Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand: A Novel
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- ISBN13: 9781400068937
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
You are about to travel to Edgecombe St. Mary, a tiny 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 tree. Among them is Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired), the unlikely hero of Helen Simonson’s wondrous debut. Wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing, Major Pettigrew is one of the most quick characters in contemporary fiction, and from the very first page of this remarkable novel he will steal your heart.
The Major leads a silent 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 like 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 stable foreigner. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition? Amazon.com Review
Amazon Best Books of the Month, March 2010: In her witty and wise debut novel, newcomer Helen Simonson introduces the unforgettable character of the widower Major Ernest Pettigrew. The Major epitomizes the Englishman with the “stiff upper lip,” who clings to traditional values and has tried (in vain) to pass these along to his yuppie son, Roger. The tale centers around Pettigrew’s fight to keep his greedy relatives (including his son) from selling a valuable family tree heirloom–a pair of hunting rifles that symbolizes much of what he stands for, or at least what he thinks he does. The embattled hero discovers an unexpected ally and source of consolation in his national, the Pakistani shopkeeper Jasmina Ali. On the surface, Pettigrew and Ali’s backgrounds and life experiences couldn’t be more different, but they learn that they have the most vital things in common. This wry, yet optimistic comedy of manners with a romantic twist will appeal to grown-up readers of both sexes. Kudos to Helen Simonson, who distinguishes herself with Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand as a writer with the narrative range, stylistic chops, and poise of a veteran. –Lauren Nemroff
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An Amazon Best Book of the Month? Fourteen out of 14 positive reviews? I’m shaking my head in disbelief. It was clear to me that I had chosen a clunker in the first several pages, but cheapo that I am it took reading fully one-third of the book before I yelled “I surrender.” Outside of the two main characters, this book is peopled by the most irritating, rude, unbelievable boors! And the Major of the title suffers these fools gladly. (Although the title suggest he eventually gets around to ridding his life of these grave people, including his own son, I couldn’t wait around.). How did this milquetoast ever get beyond second lieutenant?
Reader’s Rating: 1 / 5
I’m really surprised that this book received recognition as the Editor’s pick for March. It grew on me, but I still give it a 5/6 at best. About the same quality as the free books they post.
Reader’s Rating: 2 / 5
The main characters are introduced on the first pages, and by the bottom of the third page, I was hooked. Additional reviewers have done a fantastic job of offering a synopsis of the plot. All I can add is that I hope the leader has as fertile an imagination as Miss Read and Miss Karon, because this first novel has as excellent-a-grasp on the hearts of Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali, and the members of their community.
If your circle includes discerning “mature” readers who do not appreciate bodice-ripping, but like a excellent tale about thoughtful people, be sure to pass a copy in their direction.
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5
Run to the bookstore (or to your Kindle) and get ready to laugh. You won’t get a thing done until you end it.
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5
This is a awesome book, make sure you have time to read it before you start, I couldn’t place this book down, it really carries you away.
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5