Yet another glimpse--but perhaps the last firsthand account--into the lives of the Mitford sisters. ( )

I have so much admiration and respect for Deborah's devotion to Chatsworth. Historic homes are so demanding of upkeep and financial resources that it's questionable if Chatsworth would be in its present condition without her years of dedication and hard work. Even though I'm not likely to visit it (Kelmscott and Red House, the residences of William Morris, are already at the top of my list, as well as the spectacular Leighton House Museum in Kensington, and Tower House, if only Jimmy would invite me over, sigh) I hope it continues to stand beautiful and full of art treasures for many more years to come. ( )

A fascinating read for anyone with an interest in the Mitford sisters (Deborah, or Debo was the youngest Mitford). Gives a different perspective on the sister's upbringing and early adulthood between the wars and then segues into Deborah's life as Duchess of Devonshire, chatelaine of Chatworth, wife of a diplomat and friend of the "great and good" in the UK and the USA (connected by marriage and tragedy with the Kennedys). There's an arresting mixture of candour interspersed with a lack of understanding of how entitled her life was - even after the punitive death duties levied when her husband inherited the Dukedom they were left with more wealth than most of us would dream of. However she also experienced more than her fair share of personal tragedy and I am reminded that all the wealth and privilige in the world cannot protect you from grief and loss. Worth a read if you are interested in the Mitfords and class in the UK. ( )

I find the subject matter (The Mitfords) very interesting, but the Duchesses style of writing and flitting from topic to topic makes the narrative distracting and hard to immerse yourself in. ( )

I loathe most of what DD represents - hunting and shooting, appalling snobbery, and having tea with Hitler - but I can't help having a sneaking liking for her. ( )