Unity

by Michael Arditti

In his first novel since the best-selling Easter, Michael Arditti explores the personalities and politics involved in the making of a lost film about the relationship between Unity Mitford and Hitler, set against the background of the Red Army Faction terror campaign in 1970s Germany. Shooting has to be abandoned when the leading actress participates in a terrorist attack following her relationship with a charismatic Palestinian activist. Arditti himself features in the narrative when, almost thirty years later, he attempts to uncover the truth about two of his friends who took part in the film. He consults the scriptwriter's letters and the diaries of a former Hollywood child star; interviews two of the German actors and the film's producer, an Auschwitz survivor turned high-powered pornographer; reads a revealing memoir by the director's widow, and corresponds with a Hollywood mogul. Their testimonies set up an intricate chain of associations from 1930s Britain to post-war Germany. Startlingly original in both concept and treatment, Unity paints a disturbing picture of corruption and fanaticism. Merging fact with fiction, it offers a profound insight into the true nature of evil.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2005

About the author

Michael Arditti FRSL is an English writer. He has written twelve novels, including Easter, The Enemy of the Good, Jubilate and The Breath of Night, and also a collection of short stories, Good Clean Fun. His most recent novel, The Anointed, was published in April 2020. He is a prolific literary critic and an occasional broadcaster for the BBC. Much of his work explores issues of spirituality and sexuality. He has been described by Philip Pullman as "our best chronicler of the rewards and pitfalls of present-day faith".

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thought provoking book. I had a feeling of confusion as it is written as a factual, an investigation through interview with a number of people, where the author tries to uncover the motivations of a terrorist attack fumbled by his university friend in the 70s. He wants to understand how a young actress can turn into a BaaaderMeinhof/PLO activist.

He uses the method of letters, interviews and diaries of different people surrounding the event, weaving together many different voices very effectively and finishing off with a discussion on the existence of evil and human motivation and responsibility. It is totally possible to forget it is fiction and believe the story wholeheartedly, it captures the feeling of the seventies activism as well as explores the guilt, or lack of, of a nation that produced the holocaust. It is not that punches are not pulled but that the dialogue is so completely right, these conversations really took place in one form or another.

This is a most excellent author who you you all give a try.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-executed, highly literary novel. Multiple forms and voices describe the journey of an English actress into apparent homicidal terrorism, and explore themes of identity, morality and pretence.

[Cmbrooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictional collection of reminiscences of a fellow student and actor who becomes involved in a Baader Meinhof-like plot in 70s Germany. Contains much material related to the Holocaust, also much on acting and the problem of evil.

[Martinxo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read the first five pages and gave up, just didn't want to go on with it. It might actually be a good book, who can say?