Unity

by Michael Arditti

The story of a lost film about the relationship between Adolf Hitler and the English aristocrat Unity Mitford'A wonderful novel, written with exceptional knowledge and understanding of past and present Germany' Gitta Sereny'The most intriguing and thought-provoking novel I have read this year' Daily Express'A remarkable, unsettling book' The Times'A gripping read packed with intrigue, sex, politics and death. What more could you possibly want?' AttitudeUnity tells the story of a lost film about the relationship between the English aristocrat, 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, Felicity Benthall, joins in the campaign, following her affair with a charismatic Palestinian.The author himself features in the narrative when, almost thirty years later, he attempts to uncover the truth about Felicity and another university friend, Luke Dent, who wrote the film-script. He consults Luke's letters from the set and the diaries of the former Hollywood child star and revolutionary socialist, Geraldine Mortimer, who played Diana Mosley; interviews two of the German actors and the film's producer, Thomas Bücher, an Auschwitz survivor turned high-powered pornographer; reads a revealing memoir by the director's widow; and corresponds with Carole Medhurst, a British actress turned Hollywood mogul.Their testimonies set up an intricate chain of associations from 1930s Britain to post-war Germany, painting a disturbing picture of corruption and fanaticism, and casting light on the nature of evil.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2005

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?