London Free Press

As the youngest of the famed Mitford sisters, Deborah (Debo) ended up living the most normal life (if becoming the Duchess of Devonshire can be considered normal). The only surviving member of the seven children of Lord and Lady Redesdale, Debo adds another perspective to the family that sister Nancy immortalized in her novels.

As the baby, Debo led an idyllic childhood in the bucolic Oxfordshire countryside, adored her eccentric family, had a glamourous youth surrounded by most of the wealthy and celebrated of the day.

She shared tea with Hitler in pre-war Germany, was friends with the Kennedys, especially Kathleen ('Kick'), who married her brother-in-law, and fell in love with and married her soulmate Andrew, at age 18.

He was the second son of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and when oldest son Billy was killed, Debo and Andrew inherited the dukedom and moved to Chatsworth, one of the greatest stately homes in England.

Her creativity helped preserve the home's beauty and put it on a sound economic footing.

A delightful account of an amazing life.