Double possessive

[James M]

Sue: Did you hear about an affair of Mona's last year?

Jane: No, I didn't! Do tell me all the details, dear!

I understand that "Mona's" in that sentence is perfectly idiomatic and probably the more popular form. But -- GRAMMATICALLY SPEAKING -- would it also be "correct" to simply refer to "an affair of Mona"?

THANK YOU

[Beeesneees]

It sounds stilted with either. It also sounds as if you are speaking about one of many. I suggest:
...about Mona's affair
_________________
Cheers m' dears!

[James M]

Thank you.

[Allifathima]

1. Did you hear about last year Mona's affair?
2. Did you hear about last year's Mona's affair?
Which one is correct?

[Dozy]

[James M]

(1) I think that "everyone" would say that No. 1 is not correct.

(2) I think that No. 2 should be:

(a) Did you hear last year about Mona's affair?/ Last year, did you hear about Mona's affair? = The last year refers to when YOU heard about it.

(b) Did you hear about Mona's affair last year? = The last year probably refers to the time of Mona's affair. (Since some people might think that the "last year" refers to when you heard about it, maybe it might be better to say: Did you hear about Mona's affair OF last year?)