The Mitford Affair Summary, Characters and Themes
The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict is a gripping historical novel that delves into the complex lives of the famous Mitford sisters during the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe. Focusing on Nancy, Diana, and Unity Mitford, the novel explores how the sisters’ personal and political choices collide against the backdrop of a world spiraling toward war.
As two of the sisters become enamored with fascist ideals and even Adolf Hitler himself, the family is torn apart. Benedict masterfully blends real historical events with personal drama, offering a vivid portrayal of divided loyalties and political betrayal.
Summary
Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Europe, The Mitford Affair follows the lives of the Mitford sisters, particularly focusing on Nancy, Diana, and Unity. These sisters, born into privilege, are at the heart of British high society in the 1930s. Nancy, the eldest at 28, is an accomplished novelist who dreams of balancing her writing career with the more traditional aspirations of marriage and motherhood.
Pamela, the second eldest, enjoys a quieter life in the countryside, while Diana, celebrated for her beauty, is married to the aristocrat Bryan Guinness and living in luxurious comfort with their two children.
Young Unity, just 18, is beginning to navigate the complexities of London society but feels out of place and uncertain.
Their lives shift dramatically when Diana falls for Oswald Mosley, the charismatic leader of the British Union of Fascists.
Her affair with Mosley sparks a scandal, especially when she divorces her husband in 1933 to fully commit to both him and his political cause. Diana’s infatuation with fascism grows, and she soon pulls Unity into the fold. Unity, searching for purpose and meaning, becomes enchanted by the rigid order of fascism and is mesmerized by Adolf Hitler.
The two sisters travel to Germany frequently, forging connections with Nazi elites and, for Unity, becoming close to Hitler himself. While Diana and Unity embrace these dangerous political ideals, Nancy is horrified.
She writes novels satirizing fascism, hoping to counteract her sisters’ troubling new allegiances.
Nancy marries Peter Rodd, a man who, despite their love, proves to be unreliable, battling alcoholism and infidelity. As Nancy’s marriage falters, she turns to her writing, attempting to expose the dangers of fascism, while also being drawn into covert work with Winston Churchill.
Tension mounts within the family as Diana and Unity’s relationships with Hitler deepen. Unity’s obsession with the Nazi leader becomes all-consuming, and she moves to Germany, immersing herself in the fascist lifestyle, much to her family’s dismay.
Meanwhile, Diana is working tirelessly to advance Mosley’s political career, even as his popularity wanes in Britain.
As war looms, Unity becomes increasingly unhinged by Hitler’s plans to invade Czechoslovakia, and Diana’s efforts to push Mosley toward greater political power are failing. The sisters’ actions become more treacherous, with Unity even revealing German secrets to Nancy.
Eventually, the threat of war forces Unity to a breaking point, and when Britain declares war on Germany, she attempts suicide in Munich.
Nancy, now collaborating with Churchill, uncovers evidence of Diana’s involvement in a fascist plot to broadcast Nazi propaganda in Britain. Unity, gravely injured but alive, returns home to England, where her family must grapple with the consequences of her choices.
Nancy’s discoveries lead to Diana and Mosley’s imprisonment for their treasonous activities. Though she feels guilt over the role she played in her sister’s downfall, Nancy is ultimately convinced that justice was necessary for the sake of the country.
Characters
Nancy Mitford
As the eldest sister, Nancy takes on the role of the family’s intellectual conscience, embodying the moral opposition to fascism. She is introduced as a successful novelist who is trying to balance her literary ambitions with societal expectations of marriage and family life.
Her life is filled with emotional turmoil due to her dysfunctional marriage to Peter Rodd, who is plagued by alcoholism and infidelity. Despite this, Nancy is committed to the relationship and remains determined to start a family, though her hopes of motherhood are continuously frustrated.
She is also deeply concerned about her sisters’ involvement with fascism and Nazi ideology. As her sisters’ connections to Hitler deepen, Nancy’s disillusionment grows, leading her to use her writing as a form of political resistance.
Her satire of Mosley and fascism strains her relationship with her family, but it also highlights her commitment to using her voice for a greater cause. Nancy’s eventual collaboration with Winston Churchill as a spy reflects her deep sense of patriotism and personal sacrifice.
She wrestles with guilt over her role in the arrest of Diana and Mosley. Ultimately, she justifies her actions as necessary for Britain’s safety.
Diana Mitford
Diana is portrayed as a beautiful, charismatic, and ambitious woman whose personal desires lead her into the treacherous world of fascism. Initially, she enjoys a luxurious life with her first husband, Bryan Guinness, but she becomes infatuated with Sir Oswald Mosley, the leader of the British Union of Fascists.
Her decision to leave her wealthy, aristocratic life to pursue Mosley marks a pivotal turning point in her life, and she becomes an ardent supporter of fascism. Diana’s devotion to Mosley is so intense that she sacrifices her reputation, wealth, and family relationships to support his political ambitions.
Her dedication to Mosley is not purely personal; it is also ideological, as she becomes increasingly involved in the fascist movement. Diana’s relationship with Hitler and her collaboration with him to promote Mosley’s career demonstrate her commitment to the fascist cause, even at the expense of her own country.
However, her intense devotion to Mosley is also marked by personal insecurity; she fears that he will not live up to Hitler’s expectations as a fascist leader. This insecurity drives her to attempt to solidify his power, even when it becomes clear that his movement is losing support in Britain.
Diana’s actions, particularly her involvement in German radio broadcasts and her secrecy regarding Unity’s mental health, demonstrate her willingness to prioritize her political beliefs over her family’s well-being.
Unity Mitford
Unity is depicted as a tragic and obsessive figure who is drawn to fascism as a means of finding purpose and identity. Her initial discomfort in London society contrasts sharply with the certainty and order she finds in fascist ideology.
Unity’s infatuation with Hitler is portrayed as both personal and ideological, as she becomes fully enmeshed in the Nazi movement. She moves to Germany to be closer to Hitler and becomes part of his inner circle.
Unity’s fanaticism grows to the point where she sees Hitler not just as a political figure but as a source of personal validation. Her obsession with Hitler leads her to publish antisemitic opinions and distance herself from her family, further entrenching her in Nazi ideology.
Unity’s mental health deteriorates as her involvement with Hitler deepens. When Britain declares war on Germany, her devastation culminates in a suicide attempt.
The psychological toll of her political beliefs is devastating. Her brain injury after the attempt symbolizes the permanent damage wrought by her obsessive loyalty to Hitler.
Unity’s story is one of disillusionment and tragedy. Her search for meaning leads her into a destructive ideology that ultimately consumes her.
Sir Oswald Mosley
Although Mosley is not a Mitford by birth, his influence on the family, particularly on Diana, is profound. As the leader of the British Union of Fascists, Mosley is a controversial figure who manipulates Diana’s devotion to further his political goals.
His charisma and ideological fervor attract Diana, and he becomes a central figure in her life. Mosley’s political ambitions align closely with Nazi Germany’s, and his ties to Hitler solidify his position as a leading fascist in Britain.
However, despite his influence, Mosley’s character is marked by personal failings. He is a philanderer, conducting numerous affairs even while married to Diana.
Mosley’s fascist movement loses credibility and support in Britain as the war draws closer. His marriage to Diana, organized by Hitler, illustrates the extent of his collaboration with Nazi Germany.
Mosley’s downfall is accelerated by his internment during the war. His political failures are reflected in his personal life, as he becomes increasingly reliant on Diana’s support and manipulation of their fascist connections.
Peter Rodd
Peter, Nancy’s husband, is portrayed as a flawed and unstable figure whose personal issues create significant strain in their marriage. He is described as an alcoholic and unfaithful, which causes Nancy considerable emotional distress.
Despite his failings, Nancy remains committed to him, hoping for a future that includes children and a stable family life. Over time, Peter’s behavior improves as he reduces his drinking and becomes more attentive to Nancy, but his earlier behavior has already taken a toll on their relationship.
Peter’s personal struggles reflect the broader theme of instability and emotional turmoil that runs throughout the novel. His character serves as a foil to Nancy’s growing sense of purpose, as her commitment to opposing fascism and supporting Churchill stands in stark contrast to Peter’s initial irresponsibility.
Winston Churchill
Though a secondary figure in the novel, Winston Churchill plays a crucial role as an ally to Nancy in her efforts to combat fascism. His friendship with the Mitford family allows him to enlist Nancy’s help in monitoring her sisters’ activities.
Churchill’s character represents the larger political struggle against fascism, and his request for Nancy’s assistance underscores the personal stakes involved in this global conflict. His involvement in the investigation of Diana and Mosley’s treasonous activities highlights the seriousness of their actions and the threat they pose to Britain.
Churchill’s collaboration with Nancy demonstrates the intersection of personal and political in the fight against fascism. Family loyalty is tested by national allegiance in this broader wartime narrative.
Pamela Mitford
Pamela is the least politically involved of the sisters, preferring a quiet, rural life to the social and political drama surrounding her siblings. Her detachment from the fascist movement contrasts sharply with Diana and Unity’s passionate involvement.
Pamela’s character represents a more traditional and stable path, one focused on personal happiness rather than political ambition. Her relative disinterest in the ideological struggles of the time allows her to avoid the moral and emotional crises that afflict her sisters.
However, her quiet life also renders her a somewhat passive character. She is less involved in the major conflicts of the novel.
Tom Mitford
As the only son in the family, Tom represents the traditional male role expected in an aristocratic British family. His father’s opposition to Germany, rooted in his experience during World War I, influences Tom’s perspective.
However, Tom plays a relatively minor role in the novel compared to his sisters. He serves more as a background figure, somewhat overshadowed by the more dynamic and politically involved women in his family.
Tom’s character provides a counterpoint to the intense ideological involvement of his sisters. His lack of a strong presence in the narrative reflects the overwhelming impact that the women in the Mitford family have on the story’s central conflicts.
Unity and Diana’s Parents
The Mitford parents, especially their father, are portrayed as caught between pride in their daughters’ social connections and alarm at their involvement with fascism. Their father’s speech in Parliament supporting Hitler and appeasement policies reflects a misguided belief that their daughters’ fascist connections might benefit Britain.
As the political situation deteriorates, the parents become increasingly aware of the danger their daughters pose. Their interventions come too late to prevent Unity’s breakdown or Diana’s arrest.
The parents’ story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of ignoring or downplaying political extremism in favor of social status.
Themes
The Interplay of Personal Relationships and Political Ideology in the Context of Fascist Ascendancy
One of the central themes of The Mitford Affair is the way personal relationships are deeply entangled with political ideology during the rise of fascism in Europe. The novel portrays how intimate connections, particularly those within families, become charged with ideological conflict.
Diana’s love affair with Sir Oswald Mosley, the founder of the British Union of Fascists, epitomizes this fusion of the personal and political. Her infatuation with Mosley transforms into an unwavering commitment to fascism, and she drags her younger sister Unity into the movement, with both becoming enmeshed in Adolf Hitler’s circle.
Their love lives and political lives become inseparable, demonstrating how romantic entanglements are leveraged to further fascist goals. Unity’s obsession with Hitler is framed as an emotionally and politically toxic relationship that leads to personal and ideological destruction.
Nancy, the eldest sister, provides a counterpoint to this, as her own troubled marriage to Peter Rodd drives her toward writing as a means of satirizing and resisting fascist ideology. The novel thus explores how personal affiliations—whether romantic or familial—can lead individuals to embrace or reject dangerous political movements.
It shows how fascism’s rise is not merely a political phenomenon but also one that invades the most intimate aspects of life.
The Seductive Appeal of Totalitarianism and the Promise of Order Amidst Chaos
Another significant theme is the seductive allure of totalitarian ideologies like fascism, especially for individuals seeking order in a world they perceive as chaotic or meaningless. Unity and Diana are drawn to fascism not only because of their personal ties to Hitler and Mosley but also because they believe fascism offers clarity, discipline, and a sense of purpose.
For Unity, Hitler’s regime represents an organized and ideologically coherent alternative to the instability she feels in her own life. Her awkwardness in British society and her struggles with social anxiety push her toward the authoritarian structure of Nazism, which promises simplicity and answers to life’s complexities.
Similarly, Diana’s attraction to Mosley and fascism is not purely romantic. She is captivated by the idea of political order and the belief that fascism can restore greatness to Britain.
The novel portrays fascism as a deeply seductive ideology, particularly for those who feel displaced or disenfranchised by the uncertainties of modern life. It underscores how the promise of totalitarian control can seem appealing even to members of the upper classes.
The Gendered Dimensions of Power, Influence, and Political Manipulation
Marie Benedict’s novel delves into the gendered dynamics of power and political influence, especially as they intersect with the personal lives of women like the Mitford sisters. The novel highlights how women in this period—particularly upper-class women—were often expected to wield their influence through personal and romantic relationships rather than through direct political engagement.
Diana’s ability to advance Mosley’s fascist career is inextricably tied to her beauty, charm, and status as his lover. Unity uses her femininity and social standing to insinuate herself into Hitler’s inner circle. This demonstrates how, in a patriarchal society, women are often expected to operate as political actors through softer, more indirect means, relying on their relationships with powerful men.
The novel critiques this dynamic, showing the damaging effects of this form of influence. Diana and Unity’s proximity to fascist power comes at the cost of their moral integrity and ultimately, in Unity’s case, her physical and mental health.
On the other hand, Nancy’s decision to subvert traditional gender roles by engaging in espionage for Winston Churchill and using her writing to expose fascism reflects a more active and independent form of political agency. This theme underscores the novel’s exploration of the different ways women in the 1930s could engage with political power, often constrained by societal expectations but finding ways to assert influence nonetheless.
Familial Loyalty Versus National Allegiance in Times of Political Crisis
A complex and deeply moral theme in The Mitford Affair is the tension between familial loyalty and national allegiance, particularly during times of political crisis. Nancy’s growing awareness of her sisters’ involvement in fascist activities creates an internal conflict between her love for her family and her sense of duty to her country.
This conflict reaches its apex when Nancy decides to become a spy for Winston Churchill, ultimately betraying her sisters to protect Britain from the dangers of fascism. The novel examines the agonizing choices faced by individuals when personal loyalty to family members clashes with broader ethical and national responsibilities.
This tension is heightened by the fact that the Mitford sisters’ treasonous behavior involves real plans to advance fascist objectives in Britain, including the establishment of German radio broadcasts. Nancy’s decision to prioritize her country over her family reflects a difficult moral reckoning.
She must weigh the emotional pain of betraying her sisters against the broader consequences of their actions. This theme highlights the painful sacrifices required in times of national emergency, where personal relationships must sometimes be subordinated to a higher moral imperative.
The Role of Satire and Literature as Tools of Political Resistance
Another profound theme in the novel is the use of satire and literature as mechanisms of political resistance and social commentary. Nancy’s role as a writer becomes increasingly significant as she uses her fiction to critique and undermine the fascist ideology embraced by her sisters.
Her decision to satirize Mosley and his followers in her novels represents a form of intellectual defiance against the political forces threatening to engulf Europe. This theme underscores the power of art and literature to challenge authoritarianism and expose its absurdities, even in the face of family conflict and personal danger.
The fact that Nancy’s writing not only serves as a creative outlet but also as a form of political activism reflects a broader historical tradition of literature as a tool for social change. The novel emphasizes how individuals, especially women, can use the written word to assert their voices and resist oppressive ideologies.
By aligning Nancy with the intellectual tradition of satire, the novel celebrates the capacity of literature to critique power structures. It offers a counterpoint to the fascist rhetoric espoused by Unity and Diana, whose political engagements are more direct but ultimately destructive.