Compelling account of the Mitford family, told from the point of view of three of the sisters. Most of the sisters and the parents (especially the mother) were nazi sympathizers who would have happily seen Great Britain become a part of the German Reich.

The narrators are Diana and Unity, who became part of Hitler’s inner circle, and Nancy, who was strongly against Hitler. The author manages to keep the storyline coherent and delivers quite a bit of historical information without letting it get in the way of her narrative.

Both Unity and Diana are presented as both narcissistic and codependent people (Diana seems particularly narcissistic) who become absorbed into fascist politics via very personal ties.

The family and family relationships are unconventional, which makes for a fascinating story. The fact that the book is based on real people is frightening and timely.

The only REALLY weak spot is the German scattered throughout the the parts that are set in Germany. It would be fine - and natural - if the characters learning German spoke imperfect German, but the characters whose first language is German say things that no German would say.

Lots more to think about…