Hons and rebels by jessica mitford5/11/2023 ![]() As a teenager, Unity became entranced by the fascists, while Jessica immediately proclaimed her desire to go exactly the opposite way: They made up their own language (Boudledidge) and games (Hure, Hare, Hure, Commencement, involving a lot of pinching), with many shared jokes and private slang, but at the same time, you sense the fierce competition between the sisters. ![]() The first half of Hons and Rebels details Jessica’s experiences growing up in an isolated country house, surrounded only by her family and educated at home. ![]() The remaining siblings Pam and Tom didn’t acquire quite so much press. ![]() ![]() Many people know about the Mitfords, but if you don’t, here’s the brief run-down: Nancy the novelist wrote The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate (both highly recommended), along with other novels Diana married the leader of the British Union of Fascists Unity was fascinated by Hitler and shot herself at the start of WW2 Jessica (‘Decca’) was the communist who lived in America most of her life Deborah (‘Debo’) became the Duchess of Devonshire. So this review is for the NYRB Classics Spotlight Series Tour and I’m so glad it motivated me to read Jessica Mitford’s wonderful memoir of growing up in such an eccentric and utterly charming family. ![]()
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