Reviews

Don't Tell Alfred by Nancy Mitford

kentcryptid's review against another edition

3.0

Funny how this - set in the 1950s - feels more dated than In The Pursuit of Love, which is set in the 20s and 30s. It has occasional flashes of Mitford wit, but is probably only really enjoyable by those with very detailed knowledge of post-war Franco-British diplomatic relations.

callmeamelia's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• 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

quietjenn's review against another edition

4.0

after reading and loving "the pursuit of love" and "love in a cold climate" i was heartily warned *not* to read this one, because it just doesn't hold up to those. so i didn't, until a whim hit fairly recently. and i was delighted by how much i enjoyed it. perhaps enough time has passed since i read those other two that the characters here don't quite seem like the same people and it's possible to enjoy the novel in and of itself and not as "the continued adventures of ..." it's very enjoyable and funny and i did love the paris diplomatic circle setting. i was less-charmed by northey than i think i was supposed to be, but thought a middle-aged nancy mitford's take on the teddys and the beats and what have you quite amusing.

booksandpuzzles's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

sophiemooch's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

marieshan4321's review against another edition

adventurous funny relaxing 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? Yes

4.5

Ooooh can this rival The Pursuit of Love as my  favourite Nancy Mitford book?????? Might  :) 

Loved Don't Tell Alfred so much!! Absolutely hilarious! Incredibly witty!! I really enjoyed seeing the tweedy and bookish Fanny and Alfred try and cope with their bohemian children!! So much fun!!!! 

booksandbraids's review

3.0

I made it through the entire trilogy! While a lot of this series dragged for me, the ending of each book really made it worth it for me. I am not really sure why... 90% of the book I was sort of bored, and then the endings always had something sudden/unexpected happen. It was worth it just to see what Nancy would throw in at the end.

ninas_reading's review against another edition

funny medium-paced

3.0

verityw's review

3.0

I didn't like this as much as the others in the series - it felt more contrived and less real than its predecessors - for me, Mitford was out of her comfort zone writing about this era and the new characters aren't as well drawn. It's still an amusing read, and I'm glad that I read it, but I don't think I'll re-read this one the way that I suspect I will its predecessors.

tommyro's review

4.0

Nancy Mitford is the most delightful writer ever! Totally charming story. A hilarious madcap comediy.