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Forum Name Book Club Home
Discussion Name 2023 Book Club Discussions
Topic Name The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
Book Jacket

The Mitford Affair


An explosive novel of history's most notorious sisters, one of whom will have to...
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Discuss The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

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Last Post

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?

12

Feb. 20, 2023
by patriciag

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

49

Feb. 16, 2023
by lauriem

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

21

Feb. 16, 2023
by lauriem

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

18

Feb. 16, 2023
by lauriem

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

18

Feb. 16, 2023
by lauriem

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?

8

Feb. 11, 2023
by patriciag

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?

11

Feb. 09, 2023
by scgirl

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

11

Feb. 09, 2023
by scgirl

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?

41

Feb. 09, 2023
by scgirl

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

23

Feb. 04, 2023
by tsquared

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

17

Feb. 01, 2023
by sylviala

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

18

Feb. 01, 2023
by tsquared

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

17

Jan. 29, 2023
by reene

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?

5

Jan. 29, 2023
by linz

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

20

Jan. 28, 2023
by reene

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

13

Jan. 28, 2023
by juliep

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

17

Jan. 27, 2023
by alisonk

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

12

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?

11

Jan. 23, 2023
by nancyh

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

15

Jan. 22, 2023
by LeceP

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?

13

Jan. 19, 2023
by nancyh

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