Loved Ones

Loved Ones is a 1985 collection of biographical portraits by Diana Mosley, presenting intimate accounts of notable figures from her social circle. The book features personal photographs alongside the written portraits, adding visual depth to Mosley's recollections. Each portrait focuses on a different personality who shaped Mosley's life, including literary figures like Lytton Strachey and Evelyn Waugh, aristocrats like Lord Berners, and her second husband Sir Oswald Mosley. The subjects span different periods of her life, from childhood influences to post-World War II friendships. The collection stands as a record of British upper-class society in the early-to-mid 20th century, capturing both public and private moments of its subjects. The writing style employs what critics called "Mitfordese snobbery" and English understatement. The work serves as both a personal memoir and a social document, offering perspectives on the interconnected worlds of British aristocracy, arts, and politics during a transformative period in European history.

Limited online reviews exist for Diana Mosley's "Loved Ones," with only a handful of ratings across book platforms. Readers appreciate her insider perspective on European society figures and her descriptive writing about people she knew personally, including Hitler, Winston Churchill, and Evelyn Waugh. Several reviews note her wit and engaging storytelling style when describing social events and personalities of the era. Critics point out her unapologetic fascist views and what they see as attempts to rehabilitate certain historical figures. Multiple readers mention feeling uncomfortable with her positive portrayal of Hitler and other Nazi leaders. Some found her tone elitist and dismissive of opposing viewpoints. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (13 ratings) Amazon: No current listings or reviews Online reviews are limited, likely due to the book's controversial subject matter and author. Library holdings data shows periodic checkouts but minimal public discussion or reviews of the work.

The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family by Mary S. Lovell A comprehensive family biography that chronicles the lives, relationships, and political affiliations of Diana Mosley's sisters and parents through wartime Britain.

Unity Mitford: A Quest by David Pryce-Jones This biography explores the life of Diana Mosley's sister Unity and her connection to Hitler's inner circle.

The Women of the Third Reich by Anna Maria Sigmund A collection of biographies examining the lives of prominent women connected to Nazi leadership provides context for Diana Mosley's political associations.

The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard This first volume of the Cazalet Chronicles depicts an upper-class English family's life before and during WWII through multiple perspectives.

Nancy Mitford: A Biography by Selina Hastings A detailed account of Diana Mosley's sister Nancy's life as a writer and aristocrat in pre-war and post-war Europe.

🔷 Diana Mosley (née Mitford) was one of the famous Mitford sisters, six aristocratic siblings who became prominent figures in British society between the World Wars 🔷 The author's marriage to British Fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley and her friendship with Adolf Hitler caused significant controversy, leading to her internment during World War II 🔷 Lord Berners, one of the subjects featured in the book, was known for dyeing his doves in vibrant colors and maintaining a giraffe as a pet at his country estate, Faringdon House 🔷 Evelyn Waugh, another subject of the portraits, used Diana Mosley as inspiration for characters in his novels, particularly in "Vile Bodies" which satirized the British aristocracy 🔷 The book provides unique insights into the "Bright Young Things" of 1920s London, a group of young aristocrats and socialites known for their elaborate parties and unconventional lifestyle