Title: Wait for Me!
Author: Deborah Mitford
First published September 1, 2010
345 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780374207687 (ISBN10: 0374207682)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
Deborah Mitford, Duchess of Devonshire, was born into a family of literary giants, including her sisters Nancy and Jessica. Her memoir, Wait for Me!, invites readers into her extraordinary life, from her whimsical childhood spent exploring the English countryside to her unexpected friendship with Adolf Hitler and her sister Unity.
Her marriage to Andrew Cavendish, the second son of the Duke of Devonshire, changed everything when he inherited the title and vast estates after his brother’s wartime death. But the Duchess rose to the occasion, breathing new life into the family’s ancestral home, Chatsworth.
Her captivating writing style offers a unique insider’s look into the world of aristocracy and its many eccentricities. With sharp wit and insight, the Duchess paints vivid portraits of her friends and acquaintances, from politicians to artists.
Wait for Me! is a charming and intimate portrait of an era of change, glamour, and intrigue, and will leave readers captivated for years to come.
About the Author
Deborah Mitford, also known as Deborah Devonshire or the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, grew up in Oxfordshire, England. Her husband, Andrew, the 11th Duke of Devonshire, inherited extensive estates in Yorkshire, Ireland, and Chatsworth, the family seat in Derbyshire, in 1950.
This made Deborah the chatelaine of one of England’s grandest homes. She is the author of several books, including All in One Basket, Wait for Me!, Counting My Chickens, and Home to Roost.
Additionally, her letters have been collected. After her husband passed away in 2004, she relocated to a village on the Chatsworth estate.
Editoral Review
Deborah Mitford’s Wait for Me! is a charming and emotional memoir that provides a unique perspective on life during the 20th century. Mitford, who is part of the famous Mitford family, shares her experiences growing up in England during World War II, her romantic relationships and marriage, and her travels around the world.
With a mix of personal anecdotes, photos, and letters, Mitford invites readers into her fascinating world and offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Wait for Me! is a hybrid between a memoir and a history book, making it a perfect choice for readers interested in the relationships and lifestyles of the English upper class during the 20th century.
Mitford’s writing is straightforward and accessible, making the book easy to read despite its depth of content. Mitford is also an engaging storyteller, bringing her experiences to life with vivid descriptions and colorful anecdotes.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including class structures, the impact of war, family relationships, and social expectations. Mitford’s personal experiences are used to illuminate these broader themes, making the book both relatable and informative.
Mitford also includes interesting insights into historical events, such as her time as a Red Cross nurse during the Blitz and her meetings with political figures such as JFK and Winston Churchill. These moments add depth and context to Mitford’s personal story, making the book a rich and rewarding read.
One of the strengths of Wait for Me! is the way that Mitford portrays the complexities of her relationships, particularly her tumultuous marriage to Andrew Cavendish, the 11th Duke of Devonshire. Mitford is honest and introspective about the difficulties they faced as a couple, making the book a compelling read for anyone interested in the dynamics of romantic relationships.
If there is one criticism of Wait for Me!, it is that the book can feel a bit meandering at times, with Mitford jumping from topic to topic without always getting into great detail. Some readers may also find the focus on the English upper class a bit narrow.
However, these minor quibbles are outweighed by the overall quality of the book. Overall, Wait for Me! is a charming and engaging memoir that provides a valuable perspective on life during the 20th century.
Mitford’s writing is accessible and her personal experiences are used to explore broader themes, making the book both relatable and informative. Fans of memoirs, history books, or anyone interested in the English upper class will enjoy this fascinating and emotional read.
