Member Reviews
Emily S, Librarian
A Dazzling Graphic Biography That Captures the Glamour and Complexity of the Mitford Sisters
Mimi Pond's Do Admit: The Mitford Sisters and Me is a masterful blend of personal memoir and historical biography, brought to life through her signature wit and expressive illustrations. This 444-page graphic novel delves into the lives of the six Mitford sisters—Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica, and Deborah—whose aristocratic upbringing and divergent political affiliations made them both celebrated and controversial figures in 20th-century Britain.
Pond intertwines her own 1950s Southern California childhood with the Mitfords' stories, offering a unique perspective that highlights the sisters' influence on her imagination and artistic sensibilities. Her dry humor and empathetic storytelling provide depth to each sister's narrative, capturing their individual complexities and the broader societal shifts they navigated.
The artwork is a visual delight, reminiscent of classic Vanity Fair caricatures and the satirical illustrations of Charles Addams. Pond's illustrations vividly depict the opulence and decay of the Mitfords' world, enhancing the narrative's emotional resonance.
Critics have lauded Do Admit for its inventive storytelling and rich visual style. Alison Bechdel praised it as "a spectacular, dizzying romp through the tumult of the twentieth century," noting Pond's ability to bring coherence to the sprawling narratives of the sisters' lives. Seth described it as "a massive work almost big enough to encompass the enormous egos and lives of these fascinating (and sometimes frightening) women," emphasizing its entertaining and visually inventive approach.
Whether you're well-versed in the Mitford legacy or new to their story, Do Admit offers an engaging and insightful exploration of their lives. Pond's fusion of personal reflection and historical biography results in a work that is both informative and deeply personal.
