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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Just ok
Taking a stand for love. Parents are people, too…who knew? A light and airy look at changing preconceptions toward reality.
This is the perfect fun/feel good read. Light and very well written. A joy to read.
If you like Maeve Binchly as an author you’ll like this. Good story and characters.
Major Pettigrew was an enchanting reminder to mind our manners. Do what Mum said: be nice. This is the most original book I’ve read in several years. It was a pleasure.
This story was ok. It was an easy read but the author made the main character’s son so awful it was unrealistic. No one is that callous all the time. It was almost painful to read. I wouldn’t recommend this book.
A lovely, witty novel filled with romance and sharp insight into race, culture and modern “values”.
This is a fun read! The characters are actually very real. I enjoyed it very much!
Loved the characters, the wry humor.
Highly recommend this enjoyable story of an older man who finds the courage to break away from tradition when he finds his soul mate. Loved every page!
too slow for me. I didn’t finish it.
The people were warm and real. The conflicts were real and heart warming. Boy, I really enjoyed just relaxing with this and reading it straight through. Five stars all the way for a British cozy.
Cozy story about Senior living in England.
A charming book that breaks the usual mold and perfect for a an evening or twos entertaining read. I loved the characters.
This was the best novel I’ve read in years. Loved it! Can’t wait for her next book.
Really enjoyed this story!
I loved it! The Major evolved from just a man of duty and grief into a younger happier man! Mrs. Ali was such a kind lady! Both of them emerged into lives of joy! Even Roger grew up.
The characters were so real with each other. I like it when I finish the book and wish that I knew these people. Adult situations were handled in an elegant way. Lots of honesty between family members. Made me google the author. I liked her.
It reminded me a bit of Father Tim in the Mitford Series. Major Pettigrew’s life is turned upside down by a widow. Made me chuckle.
Thoroughly enjoyed – especially the dialogue