Helpful Score: 11
It takes great writing to get me, a 36 year old peace loving, American mother of two, to feel completely connected and sympathetic towards a 60 something retired military British man in a small village. This book has that writing! I loved that we were given the Major's unspoken thoughts along with what was allowed past the filter of his stiff upper lip. I expected a charming story and was rewarded with that as well as a healthy dose of truth and inspiration.
Helpful Score: 9
This is such a well-written and enjoyable book. With dry and witty humor, it gives us a very true-to-life view of prim and proper British society. And on top of that, it's simply a great story. I loved it!
Helpful Score: 6
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand reminded me a bit of the British comedies on PBS and a bit of the Miss Julia books by Ann B. Ross, but with a fantastically sarcastic British "curmudgeon" in place of the often clueless Southern church lady. I know that the Miss Julia books are a bit of a guilty pleasure, and I mean no disrespect in this comparison. Both have colorful settings and casts of characters that sucked me in and slightly preposterous plots that snowball to fantastic conclusions.
Major Pettigrew is living a quiet retirement in the English countryside until his developing relationship with a local Pakistani widow, the town busybodies planning the local golf club's annual to-do, his only son's ruthless drive to succeed, and a dispute with his recently deceased brother's widow over a family heirloom, all converge to make his life more complicated.
Helen Simonson has written a terrific first novel and I look forward to seeing what she writes next, whether it features Major Pettigrew or not.
Major Pettigrew is living a quiet retirement in the English countryside until his developing relationship with a local Pakistani widow, the town busybodies planning the local golf club's annual to-do, his only son's ruthless drive to succeed, and a dispute with his recently deceased brother's widow over a family heirloom, all converge to make his life more complicated.
Helen Simonson has written a terrific first novel and I look forward to seeing what she writes next, whether it features Major Pettigrew or not.
Helpful Score: 6
This was a sweet book. I found it spoke to the small mindeness of the "posh" communities and the rational thinking of only one or two people in this town. What a village this must be.
Helpful Score: 5
This is a very humorous book about a romance between an elderly retired Army British colonel and a widowed Pakistani shopkeeper. Well written and good humor.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved it, hence the five stars. I loved the perfect blending of English upper class morality with a romance between two senior citizens, and a couple of mild thrills when my hero, Major Pettigrew, has a go-round or two with snobbish, bigoted members of his social group. The genteel setting as well as the romantic clumsiness of Major Pettigrew with his Jane Austenish manners, are smile provoking. Anyone who likes a dose of the old fashioned English style of writing, and doesn't mind the occasional sniping at American crassness, will adore this book. I hated to have it end.
Helpful Score: 1
This book follows the daily life of a 60+ widower in a small village in the south of England and the troubles he encounters along the way. It is a quiet story with not a lot going on but it is brilliantly written with beautiful words and delightful wit. The humor of the the Major is spot on for English humor.
There is some racial conflict in the story which was surprising to me. I kept wondering why they all had their knickers in a twist. I fell in love with the book and didn't want it to end.
There is some racial conflict in the story which was surprising to me. I kept wondering why they all had their knickers in a twist. I fell in love with the book and didn't want it to end.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved the Major's dry wit and rooted for him and Mrs. Ali throughout the story. I enjoyed the romance being played out without any of the sap. Major Pettigrew is one smooth gentleman; his son Roger could stand to learn a thing or two from dear old dad. Both sets of grandparents passed away when I was very young -- I wish I had Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali for grandparents!
Helpful Score: 1
A bit of a slow starter for me -- initially I didn't like any of the characters (except Mrs. Ali), including the Major. After about 40 pages the Major began to behave and sound like a retired British Army Major (he finally showed some backbone) and some, but not all, of the other characters began to soften and become likeable. From that point on I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters and story continued developing throughout the rest of the book and there were some very good surprises. Loved the ending!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was not what I expected. I think the concept was great, but the author tried to address too many topics and issues. The clash of generations. The clash of old school versus "progress." The clash of cultures. The clash of traditions. A love story. Another love story where love conflicts with self. Parts of the book read like a piece set in Victorian England except that the setting was present day. I think any one of those issues fully pursued would have made an even stronger book. I read it because I thought that the main issue was that of cultural diversity and the conflict it sometimes causes. And it was, but it was sometimes a little lost amongst all the other issues. Also, some of the "cultural" point of views presented were very stereotypical. I enjoyed reading it, but again, it was not really what I expected. I look forward to hearing my book club's comments on it.
Helpful Score: 1
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson was a fun read. It's about a sixty-eight-year-old stuffy but lovable English widower, Major Pettigrew. After the Major's brother passes away, the local shopkeeper helps him get to the funeral and they form a friendship. The problem? She's a Pakistani widow and this small English country town and their own family members are neither ready for racial commingling, nor their unequal social standings. Everyone has their place and their roles, and Major Pettigrew's and Mrs. Ali's attraction is not proper. But it's obvious that the Major's dry wit and sensibilities are a good match to smart and congenial Mrs. Ali. This book is a slow but satisfying waltz. It takes time for them to sort out the complications, but in the meantime I enjoyed the dance. See more reviews at http://readinginthegarden.blogspot.com
Helpful Score: 1
What a good book. To be honest, though, there were times when I thought I would have to stop reading it because I was so disgusted by the prejudices, pettiness, and arrogance of Major Pettigrew's so-called friends (and Major Pettigrew himself, truth be told). But my feelings were more a measure of the author's solid writing than a reason to stop reading and, of course, I could not put it down. Simonson takes on several social issues, throws in a "mature" romance and some thrills, and ties it all up very satisfactorily in the end. A very enjoyable read.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my bookclubs June selection. I really enjoyed this book. It is set in the English countryside. There is the unexpected friendship between retired Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. There are issues of tradition and culture involved as well as family. I recommend this book to anyone not looking for an easy read.
Helpful Score: 1
So, within a few pages I realized this was simply a love story between elderly people. Well, I thought, I'll give it a try, but it will probably take a long time to get through it.
It didn't happen that way. Within two or three chapters I was hooked, and the other books I had open were often left to lay there while I eagerly pursued the developing romance between Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali.
The author also did a wonderful job of creating distinct personalities of even many of the minor characters. And the interaction of all the characters were a pleasure to read about, leaving you with the feeling these were not characters in a book, but real people.
Highly recommended.
It didn't happen that way. Within two or three chapters I was hooked, and the other books I had open were often left to lay there while I eagerly pursued the developing romance between Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali.
The author also did a wonderful job of creating distinct personalities of even many of the minor characters. And the interaction of all the characters were a pleasure to read about, leaving you with the feeling these were not characters in a book, but real people.
Highly recommended.
Delightful book, with a flawed hero who stays true to his character while growing believably towards his moment of truth.
This story had a very slow start for me, but halfway through things really picked up and I couldn't put it down. What I like most about this story is the character development. Almost every character was initially unlikeable. But after learning more about the character and understanding their motivations and intentions, they became more likeable.... which is exactly what Major Pettigrew found himself going through. I thought that was such ingenious on Helen Simonson's part! This alone would make this book a fun bookclub discussion.
Very quiet, relaxing book. Easy read, doesn't insult your intelligence. I can see this being turned into a program for Masterpiece Theatre. Very enjoyable.
I found this book to be a delightful read, often out-loud-laughable. It is written so that I could easily place myself in its contemporary setting in an English village. But it is not all fun and games--it conveys a sobering message about relationships between men and women and between ethnicities.
This was an absolutely delightful and charming book. I enjoyed the slow development of the book -- along with the slow courtship between the Major and Mrs. Ali. I loved the shyness of the Major and how their relationship blossomed. How he knew when not to let a good thing get away from him. Extra spice was added to the story with Sandy and Roger; Abdul Wahid, Amina, and George.
What a wonderful read about an older gentleman who falls in love! The story deals with cultural prejudices, the small mindedness of people, friendship, personal growth and understanding. It's so very charming!
I must have put this book down a dozen times; very dry and difficult to read (continued only because of Book Club). Transition of Mrs. Ali, a primary character, is unrealistic, given the initial premise. Understand the author's desire to write about her English culture; suggest she do more research on other cultures / customs outside of her experiences if desiring to include in future writings.
This was a very good read!! Enjoyed the characters although the end was a bit predictable. Good book!
Sweet story about the friendship and love between mature adults Major Ernest Pettigrew and shop owner Jasmina Ali, who must chart a course for togetherness through the small-mindedness of their village and the expectations and obligations of their family and culture. Well-written and charming debut novel by Helen Simonson. The Major is a memorable and wry character.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author made Major Pettigrew a three dimensional character that you could see and hear in a vivid manner.
It's not exciting but deals with issues "normal" people would be likely to experience.
It's not exciting but deals with issues "normal" people would be likely to experience.
I'm not sure what the hype is. This book was only OK. I"m not sure if it is acurate to modern western civilized Pakistani people.
Simonson truly created a first-rate character in Major Pettigrew. He's so real, but upstanding. He's flawed, but all a person should hope to be. A lot like Louise Penny's character Gamache.
Very Austenesque comedy of manners. Delightful read!
A charming novel highlighting cultural and generational conflict and characters one would actually enjoy having tea with.
What a lovely read! Great first book with well written characters that show a bit of ourselves TO ourselves. This is one that everyone should read because if we aren't careful to live our lives we will not be as fortunate as the Major.
Sometimes we just need a good kick in the you know what to keep us on the road to being our best self.
Had to add this when I saw that there are 22 copied posted as of today - you will LOVE these characters. Don't miss an opportunity to meet them all!
Sometimes we just need a good kick in the you know what to keep us on the road to being our best self.
Had to add this when I saw that there are 22 copied posted as of today - you will LOVE these characters. Don't miss an opportunity to meet them all!
A great, quick read. Loved the characters!
Very good.
I heard about this book in the Oprah's magazine about the time it was published and it didn't disappoint! It's a little different (but in a good way) with a sense of humor. I really enjoyed it.
Great book!!
While Major Pettigrew was not a terribly likable character, the book was still quite good.
Beautifully told story that deals with prejudice. Wonderful!
This is a very sweet book. I highly recommend it.
This book is an easy read yet its characters are complex enough to be interesting, as is its subject matter. Major Pettigrew is a very conventional, traditional man, whose values and ethics get reexamined late in life, when he meets an attractive Packistani woman. I can see why this is so popular with books clubs, since it explores many themes without becoming an "issues" book.
A charming love story with well-developed characters and a believable community.
Witty and sensitive writing. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
loved the book
A charming story and probably one of my favorite books of last year. This is a keeper for me and I don't actually keep a lot of books.
The book is very well written with good character development; a charming love story with a lot of uppity British wry humor. Love to see it as a movie or series done by the BBC. I'm thinking either John Cleese or perhaps someone younger, i.e. Colin Firth to play the Major.
Major Pettigrew is a delightful character, as are many of the other characters. There are many surprises, both big and little.
Loved getting to know the Major! What a character! Super!
I loved this book! Wittier and stronger writing than might be expected but not so weighty to deflect from the flow of an enjoyable tale. I can not wait to share with my friends
Loved this. Sent a copy to my mother, who has now lent it to at least 2 others. Beautifully captures British culture and village life, and the parochialism of some and the opposite in others.
Interesting story about English culture
Totally awesome read. Can't wait to see what else she has written. For a debut novel, amazing.
This book was very enjoyable and interesting reading. Descriptions of the characters is vivid and the older main characters different.
Although I was amused by some of the dialogue, I found this book slow and actually stopped reading about half way through.
Author did great job of conveying a courtly, polite love affair, a snobbish, self-centered son, and the mounting racial tension in a small town...a good, quick read.
Love, Love, Loved this one. The author is a true artist and a wonderful storyteller.
I am really enjoying this book so far.
