Comments on: Amazing Women: Jessica Mitford

By: Lily@IW

Lily@IW — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:46:53 +0000

Peter, I was trying to read some on your blog this morning, but had to get a little one off to school. I am interested in the book you edited. I’m glad you came over to share your experiences with us. The kazoo playing band is one of the things I like about Jessica’s personality (of what little I have read). Though, the highlights of her life are telling in themselves. She’s fascinating. When I said it was hard to hear, I meant, I am one of those who are in agreement w/the review you shared. But, I like it regardless, because of people getting together to have purposeful fun.
How cool is it to have kazoos played at your memorial? You gotta love that.

I went to the link provided regarding Maya Angelou and Jessica Mitford. Jessica was brave and bold to walk out alone in the country w/her. It cracks me up she tried to pass herself off as Maya’s mother.

Even though it was written in 1963, I am also interested in her expose of funeral industry. It sounds interesting and I like learning about the author through the way they write.

As I said, I like to learn about woman who defy convention and live their life the way they think it should be lived. Jessica Mitford sounds like a shining example of that. I look forward to learning more about her. Thanks Jennie, I would have never known.

By: Anya@IW

Anya@IW — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:44:19 +0000

Peter, I loved that recollection. I have to get my hands on your book!

Pam, who to play Jessica?

Hmm. The first name that comes to mind is Julianne Moore. I think she is an amazing actress and could pull it off, but the two JM’s (Julianne and Jessica) don’t really share a physical resemblance. Not sure how important that is…

Maybe others will think of another choice….

By: Peter Sussman

Peter Sussman — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:34:41 +0000

Lily, you won’t find it on my resume — a stupid oversight on my part — but I was a member of that kazoo band on two occasions, one of them at Decca’s memorial. It was the highlight of my otherwise undistinguished (uncharitable critics would say indistinguishable) musical career.
I wouldn’t fret about not hearing the music better. There was nothing further to hear. In fact, those with a discerning ear might dispute that there was any music involved. We were as unconventional and heedless as the soloist who drew us together. Some people just don’t understand pioneering music!
Here’s a quote from a letter in my book in which Decca wrote about the reaction to one of her performances:

In the midst of songfest chez vous, Bob Gottlieb in loud stage whisper to
Bob Treuhaft “But can’t you stop her?” Later, to me: “My dear, in all the years
that I’ve attended every sort of musical event, never, ever have I heard anything
quite so a-tonal, so lacking in the rudiments of rhythm, so out of tune as your
performance.” Good for my character, I guess.

By: Lily@IW

Lily@IW — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:23:57 +0000

I have more to say later, but I wanted to drop in and say I really enjoyed learning about all this. I’ve never heard of her. I like women who defied convention. I listened to a few moments of a couple of songs from her Kazoo band. Wow, it was hard to hear, but it must have been fun.

By: Pam@IW

Pam@IW — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:36:41 +0000

Thanks Jennie for bringing this woman and this bit of history to my attention. I have put this on my list of things to read and learn about in the very near future. Seems like there is quite a bit of interesting and rich material here to read. I would imagine that this would make a great movie and was wondering as I read all of this including the link to the 1996 newspaper article, who would play Jessica if a movie was made?