You are about to travel to Edgecombe St. Mary, a small village in the English countryside filled with rolling hills, thatched cottages, and a cast of characters both hilariously original and as familiar as the members of your own family. Among them is Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired), the unlikely hero of Helen Simonson’s wondrous debut. Wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing, Major … Major Pettigrew is one of the most indelible characters in contemporary fiction, and from the very first page of this remarkable novel he will steal your heart.
The Major leads a quiet life valuing the proper things that Englishmen have lived by for generations: honor, duty, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea. But then his brother’s death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their respective spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. But village society insists on embracing him as the quintessential local and her as the permanent foreigner. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition?
BONUS: This edition contains a Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand discussion guide.
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This is a great read if you need something light and relatively cheerful.
I loved this book
This is a charming and well-written story that has many poetic moments in it. The writer also gives us a thoughtful look at the issue of cultural tolerance and interfaith understanding. The main love story between an English army major who is Anglican and his Pakistani lady friend is allowed to unfold in stately elegance. The central banquet scene …
Just finished reading this sweet story for a second time, and I loved it maybe even more this time around. Simonson created such memorable characters in this book, and I loved Major and Mrs. Ali so much in this read. Interestingly, I’m rereading The Shell Seekers too, and I see a big similarity between Major’s awful son Roger and Penelope’s awful …
What a surprise I found between the covers of this book. A wonderful ride with many interesting people along for the trip. Applause Applause to the author.
I Loved it
I absolutely loved this book…would read it again! Treat yourself, give it a read
I recommend this book so much!!! You can t put the book down!!! It s so good and funny!!! I love Helen s Sinonson s writting and all her books!!! Every character it is explained in detail!!! Don t miss this book!!!!! It is one of those books you ll never forget!!!
This book was a great summer read! It was entertaining, witty, and yet touching and thoughtful. I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and an interesting story. I loved the way each character had depth and an interesting history. Much more to the story than I originally anticipated.
A touching story of a relationship that succeeds in spite of conflicts of culture & tradition.
My quibbles with the ending have left me making a 3 star review rather than 4 stars, but don’t let that stop you. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The wit and humor really shined through in the audiobook.
This book is extremely well written!
Delightful story! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A most charming book! I loved it!
This was a different kind of book for me to read.
I usually stay with Christian fiction to stay away from language, sex and violence. This was a good, clean delightful book. It wasn’t a, ” can’t put it down book”, but good entertainment, relaxing reading. I was fascinated with the setting, post world war England. The social system at that time …
I really enjoyed reading it. Nothing heavy, but quite witty.
Good book but I found it very slow reading in places. And that’s why I was forced to give it a 3-star rating.
Very enjoyable characters, dry humor, and a happy ending.
Charming and believable romance between older adults, rare to find.