I don’t know what I had expected when picking up MAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND, but what I found was a comforting read, similar to going back to my parent’s house – it’s welcoming and warm; almost from a different time – and you feel right at home with Major Pettigrew and Jasmina Ali.
The characters are discreetly clever – I found myself chuckling (I feel like that’s an appropriately old fashioned word) at their antics and the Major’s thoughts and actions. An upstanding and opinionated gentleman, the Major was of a different world and I had a hard time remembering that this book was taking place in present day. When text messaging was mentioned in passing I’d get a little jolt as the story was often so quaint and the opposite of modern (until Pettigrew’s son, more tk).
Unlike NYC apartment searches when “quaint and cozy” mean good luck trying to fit a twin bed in the bedroom, “quaint and cozy” are compliments as this is no small novel. It looks at the influences of social class and race and society’s expectations.
At its heart, it’s a love story – one of different values and characters than we typically find in society these days. Major Pettigrew and Jasmina are both widowed and definitely “over the hill” – but by no means dried up and stagnant in intelligence, wit, and heck – sexuality! This is a book I’d love for my grandmother to read, as I feel these love stories are often overlooked for the wrinkle-free versions.
Major Pettigrew’s son was just terrible, but also only too believable. I’ve seen his type – the young, slick guys in finance whose sole ambition in life is to be as rich as possible and have that be known, at the expense of others. This was epitomized by his BLACK Christmas tree, to match his modern house – absolutely no warmth or sense of tradition. I was horrified at the way he treated his father and cringed at the lack of respect. I like to think he did defrost a little towards the end… No spoilers though – you have to read it yourself!
My favorite passage in the book was when Pettigrew was hoping to help Jasmina make friends and fit in with the social crowd, but his (understated) humor went –
“He could not, in good conscience, promote any association with Daisy Green and her band of ladies. He could more easily recommend gang membership or fencehopping into the polar bear enclosure at the Regents Park zoo.” -pg 113
This was Helen Simonson’s debut novel, and I look forward to whatever comes next. Helen is a true Brit who I wager takes milk in her tea, but she now lives on the East Coast. You can connect with Helen on her website or via her Facebook page.
I suggest MAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND to anyone looking for a charming read that will take their mind off their own pressing matters. I am so thankful TLC Tours introduced me to this fabulous story and talented writer & I suggest you visit the rest of the tour stops, listed here.
And, just because I think it’s fascinating, here’s the UK cover – what do you think? I like the tea cups, but don’t think the style and colors correctly portray the story. This looks more like the hipster’s version of MAJOR PETTIGREW to me!
16 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 31, 2011 at 6:48 am
Rebecca Rasmussen
This is absolutely a book for me — I am reading it right now and I love it. So charming!
January 31, 2011 at 7:06 am
Beth F
Charming was the word I used too. I’m looking forward to Simonson’s next.
January 31, 2011 at 8:47 am
novelwhore
Rebecca and Beth – thanks so much for stopping by! Yes, it was such a charming book. I’m so impressed it was Simonson’s debut – she had such control of the language and characters and I’m looking forward to her next novel.
January 31, 2011 at 8:50 am
Rebecca Rasmussen
I am anxiously awaiting her second novel and I’m not even finished with this one. I kind of find myself slowing down as I go 🙂
January 31, 2011 at 10:43 am
softdrink
Urgh…I can’t say that the UK cover does a thing for me. I think the US cover is more reflective of the story.
January 31, 2011 at 1:55 pm
novelwhore
Agree. I think the UK cover is fun but not right for this novel.
January 31, 2011 at 5:55 pm
bermudaonion
I gave this to my sister for Christmas because it’s a title that my local indie handsells. It sounds right up my sister’s alley. I love the UK cover, so I’m sorry to see it doesn’t fit the book.
February 1, 2011 at 9:14 am
novelwhore
Oh great gift – I gave my copy to my mom with strict instructions she has to buy copies for anyone else she wants to share it with. Is this the same sister that liked WINTER GHOSTS?
January 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Ruth @ Bookish Ruth
I love both covers, but it sounds like the American cover is just perfect for the book. This book is going on my wish list!
February 1, 2011 at 9:14 am
novelwhore
Hi Ruth! I definitely think you would enjoy this novel. It’s definitely a warm & cozy read.
January 31, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Marilyn Brant
I’ve heard so much about this book — all of it positive — and really enjoyed getting to read your review, Lydia! I like “quaint and cozy” stories quite a bit and will definitely check out this one ;).
p.s. Chicago is supposed to be buried by snow this week…hope there will be no blizzards for you out in NYC!!
February 1, 2011 at 9:16 am
novelwhore
Of course we’re getting more snow, sigh. I thought I escaped Chicago for the comparatively tropical temps of NYC but have been absolutely foiled! SO MUCH SNOW! I did stay inside and read THE BOYFRIEND’S CLUB last night, which I won from your fabulous blog! It was a fun read and the flan recipe at the end sounded delicious, but beyond my kitchen capabilities. Thanks for stopping by!
February 6, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Sheila (Book Journey)
I have been wanting to read this one.
February 24, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Meg
I’m with you — this one is definitely “quaint and comforting”! I didn’t enjoy it as much as many other folks did — I found it a bit boring in spots, to be honest — but it was a sweet tale.
I love the UK cover on a personal level — so cool! — but agree: doesn’t evoke the same sweet, wistful feelings that the U.S. one does. Think I like our blue one better.
March 2, 2011 at 11:34 am
Carolyn Steele Agosta
You’ve convinced me. I appreciate that you go beyond saying it’s quaint and cozy, but that it also has some weight. It’s definitely going on my To Read list.
March 4, 2011 at 11:38 am
Beth Hoffman
I found this book to be delightful. I really enjoyed it. And I agree, the teacups are cute, but that cover doesn’t evoke the message that the US cover does.