I’ll admit - when I see a new book released by Marie Benedict, it’s an auto-read for me. There’s something inviting about her writing and I always learn something new about a person or situation in history. Part of why I enjoy historical fiction is learning more. I’d heard of the Mitford sisters before reading this book. I knew about Nancy and Deborah, though what I knew about Nancy was “author” and Deborah was “Mrs. Chatsworth House” (which if you ever get a chance to visit while in Derbyshire UK, please do, even if it’s just to have tea). In other words, knew the name … knew very little about the women (for instance, I didn’t know there was a brother). So, “The Mitford Affair” - wow, what a family. Between the jealousies, the power trips, the connections, and the differing political leanings - this book was a bit of a ride. This book follows three of the Mitford sisters - Nancy, Diana, and Unity. The chapters are presented in this order, which really helps keeping track of who is narrating. What I found interesting about this book is how so many themes are woven into this book - loyalty (what this means on so many levels), family (ditto), sisterhood, and political beliefs. This is a bit of a slow moving book - but after the first few chapters, it picks up speed (I considered the first few chapters setting the table). The one nit I had, though I understand it, was that a bit of information was repeated between the sisters in the earlier chapters as some of those occur on the same day or discuss the same event, though from another viewpoint. Do read the Author’s Interview for more information on why Ms. Benedict wrote this book in the way she did - and do look at her sources if you want more information on the Mitfords in general. Well researched and this book reminded me why Ms. Benedict’s books are some I rather enjoy reading.

Six sisters and a brother...a large family with family dynamics...each sibling different...secrets...love...romance...friendship...family...this book was sent to me by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the electronic copy. Although I have read several books set in this time period, this one was somewhat unique in that it gives the reader an insight into sibling rivalry, not just romance. This is a talented author. Even though the story does move slowly, at times, it comes to a resounding ending, and that is important. Enjoy with a cup of steaming herbal tea...

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was full of so many emotions for me and it was totally awesome! Recommend!

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict is a wonderful historical fiction that gives us a small glimpse into the complicated, fascinating, and polarizing Mitford sisters.

Ms. Benedict is one of my favorite authors, so I was very keen to see how she would present the Mitford family.

The six Mitford sisters: Nancy, Diana, Unity, Jessica, Deborah, and Pamela are infamous and, at the same time, elusive. I have read quite a bit about them from a nonfiction standpoint, but I have never read any fictional accounts. This book mainly highlights Nancy, Diana, and Unity. We are able to travel to those few pivotal years right before WWII where those smoldering embers are just beginning to flame.

Ms. Benedict does an excellent job portraying these complex, jarring, complicated, and intriguing women…what parts they played in history…how they were similar…but yet also so different…and she gives a more personal account of these women that lived, amd made their mark, on the world at the cusp of the life-changing times that take place during the second World War.

I was engaged, entertained, and learned a few things along the way.

I really enjoyed it.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Sourcebooks Landmark for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/17/23.

An interesting dive into the psyches of Unity and Diana Mitford, and their development as loyal Fascists. The more prominent Nancy and Jessica take a back seat in this rendering of the famous Mitford sisters, while Deborah and Pamela barely rate a mention. Overall very entertaining and well-researched.

If we're not already in the thick of a Mitford renaissance, then brace yourselves, because I can feel it coming... and I am here for it in every way. These sisters, this whole family actually, are just undeniably fascinating. And THE MITFORD AFFAIR is only the beginning, the slightest glimpse, of what they have to offer.

For anyone who's new to Mitford lore, I think Marie Benedict's forthcoming novel is going to serve as a great jumping off point. Set primarily during the several years immediately preceding the outbreak of World War II, it follows just three of the six sisters, charting the foundation and development of Diana and Unity's far-right political leanings (Diana's second husband was Oswald Mosley, founder of the British Fascist movement; Unity was a close personal friend of Hitler) and Nancy's response to them. Initially apolitical and indifferent, she is eventually persuaded by Winston Churchill (a Mitford cousin!) to join the cause for peace, potentially at the cost of her sisters' freedom.

The history on show here was super accessible and well written, and remarkably for a historical fiction novel, I didn't take issue with too much of it. Benedict picked excellent subjects; of course all the sisters are perfectly interesting in their own right, but Diana and Unity's politics are definitely the most representative of the family, and you can't beat Nancy's star power as a novelist. Theirs is a story ripe for intrigue. (But also: #deccafangirl) That being said, my big criticism would be that the plot didn't really kick in until the very end of the book, so despite the potential, nothing about what was happening here felt particularly high stakes for me. I kept reading because I was already interested in the subject, but that might not be enough to keep other readers engaged. I haven't read any of Marie Benedict's other books, so I don't know whether the slow burn is standard for her or not.

The Milford family rocked England with their Nazi sympathies and involvement. This novel explains how a family that had everything could have become involved with Fascism in the years before WWII. The author is skilled at painting portraits of tge sisters during this turbulent era. I really enjoyed it., as an Anglophile and lover of well-written historical fiction.

I think it’s a great jumping off point for book groups and attempts to understand how these glorious young women became “radicalized” Nazi sympathizers.

Thank you Netgalley. For this ARC.

This is a story that seeps glamour and intrigue. From the very first page I was 100% invested and intrigued. I found something about each sister and wanted to turn around and learn more

As a Marie Benedict fan who loved "The Personal Librarian", I was enthralled with "the Mitford Affair". This World War Two drama is moving, emotional, and rich in detail, this is a must-read for any historical fiction lover.

Marie Benedict is an author that creates a world that you enter and never want to leave. She always writes about women who would otherwise be left to history. The Personal Librarian and Mystery of Mrs. Christie are both top notch books - always well researched and well written
The Mitford Affair takes places in London pre - World War II and looks at the 6 sisters in the well-to-do Mitford family.
Two of the sisters, Diana and Unity marry members of the fascist, rising Nazi party. Diana divorces her husband to marry the new man. It is Unity's first marriage. They are disowned by three of the sisters and Nancy, a writer, is the only one who stays in touch.
Nancy is frightened for them both and becomes embroiled in radical politics as Diana and Unity become spies for the Nazi regime. There are even rumors that Unity is Hitler's mistress -- that is how entrenched in the party that she is.
Nancy works hard to stop the rising tide and does her part to end the war.
You cannot go wrong with any of Benedict's work. This book is no exception