I have enjoyed a little Mitford binge recently – such fun! I was almost too scared to watch the new six-part series Outrageous about the lives and fortunes/misfortunes of the six incredibly different sisters. I have read many biographies, given talks about them and visited places associated with them (including seeing the Hons Cupboard in the gorgeous Cotswold home where they grew up), and I felt terrified that the producers would get too much wrong, or would use colour-blind casting, or include inappropriate dialogue. So it was with trepidation that I saw down to watch the first episode on Britbox.
I need not have worried. It took a little time to work out who was playing which sister, and then it just got better and better with each episode. I was riveted. The series ends with the start of WWII, but fortunately another series is in production because so much more happens to those outrageous girls during the war. I can’t wait for more! I loved the actors – Nancy, Unity and Diana were especially good. Farve wasn’t quite eccentric enough, Anna Chancellor is excellent as Muv, and the costumes and settings are superb. If I were not so busy at the moment, I’d sit down and watch it all again.
I do not usually like contemporary retellings of classic novels, but one of the best I’ve ever read is Darling by India Knight which is an updating of Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love. She really caught the characters and did such a clever job of making it more modern (Uncle Matthew is an aged rock star).
The setting is changed to remote Norfolk, and some of the famed family nicknames are changed, but all is in keeping with the wonderful novel to which it pays tribute. I didn’t want this razor-sharp, witty novel to end and it was a joy to meet the Radlett family in a 21st century setting.
Have you watched Outrageous, or read Darling? Which Mitford sister is your favourite? Let me know your thoughts in a comment.
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Phyllis Dadley-Moore
I don’t have a favourite but have 9 Mitford books on my library shelf. I have been a fan since I read “Hons and Rebels” as a teenager. What amazes me is how little formal education they all had. I also loved “The bookshop at 10 Curzon Street” in London where Nancy worked from 1942/45. Its a compilation of letters between Nancy and the owner, Heywood Hill. The letters are a charming and witty account of gossip and aspects of literary and bookish life in London.
Susannah Fullerton
Have you been to the Heywood Hill bookshop? It’s really fabulous. I agree that the Mitfords easily become something of an obsession, and it’s easy to gather together lots of books about them. I love reading about their lives and times.
Faye
Ever since you escorted us to the Cotswolds & we sat in the Mons? Linen cupboard , I have been interested in the Mitford family! Is it on British or our tv ? I have read one “ Nancy Mitford novel . I shall read more ! Thank you for the information .
Susannah Fullerton
Have you been to the Heywood Hill bookshop? It’s really fabulous. I agree that the Mitfords easily become something of an obsession, and it’s easy to gather together lots of books about them. I love reaidng about their lives and times.
Susannah Fullerton
It was the Hons Cupboard. We were so lucky to get to see that! I’ve never been back since as the owners no longer want people going inside.
I am so glad you have been inspired to further Mitford reading. ‘Outrageous’ is on Britbox.
Maria
I too have been enjoying this series and I haven’t quite finished it yet. The humour and eccentricity are a welcome respite from global news. The settings and costumes add considerably to the production’s gentle pleasures.
Susannah Fullerton
I thought it was so well done – costumes, settings, actors chosen, and script. I can’t wait for the next series.
Susannah Fullerton
Yes, a huge relief from the utter depression of global news. It’s all so well produced and acted.