Reviews

Although this book is about a bunch of appalling upper class people being appalling and upper class, they're not irredeemably awful making this book much more readable. There's little plot to speak of which is a shame as there was scope for one (the illicit accessing of Lady Maria's diaries) but you do get swept up in the misadventures of the characters, of which there are plenty. There's also a lot of humour, some of it very dark which I don't think would fly these days but which isn't too obscure for a modern audience. (Content warning - there's also use of the n-word at one point.)

Content Warnings

erinandbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was wonderfully mad. I'm really glad I stumbled upon this in waterstones and now I want to read all of Nancy Mitford's books.
A funny look on the upper classes in the 30s where they're all pretty delusional about their place in the world and yet no one minds.
The first chapter had me laughing out loud and carried me through the book. I'm sure she had a lot of fun reading this.
A very little read which has cheered up my Christmas no end. I usually avoid older books but this has given me courage to be more bold with what I read.

amber1199's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

fruitkate's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

kchessrice's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

bella_cavicchi's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

An unexpected trend in my 2023 reading life has been books about the absurdly wealthy making silly decisions. I have no regrets. Nancy Mitford's writing remains a delight and a half.

Content Warnings

esther_a_'s review against another edition

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4.0

Entertaining lives of British high society in 1930’s where nothing much actually happens throughout but they like to think it does! Silly, funny and the lead up to their Christmas get together felt festive.

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