Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

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Delightful . . . Lots of books try to evoke Jane Austen . . . but Simonson nails the genteel British comedy of manners with elegant aplomb.”— The Christian Science Monitor Unexpectedly entertaining, with a stiff-upper-lip hero who transcends stereotype, this good-hearted debut doesn’t shy away from modern cultural and religious issues, even though they ultimately prove immaterial. The writing style was very elegant and effortless, allowing for easy reading while still delivering an insightful message.

Playful yet affecting . . . If you miss the Jeeves novels of P. G. Wodehouse—and don’t mind having your emotional buttons pushed—Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand is the book for you.”— Buffalo News I thoroughly enjoyed this, stiff-upper lip, English countryside, slow burn love story of two widowed people. Major Pettigrew (called Major throughout the book) in his mid 60's has just lost his brother and Jasmina Ali, a shop owner gives him a ride to the funeral. From there, they slowly form a bond over their shared loss of spouses as well as books. During a break, she asked the Major for a ride home and the Major obliged, but worried about wagging tongues should anyone see Amina and George getting into his car. She also asked the Major about his relationship with Mrs. Ali. He attempted to defer, but she stated that she was hoping to get a part-time job at her store. During his golf game, Alec mentioned that the secretary was initially disturbed that Roger had shown up unannounced expecting to be made a member of the club. The Major attempted to disguise the fact that he was not aware of Roger’s visit. Alec mentioned that Gertrude, Lord Dagenham’s niece showed up and smoothed things over, but Alec suggested the Major talk to Roger about it.A comforting and intelligent debut, a modern-day story of love that takes everyone—grown children, villagers, and the main participants—by surprise, as real love stories tend to do.”—Elizabeth Strout, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Olive Kitteridge

I am positive that my enjoyment of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand is largely due to the fine narration of the audiobook by Peter Altschuler. He gives Major Pettigrew just the right tone of proper brusqueness without diminishing the importance of the other characters. His ability to distinguish each allowing his/her own voice is proof of his expertise. Mrs. Ali talks about how her life has changed since her nephew has moved to the area. The Major sympathizes and tells Mrs. Ali about Roger's ideas about how he should live his life now that he has aged.

A wise comedy . . . about the unexpected miracle of later-life love . . . The beauty of this engaging book is in the characters.”— O: The Oprah Magazine An amazingly intricate and ambitious first novel - ten years in the making - that puts an engrossing new spin on the traditional haunted-house tale. A] beautiful little love story, which is told with skill and humor.”— The New York Times Book Review