The Horror of Love: Nancy Mitford and Gaston Palewski in Paris and London
Mitford, best known for her strident wit and sharp portrayal of the British upper class, was for 29 years entangled with a married philanderer, who, when free, married another woman. Her lover and the inspiration for many of her novels, including the best known, The Pursuit of Love (1945), was Frenchman Gaston Palewski, an unlikely romantic figure, a short military man of revolting habits. He was born of Jewish Polish immigrants who struggled to achieve status, and although Mitford was high-born, her family was not wealthy. Both were married during the bulk of their affair, but through a common passion and verve, pushed each other to high achievement. Hilton offers a portrait of a fascinating couple during a tumultuous period as they engaged with the most powerful figures of the time, from Adolf Hitler to Winston Churchill. Hilton traces Mitford’s development as a writer, a lover, and a woman. Throughout, Hilton addresses misconceptions about Mitford and challenges the perception that she was a woman exploited and misused. Mitford fans will enjoy this revealing portrait, and newcomers may be inspired to read her works. --Vanessa Bush