Pigeon Pie

I've been re-reading all the Nancy Mitford books that I can find. Loved this one for the witty remarks she has made about the English and preparations for war. I know that it wasn't as funny as she has made it, but that hasn't spoiled my enjoyment of reading it again.

Mitford wrote this book in the first few months of World War II. Its quite amusing in the Mitford-ish way. She has Lady Sophia who is happily married to Luke. Happily because they lead other lives with other people and never really have to see one another except as two people living in the same house. Sophia has Rudolph to keep her amused and Luke has Florence. Sophia is dreadfully good-natured but is not the brightest spark in the universeUnfortunately war breaks out with Germany which rather throws everyone's lives into disarray - including Lady Sophia's as she starts to suspect that he house is actually housing a bustling nest of German Spies. Its a terrifically popular past-time amongst women of her class it seems, to be discovering nests of spies, or be engaged in mysterious espionage work, so she has great difficult being listened to.I must say I liked this book, but I much preferred Mitford's other books Pursuit of Love, Love in a Cold Climate etc. This was fun and amusing, but it didn't, for me anyway, have the same wondrous characters of that series (Uncle Davie, Uncle Matthew - or even the entrenching tool). Still it had lovely touches to it. Its definitely one I'll reread - but not often.

I've read reviews comparing Mitford's work to that of Barbara Pym. It's an apt comparison, but where Pym's province is excellent women and their ilk, Mitford's characters live on the society stage. What Mitford shares with Pym is a sharp wit, a dry sense of humor, and an eye for social satire via the novel of manners.Lady Sophia Garfield is cross because her arch-rival Baby Bagg has been posturing as a beautiful spy. Sophia is so busy being jealous of her enemy that she fails to notice the ring of spies operating out of her house. Refined British screwball ensues.Read and enjoy.