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A review by sbbarnes
Hons and Rebels by Jessica Mitford
4.0
This is a delight to read. Jessica Mitford's humorously, lightly told narration of her childhood, adolescence and early adulthood is by no means to be taken lightly. While maintaining a constant level of self-reflection about how naïve and upper-class she really was, Mitford shows both the happinesses and tragedies of growing up, which are ever more eclipsed by the rising threat of fascism in Europe. I haven't read a lot of works that so concisely and clearly show the difficulties of uniformly dismissing everyone who doesn't share your political opinion as I do here in her relationship with her sister Unity, who becomes a big fan of Hitler.
I also really don't agree with her sister Diana's belief that the portrayal of the parents is negative; it is eccentric, but if what is being narrated here is true, then, well, that's fair. I found that there was nonetheless clear affection for her family radiating out of the book, even if it was countered with frustration at the old-worldliness and out-of-touch-ness. Which is impressive given that the parents' refusal to believe in interaction with other children and in vaccinations indirectly lead to the death of Mitford's child.
This book makes me want to read more biographies in general, which is nice. But I shudder to think what Mitford would think of what has become of America since the time she describes. The kind of tough thing to stomach is how Mitford and her husband deal with money - it's very indicative of upper-class upbringing, which she does point out a few times.
I also really don't agree with her sister Diana's belief that the portrayal of the parents is negative; it is eccentric, but if what is being narrated here is true, then, well, that's fair. I found that there was nonetheless clear affection for her family radiating out of the book, even if it was countered with frustration at the old-worldliness and out-of-touch-ness. Which is impressive given that the parents' refusal to believe in interaction with other children and in vaccinations indirectly lead to the death of Mitford's child.
This book makes me want to read more biographies in general, which is nice. But I shudder to think what Mitford would think of what has become of America since the time she describes. The kind of tough thing to stomach is how Mitford and her husband deal with money - it's very indicative of upper-class upbringing, which she does point out a few times.