Highland Fling

In Highland Fling—Nancy Mitford’s first novel, published in 1931—a set of completely incompatible and hilariously eccentric characters collide in a Scottish castle, where bright young things play pranks on their stodgy elders until the frothy plot climaxes in ghost sightings and a dramatic fire. Inspired in part by Mitford’s youthful infatuation with a Scottish aristocrat, her story follows young Jane Dacre to a shooting party at Dulloch Castle, where she tramps around a damp and chilly moor on a hunting expedition with formidable Lady Prague, xenophobic General Murgatroyd, one-eyed Admiral Wenceslaus, and an assortment of other ancient and gouty peers of the realm, while falling in love with Albert, a surrealist painter with a mischievous sense of humor. Lighthearted and sparkling with witty banter, Highland Fling was Mitford’s first foray into the delightful fictional world for which the author of The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate later became so celebrated. With an Introduction by Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey.From AudioFileRosemary Davis reads Nancy Mitford's 1931 novel as if it's a family story. Her familiarity with the characters and events draws the reader into this story of an English artist who meets his future bride while attending a house party in Scotland. Davis's English accent is totally lucid and effective; she moves effortlessly into the recitation of a lengthy Scottish ballad with wonderful clarity. The recitation is one of the many high points in this rounded tale of romance and English class discord. Davis's ability to make serious points without pomposity and to convey Mitford's humor make listening to this tale a joy. D.P.D. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine