Discuss The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

Nancy asks herself, "Does [a single motivation] matter as long as we think we are acting on the side of right and truth? Or must we be on the actual side of right?" How would you answer those questions?

21 hours ago
by linz

How do Nancy's concerns about privacy, reputation, and loyalty affect her conversations with her sisters? What finally goads her into taking a more active role against their dangerous beliefs?

21 hours ago
by linz

What are your thoughts about the "cults of personality" in the book?

21 hours ago
by linz

What do you think sways the girls' parents to become supporters of Hitler and fascism?

Jan. 29, 2023
by teachlz

Do you think there is a way to remain loyal to someone without supporting their ideas and ambitions?

Jan. 28, 2023
by reene

Did the final chapter make you reassess the chapters attributed to Diana and Unity throughout the book?

Jan. 28, 2023
by juliep

Overall, what do you think of "The Mitford Affair" (no spoilers)

Jan. 28, 2023
by juliep

How do you think the events of the book would be different if Diana had questioned herself more?

Jan. 27, 2023
by alisonk

Before reading The Mitford Affair, were you familiar with the Mitford sisters? If so, how has your understanding of these eccentric, beautiful, aristocratic sisters changed, if at all?

Jan. 25, 2023
by joanw

Do you think Great Britain was justified in imprisoning Diana and Oswald Mosley?

Jan. 25, 2023
by joanw

Why do you think the author chose to focus on only three of Mitford children?

Jan. 24, 2023
by rivkahh

Nancy observes that political decisions are often based on personal motivations. What do you think this means in the context of Diana and Unity? Do you think that observation applies in modern times?

Jan. 23, 2023
by nancyh

Nicknames abound among the Mitford sisters. What purposes do these names serve?

Jan. 22, 2023
by reene

Why do Decca and Nancy blame Diana for Unity's actions in Germany? Do you think it's fair?

Jan. 22, 2023
by reene

What do you see as Unity's strengths? Why don't others notice them? Does she gain new talents in Germany?

Jan. 22, 2023
by LeceP

How do you think German beauty standards were shaped by fascist ideas? What social issues do you feel are reflected in our modern beauty trends?

Jan. 22, 2023
by juliep

Though Nancy understands the danger of the radio station documents, her loyalty to Diana wins out for a long time. How does that compare to Diana's treatment of Unity?

Jan. 19, 2023
by nancyh

Why do you feel Nancy is so concerned that Diana is considering divorce?

Jan. 17, 2023
by mariont

What do you suppose was the appeal of fascist rhetoric for people in Britain, and people like Diana and Unity in particular?

Jan. 16, 2023
by kimk

Why do you suppose the Mitford sisters were so emboldened to express their political opinions? Is one always entitled to free speech or are there limits? Where do you draw the line?

Jan. 16, 2023
by linz

The Mitford Affair

Discuss The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

Do you agree with Nancy's assessment that "marriage is such a dreadful gamble"?

Nancy asks herself, "Does [a single motivation] matter as long as we think we are acting on the side of right and truth? Or must we be on the actual side of right?" How would you answer those questions?

How do Nancy's concerns about privacy, reputation, and loyalty affect her conversations with her sisters? What finally goads her into taking a more active role against their dangerous beliefs?

What are your thoughts about the "cults of personality" in the book?

What do you think sways the girls' parents to become supporters of Hitler and fascism?

Do you think there is a way to remain loyal to someone without supporting their ideas and ambitions?

Did the final chapter make you reassess the chapters attributed to Diana and Unity throughout the book?

Overall, what do you think of "The Mitford Affair" (no spoilers)

How do you think the events of the book would be different if Diana had questioned herself more?

Before reading The Mitford Affair, were you familiar with the Mitford sisters? If so, how has your understanding of these eccentric, beautiful, aristocratic sisters changed, if at all?

Do you think Great Britain was justified in imprisoning Diana and Oswald Mosley?

Why do you think the author chose to focus on only three of Mitford children?

Nancy observes that political decisions are often based on personal motivations. What do you think this means in the context of Diana and Unity? Do you think that observation applies in modern times?

Nicknames abound among the Mitford sisters. What purposes do these names serve?

Why do Decca and Nancy blame Diana for Unity's actions in Germany? Do you think it's fair?

What do you see as Unity's strengths? Why don't others notice them? Does she gain new talents in Germany?

How do you think German beauty standards were shaped by fascist ideas? What social issues do you feel are reflected in our modern beauty trends?

Though Nancy understands the danger of the radio station documents, her loyalty to Diana wins out for a long time. How does that compare to Diana's treatment of Unity?

Why do you feel Nancy is so concerned that Diana is considering divorce?

What do you suppose was the appeal of fascist rhetoric for people in Britain, and people like Diana and Unity in particular?

Why do you suppose the Mitford sisters were so emboldened to express their political opinions? Is one always entitled to free speech or are there limits? Where do you draw the line?

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