propaganda attempting to normalize radical views made me nauseous. This is a character driven novel, in which I didn’t find any of the characters particularly likable, but that doesn’t matter when you can’t put it down.

From cigars with Churchill, to tea with Hitler, Benedict made this time period, its people, and their surroundings come to life.

An unforgettable read. All the stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[lexi🤍 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please let me start off by saying I cannot STAND Unity. Her devotion and utterly DISGUSTING obsession with Adolf Hitler is so, so bizarre and it makes me wonder if she was like this in real life. Shame what happened to her, honestly. She doesn’t deserve to live like that.

Nancy is an icon and I love her for what she did towards the end of the book. Also love Peter; despite his drinking and adultery, his commitment to fighting fascism is incredibly admirable.

Diana drives me insane simply because she’s so intelligent yet aligns herself with Nazism which is a TRAGEDY. Especially when you understand that Diana literally is just trying to please Mosley like a little puppy dog. UGH. The mom also irritated me like girl…. You’re only following the crowd. Get your own opinion.

Regardless of my frustrations, Marie Benedict knows how to write a good historical fiction novel and I will eat up everything she writes. They’re absolutely spectacular pieces of literature.

PLEASE go read some of her books, y’all. They all focus on women and different historical periods and what they did and they’re just so incredible.

[Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mitford Affair is the second novel I’ve read by Marie Benedict. She is an extremely talented researcher and writer. I would give the writing a glowing five stars, but my reading experience with the topic three stars. Each chapter is titled and told through the perspective of one of three Mitford sisters. I knew nothing about them going in and it was interesting to learn about them. Benedict is such a strong writer that I didn’t need to see the chapter title to know which sister’s perspective it was because each voice was so distinct. It was difficult to get through this one because of the subject matter.

This novel hit too close to home with the events going on in our world today. I did not find any of the sisters likable. I did not like reading about a sister hero worshiping Hitler. Again, high praise to the author because I FELT A LOT of things while reading. It takes talent to invoke such revulsion in a reader. The novel does a masterful job of capturing the time and place, and what was happening politically in the world at that time.

If I had to choose a sister I liked, it would be Nancy. I liked that she was an author and wrote subversive messages in her novels. I also liked that she and her husband helped in Spain during the Spanish Civil War and the fight against fascism. It was incredible that the Mitfords were related to Winston Churchill (cousin). This was what I liked most about the novel. This has lead me to read Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile. The Mitford Affair certainly gives the reader a glimpse at the vile and a side of history many readers may not know about.

[Taury · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict. I know it is important to remember history so it isn’t remembered. I wasn’t prepared to read a book about Hitler being almost
romanticized. That is exactly what it seemed Unity and Diana did. Two spoiled entitled young ladies portrayed. The book itself was really a bit boring, not very interesting.

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Mitford Affair' tells the story of how three sisters became entwined within the politics which triggered WWII. Nancy, Diana, and Unity are the three eldest of seven Mitford children. Born titled but raised as impoverished aristocrats, the Mitfords are eccentric and polarised in their beliefs. Their reduced circumstances, but social entitlement, fostered a certain sense of blinkered naivety, which ultimately propelled Diana and Unity to embrace fascism and friendship with Hitler.

Marie Benedict personalises the historical, foundational facts of the Mitford story through her tri-narrated voice. Each chapter is alternated between the three sisters, delving further into their points of view, motivations, and vulnerabilities. Benedict does, in fact, draw the triangle between them; they are individual in their goals but inextricably bound by family, social and patriotic ties, Ultimately, Benedict highlights that we are indeed, 'authors of our own histories', and our perception is truly our reality.

'The Mitford Affair' brings to life a turbulent time within our history, using an eccentric, high-profile family to exemplify the political divides which happened on a microscopic scale, mirrored the volatility happening on a world scale. Although the story does start slowly, describing the Mitford's eccentricities and family idioms, the pace increases as the intrigue builds. The outlandish nature of true events is tempered by the inner-voice Benedict bestows upon each character. Together, with the accurate tone and manner of the age and society surrounding 'The Mitford Affair', Benedict creates a fascinating read.

Thank you Net Galley and Source Landmark books for the opportunity to read and give my opinion on this book.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, informative, and colourful!

The Mitford Affair is a timely, intriguing tale set in England in the 1930s, pre-WWII, that takes you into the lives of the Mitford family, specifically three of the six sisters. Nancy, a novelist and the oldest of the siblings whose concern for the family’s political leanings she expresses through her writing and through information she secretly gathers and shares with her cousin Winston Churchill; Diana, a true beauty whose love for the fascist movement leads to the destruction of her marriage to the Guinness heir yet facilitates an ambivalent relationship with the founder of the British Union of Fascists, and perhaps even more controversial a friendship with the Führer of Germany; and Unity, one of the youngest of the sisters who through her all-consuming Nazi obsession becomes one of Hitler’s closest companions until war is declared and tragedy ultimately strikes.

The prose is smooth and precise. The characters are spirited, self-indulgent, and cultured. And the plot is an evocative tale of life, loss, love, self-discovery, passion, war, secrets, friendship, determination, betrayal, treachery, family, espionage, and manipulation.

Overall, The Mitford Affair is an alluring, insightful, compelling novel by Benedict that does a spectacular job of highlighting her incredible knowledge and research into these fascinating historical figures whose complex lives, relationships, and political alliances are often unknown, overlooked, or perhaps just long forgotten.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Mitfords and was thrilled to see Marie Benedict bring to life this dark chapter of World War II. Through grit and perseverance, three sisters – each more dazzling and intelligent than the last – work their way into the highest echelons of power. What happens when one no longer recognizes the siblings she was raised with? When caring turns to callousness? When love turns to rivalry? When the only choice is willful blindness or whistleblowing? One woman must decide whether to betray her sister or her country in this meticulously researched page-turner. Masterful.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to know what to make of this one. I read a lot of WWII books, a lot from the point of view of the resistance, or survivors who hid, from spies and codebreakers, to folks who laid themselves on the line, just to save one person or preserve an ideal. Just when I think I have read every variation of this theme, a new one emerges. Never have I read a book about the women in the Nazi movement, who idolized the fascist leaders, Hitler, and the ideals and principles of their cause without fear of recrimination, conscience, guilt. Unabashed adoration and total belief. Many of us in the educated world ask ourselves all the time about the American version of the fascists, the Republicans. How can anyone glorify this? Believe they are on the side of the right? How on earth do they think they are on the side of the right, the good, the glory? That these ideals, not even hidden, are what make a county great?

This is the story of three (four) of the six Mitford sisters, one being writer Nancy Mitford, who become embroiled in different sides of the pre-war conditions in London in the 1930's. Two of the sisters become enamored of Hitler and in his inner circle, one of them (Diana) early on is partner and wife to the up and coming leader of the BUF, Britains Union of Facists. She gives up her husband, her children, her health, any sliver of moral conscience for one man, that dazzles her with his starlight and brilliance. And he never once seems to return the feeling for her. Their sister Unity, doesn't even ever really get a paramour. For her, its simply being close to, and in the favor and perceived sunlight of Hitler himself. Both sisters are used for British propoganda, and as arm candy and for their adoration. And both women are not just brainless dodo's - they are strongly political, and would serve their lives for the cause, as well as their leaders. Meet the women fascists, who adored Hitler and Lord Mosley, and who would and did sacrifice everything for the cause they believed in and the men who championed it.

Nancy Mitford, was caught between the love and care for her sisters, and her continued appall at how they (and her parents) were behaving, and the dangerous consequences for the country. She wrote satirical critiques of her family, and lost their trust and affinity as a result, but ultimately she had to decide if she would turn them in to turn the tide on the growing danger. The Mitford family were cousins to Clementine Chruchill, so therefore Winston, and this in itself was fascinating. That Clementine's cousins would be at the heart of Nazi Espionage. Nancy, and a fourth sister who turned her back on the family to fight for freedom, (Decca), they stood apart from their family. Everyone in the book suffered the consequences for what they believed.

I am thinking about Marie Benedict's strong women throughout her books - and how many of them lost themselves in the "dazzle" of a prominent man that they gave everything, their whole lives for. But also how many in their own right, were the strong women behind the men. Who truly understood and drove the political or social landscape. Who secretly crafted the policy, the PR, the ideas that would change social thought. And with little to no recognition. It was eerily fascinating - and you can feel Nancy's conflict, as well as her pain of separation from her family, a loveless marriage, infertility, financial compromise, and her writing. She is not like her sister Decca, unabashedly a freedom fighter and proclaimer. Nancy is more conflicted than the heroes we so often read about. Almost unwilling to do what she ultimately does. Interesting characters this time around. In some ways, its a troubling read. And yes, it makes me think of where we are at in this country around how folks decide what is right and true and who to believe, and what to fight for - even when it separates us from our families. How to keep informed, so that the "Never Again" is something we don't let erode and slip away. It was troubling and fascinating. And easy to see how it happens. A little too easy.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

How personal is the political in the end, I think. It turns each one of us into authors of our own histories; we become patriots and heroes and, where necessary, spies, and traitors. Which of these, I wonder, am I?

Set in the 1930s, The Mitford Affair is a historical fiction novel about the infamous Mitford sisters, who were from England. In the book three point of views are given, Diana Mitford, Nancy Mitford, and Unity Mitford.

These aristocratic sisters found themselves at the center stage of political intrigue during World War II.

Unity, who was in love with Hitler, became a sort of showpiece for him to bring to his rally's in order to unite his message with Great Britain. Diana married the fascists leader, Oswald Mosey, and was the key "engine" behind his success of bringing the BUF in alignment with the nazi cause. And finally, Nancy, who opposed everything Diana and Unity stood for, ultimately joined the communist cause to bring their efforts to a stop.

Nancy speaking of her sisters:

Certain Mitfords have become like an insidious weed planted into the English soil with the hopes that we choke out the native plants. I must be a relentless gardener and access this strange new growth. Must I rip out these weeds by the root?
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I first got a glimpse of the Mitford sisters, through the Netflix series, "Peaky Blinders", where Diana was featured alongside her husband Oswald Mosley. She was just as conniving and ruthless in the show as she was in this book.

Through this story I have become familiar with the author, Nancy Mitford and her works of fiction and nonfiction, portraying her family divisions during World War II and the many tribulations that followed. I look forward to reading her many works to learn more about this controversial family.

As far as Unity is concerned, I feel really sad about the outcome of her life due to her misguided notions and fantastical ideals.

👏 Bravo Marie Benedict for another wonder novel featuring these famous women in history. Loved it!

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has not missed a beat in turning out interesting books.

Of the six Mitford sisters this book focuses primarily on the three most prominent. Diana, Nancy and Unity.

I knew only a bit about the sisters before this book so it was interesting to read about them in more depth.

The Mitford family was one of money and privilege until they suffered some monetary losses not that it changes their lives over much, other than changing residences from mansions to more affordable dwellings.

They are a bizarre family all but still I can’t fathom the choices made by these supposedly well-bred girls. Their parents I found a bit off the rails and possibly contributed to the extraordinary behavior of the children.

My take on them are:
Unity, a bit of an awkward teen and from all appearances must have been somewhat simple minded to have developed such a fanatical attraction for Hitler even before he became the Führer, travelling to Germany and literally stalking him until he noticed her.

Diana, completely befuddled by passion for the fascist Mosely divorced her wealthy Guinness heir husband for Mosely who was already married with children and refused to leave his wife, but Diana accepts this arrangement and ardently supported Mosely in his fascist endeavours to the very end.

Nancy, having found some damaging information about Diana and Mosely’s plans at the beginning of WWII is now forced to make a choice – loyalty to her sister or her country.

Although not very likable certainly an interesting family.

[Nanette Fandino-Diaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not an easy review to write. The cover of this book is gorgeous. I have read other books by the author that I have just loved. Unfortunately, the topic of this book left a lot to be desired. The Mitford Sisters at the center of this book are Diana, Unity, and Nancy. Unity was obsessed with Adolf Hitler. Diana was not only a Nazi but after World War II was a Holocaust denier. Nancy is the only redeeming character because in the book she betrays her sister Diana to Winston Churchill. At one point in the book Unity describes how she swooned at the sight of Hitler he was so charismatic. It made me sick to my stomach. When I read historical fiction I want to learn something about someone that adds to my understanding of history. I often want to talk about the character to other people so that I can share what I have learned. The Mitford family is not a family that I want to talk about with others. Their notoriety is shameful and they hurt people with their words and actions. 

Structurally the book was a bit confusing due to the alternating perspectives. Additionally, there were names and nicknames to keep straight. The first 28 chapters were boring and went into way too much detail about nothing. Then Chapter 29 started and it was like I was reading a different book. Unfortunately, the last two chapters were too abrupt and it felt like an emergency break was pulled to stop the story.

[Lesley Pitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
I found this to be such an intriguing read. This was such an interesting piece of history that I knew nothing about. I didn’t realize initially that the Mitford family is real. And once I did, the story became much more interesting. This novel was rich in detail and a must read for any historical fiction lover.
Many thanks to Marie Benedict, NetGalley, and Sourcebook Landmark for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have read and enjoyed several historical novels by Marie Benedict, this was a great disappointment for me. Have no interest in reading about fascism and the rise of Hitler told through the visions of three Mitford sisters (all with obnoxious nick names ) A subject I don't wish to discuss again, especially so many problems in the world. Sorry, could not finish this novel!

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story about allegiance and loyalty has been put in the very capable hands of a trusted author, Marie Benedict. I loved The Other Einstein, Her Hidden Genius, and The Only Woman In The Room and was anticipating this great read about the famous Mitford sisters.

I’d never heard of these siblings before, so I hunkered down to learn something from Benedict. I was held captive by the six formidable girls and the society to which they belonged. As I got wind of the rumour mill churning out accusations of one of the siblings being Hitler’s mistress, my curiosity was piqued. My inner sleuth was engaged alongside Nancy as we took note of hushed conversations and incriminating documents and was shocked at the discovery that it’s possible to underestimate and not recognize someone you’ve been close to your whole life. War is a great separator, isn’t it? I was engaged in the inner struggle Nancy faced, torn between her loyalty to Great Britain and her allegiance to the Mitford family. When someone mentions the Mitford sisters again, I’ll know to whom they are referring this time!

Can Hitler be stopped? What was she willing to do to make it happen? Can one lose oneself in pursuing an obsession?

I thoroughly enjoyed a peek into the inner world of the Mitford sisters and the far-reaching effects of political ties. I was dazzled by Benedict's vivid descriptions and my inner history buff was more than satisfied with wartime references. I was left with a warning to be careful of my choices and my choice of alliances lest they mold me into someone unrecognizable.

I wouldn’t rank this one as inspiring and engaging as Her Hidden Genius, but, considering the differences in topic, it was still enjoyable.

I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Teddy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m so amazed that a book about Hitler and his form of Fascism in the 30’s never once mentions Hitler’s belief of a master race! The Mitford sisters that became entranced with Hitler found his Nazi movement exciting and his power intoxicating, but to let the reader see Hitler only through the eyes of those who revered him was irresponsible on the author’s part. She ignored basic tenants of Fascism such as their national adherence to their group which they believed was superior to all others. This book presented Fascism as a legitimate political alternative to England’s existing government or to communism. Propaganda that demonized the Jews was presented only as the party’s opposition to their “financial practices.” Are we to read this book and believe that the Nazi sisters only saw Hitler as polite and generous towards them and knew nothing of his hatred and murderous violence toward the Jews in the 1930’s? Fact check this book. It seems to follow very closely to an excellent paper I found on line that was only about the sisters, not the political climate. The Mitford Sisters, by Angela Reid-Stephens U3A Social History 10|20, is a paper that tells of the sisters without historical reference to Nazism. However, writing a novel that is basically about the Nazi form of Fascism cannot ignore the truth about Hitler like the paper about the sisters does. I’m afraid a younger generation will read this book & come away with an image of Hitler charmingly hosting grand luncheons and entertaining posh high society types.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Author, Marie Benedict, brings the stories about real women in history to life. I've read all her books and I love her writing style. I learn so much about history from reading her material. If only history in high school had been this interesting!

This novel takes you into the lives of the Mitford family, from 1932 to 1941 in England and Germany, during the buildup to WWII. The Mitfords were an aristocratic British family with six daughters, who were all debutantes, and one son. Alternating chapters in the book are told through the eyes of each of the three oldest sisters. As the years escalate towards war, the daughters become active in the political movements of fascism and communism and its burgeoning presence in England. Ultimately, they each must make critical choices based on their political beliefs or their loyalties to family and country.

Using hindsight, and the author's notes at the end of the book, it is very interesting to see how young people could be influenced by the lies and doctrines of fascism and communism. This was a lesson about how politics, idealism, and idolatry can grow like a cancer and separate a family as well as a nation.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book. Publication date: January 17, 2023.

[Kristine]

I love Marie Benedict and read all her books. Looking forward to reading this one. 💖 I just got this book so will try and read it soon. The lives of the Sisters sounds Fascinating 🥰

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book quite confusing to keep up with the different characters as the chapters were very quick. The story was interesting and very well written but, I did struggle. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Marcia reading past dark · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE MITFORD AFFAIR, by Marie Benedict, is set in the early 1930s leading to World War II and contains all the scandal and political intrigue one would want. The story alternates among three of the sisters: Nancy, Unity and Diana. Each one is flawed in her own way, and the reader can identify with each of them at some point in the story. All are self-absorbed, naïve, and yet aware of current events and eager to make a difference. Diana yearns for the love of a deceitful man. Nancy evolves into the spy-heroine of the story. Unity gives her all to the cause of a political movement. The historical background is well-researched and written with the author’s unique creative twist. The pacing is excellent, moving from tense ‘edge of war’ moments to a scene at tea or at a Wagner opera. This book is the heartbeat of historical fiction, with characters holding conversations with history’s most famous personalities like Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler. What a great novel this would be for discussion by a book club. What is the personal cost of citizenship and patriotism? Which comes first, family or country? How much of history was a result of fate or of the involvement of one woman?