Reviews

Wow! This story had me hooked! It's a book that I read in 24hrs, and rarely put down! Mitford's writing has such a unique charm, that she pulls you into the world of these characters and then proceeds to shock and humour the reader with the character's antics.

Such is the skill of Mitford, that whilst I thought that Grace and Charles-Edouard were charming together yet incompatible, I spent the second half of the book longing for their reunion. From the beginning they seemed, to me at least, mis-matched as she is rather conservative in thoughts regarding relationships and he so openly-adulterous. We are on the side of Grace for the first part of the novel, and yet in Charle-Edouard's absence, I longed for them to be back together - realizing that none of the alternative potential spouses measured up. Because of this, the second half of the novel, whilst enjoyable, was torturous for me - particularly regarding Sigi's schemes. So desperate was I to see them back together that I almost detested that child! Whilst his notions were understandable, it was still incredibly infuriating!

Another aspect that I particularly enjoyed was that Mitford included references to characters in previous novels! With Pursuit of Love and Love In A Cold Climate, I expected there to be a fluent reference and connection between characters and places in both novels, but with The Blessing I was impressed that these references were still made despite the novel following a different circle of characters. Though brief, that they mentioned Fabrice when at the cemetery, meant that Mitford's Paris, indeed Mitford's world, became a more rounded Parisienne world. It was certainly something I enjoyed and appreciated.

The only reason I have not awarded this novel 5 stars is because I generally reserve that for books that have a lasting impression of changing my mind or inviting me to question themes of the book.

Nevertheless, this was a truly great read! Recommended! Of what I've read, my favourite of Mitford's novels so far!

Edit: This is my favourite Mitford novel!

komet2020's review against another edition

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4.0

Grace Allingham, a young and unassuming Englishwoman from an affluent background, makes the acquaintance of Charles-Edouard de Valhubert, a French Air Force officer, during the early years of the Second World War. Charming, suave, and utterly self-assured, he sweeps Grace off her feet, they quickly marry and have a short honeymoon. Then Charles-Edouard goes back to the war. Grace leaves London and settles in the countryside. She finds herself with child and later gives birth to a boy, who is named Sigismond. Better known as "Sigi", we find him as a boy of seven (upon his father's return) with an angelic face and a puckish charm that leads him to do a little mischief every now and then.

A few years pass before Charles-Edouard receives his discharge and returns to Britain from the Far East. He returns to Grace and son like a force of nature, full of bonhomie. They relocate to France and what a life! Mitford gives the reader some interesting views into French culture and mores and offers some sparkling contrasts with the British mindset and contradictory/ambivalent views of the French.

In turns, "[b:The Blessing|8041278|The Blessing |Nancy Mitford|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320482129s/8041278.jpg|148207]" reads like a zany comedy of errors and a tender love story. I recommend it to any reader who is keen to read an entertaining and engaging novel.