Wigs on the Green
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Nancy Mitford’s most controversial novel, unavailable for decades, is a hilarious satirical send-up of the political enthusiasms of her notorious sisters, Unity and Diana. Written in 1934, early in Hitler’s rise, Wigs on the Green lightheartedly skewers the devoted followers of British fascism. The sheltered and unworldy Eugenia Malmain is one of the richest girls in England and an ardent supporter of General Jack and his Union Jackshirts. World-weary Noel Foster and his scheming friend Jasper Aspect are in search of wealthy heiresses to marry; Lady Marjorie, disguised as a commoner, is on the run from the Duke she has just jilted at the altar; and her friend Poppy is considering whether to divorce her rich husband. When these characters converge with the colorful locals at a grandly misconceived costume pageant that turns into a brawl between Pacifists and Jackshirts, madcap farce ensues. Long suppressed by the author out of sensitivity to family feelings, Wigs on the Green can now be enjoyed by fans of Mitford’s superbly comic novels.
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I was worried I wasn't going to like this just due to the controversy Mitford had with her sister's Diana and Unity. I loved it though. It was funny and reminded me of some of the best of Waugh's books. I can see how Diana and Unity wouldn't've liked it, but I didn't think it made fun of fascism that badly either. Eugenia's devotion to her cause was, I thought, treated pretty well with touches of humor added in. I didn't feel it portrayed the Union Jackshirts in a terrible light. Really, the people who came off the worst were the silly, flighty women who were just looking for a sort of summer fling. I loved it.
