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 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?
From the Hardcover edition.
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"This is a sweet love story set in England between a 68 year old retired major and a younger Pakastani shop keeper. He is a bit set in his ways but she brings him closer by their shared love of Kipling and other literature. There are some bumps along the way - her late husband's family wanting her to live with them; a nephew's relationship with the mother of his child; and even Major Pettigrew's relationship with his own shallow son. Things come to a head during a country club party. How he brings together his feelings for his hometown, his friends, and his desire to reunite with Mrs. Ali make for interesting reading."
— Vicki (5 out of 5 stars)
In the noisy world of today it is a delight to find a novel that dares to assert itself quietly with the lovely rhythm of Helen Simonson's funny, comforting, and intelligent first novel—a modern day story of love which takes everyone, grown children, villagers, and the main participants, by surprise—as real love stories tend to do.
— Elizabeth StroutI love this book. Courting curmudgeons, wayward sons, religion and race and real-estate in a petty and picturesque English village–Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand is surprisingly, wonderfully romantic and fresh. Unsentimental, intelligent and warm, this endlessly amusing comedy of manners is the best first novel I’ve read in a long, long time.
— Cathleen Schine, author of The Love Letter and The New YorkersThis irresistibly delightful, thoughtful, and utterly charming and surprising novel reads like the work of a seasoned pro. In fact, it is Simonson's debut. One cannot wait to see what she does next.
— Library Journal, starred reviewThe real pleasure of this book derives . . . from its beautiful little love story, which is told with skill and humor. . . . That love can overcome cultural barriers is no new theme, but it is presented here with great sensitivity and delicacy. . . . As for happy endings, [the book] deserves all available prizes.
— New York Times Book ReviewFunny, barbed, delightfully winsome storytelling… As with the polished work of Alexander McCall Smith, there is never a dull moment but never a discordant note either…[the book’s] main characters are especially well drawn, and Ms. Simonson makes them as admirable as they are entertaining…It’s all about intelligence, heart, dignity and backbone. Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand has them all.
— New York Times"When depicted by the right storyteller, the thrill of falling in love is funnier and sweeter at 60 than at 16…With her crisp wit and gentle insight, Simonson is still far from her golden years…but somehow in her first novel she already knows just what delicious disruption romance can introduce to a well-settled life.
— Washington Post" I so enjoyed this story of a rigid retired military man, and how an unorthodox relationship transformed his life and how he thinks. You will be sad when the characters leave your life at the end of this book. "
— Laurel, 2/19/2014" I had a hard time with this book. I thought it was pretty well written, but I did not care for most of the characters! The Major grew somewhat through the story, which was good. The only character I liked was Mrs. Ali. As for the other characters, I found myself disliking them intensely. They were stereotyped, prejudiced, and generally very self-focused. I believe the author was trying to go for this, but quite frankly it made me grumpy to read it and didn't like it at all. I only finished it because it's a book club book. Makes me wonder what type of a cynical view the author has of people in general, on both sides of the Atlantic. "
— Kim, 2/16/2014" At times moving, politely humorous, and yet upsetting, MPLS offers a compelling look at age, class, integration, and family in a book that combines the best of modern storytelling with nineteenth-centruy British novels of manners. "
— Hal, 2/9/2014" Thoroughly enjoyed the old fashioned writing, manners, and story. A light read and nice reminder of gentlemanly ways. "
— Katherina, 2/8/2014" delightful! I found myself smiling while reading this. "
— Erin, 2/3/2014" Every character except the heroine annoyed me, and there was so much conflict, rude behavior and snide comments about Americans I was stressed reading this! The ending redeemed it all which brought my rating up. "
— Kzab, 1/31/2014" Loved every page. Did not want it to end. Would be a wonderful movie. "
— Susan, 1/24/2014" I keep searching for a new novel by this author .. Loved the story, adored the characters! "
— Donna, 1/20/2014" One of those books that makes you wish you could really write. Beautiful. And I love that the romance is between older characters, with grown children, and it doesn't seem forced. Keeping this one for the shelf. "
— Virginia, 1/17/2014" It's truly satisfying to find a book that doesn't assume that passion and romance belongs to the young (or even the middle-aged). There is just enough family and cultural conflict and tension to draw one, but I would have been happy just to get to know the characters. "
— Ellen, 1/3/2014" I had a hard time getting into this and never finished. Could have been bad timing. "
— Aimeeshirk, 12/24/2013" Best book I've read in a long time. Great character development. "
— Faithmarko, 12/18/2013" A wonderfully-illustrated and unique love story, but so much more! Loved it. Helen Simonson has an incredible talent for describing beauty - both physical and emotional. I'd suggest this book to women of all ages, and was a wonderful book club read. "
— Emily, 12/16/2013" This book is charming and well written. I loved the characters and I think the cover is so clever. I read it for RBC in 2011 and then again for Debbie's book club in 2012- I enjoyed it both times! Highly recommended. "
— Jenn, 12/4/2013" sweet love story, modern in its approach. good life lessons. "
— Dianne, 11/26/2013" I thought he was a pompous jerk and did not care for him in the beginning. He grew on me though. "
— Danielle, 11/21/2013" From the narrator's voice to the plot that is the equivalent of drinking a quiet cup of tea. This book hooked me from the first chapter and was surprisingly funny and romantic.Perfect for any Downton Abbey junkie who wishes for "the good old days." "
— Julia, 10/9/2013" I mostly loved it, but a few parts I didn't love. The characters are great. I usually wanted to kick Roger (M. Pettigrew's son) in the shins-- he might be the worse son ever-- but I was pleased with the slight turnaround at the end. "
— Lora, 7/22/2013" Very sweet and quite funny. A little slow paced, but in an enjoyable way. "
— Petula, 7/10/2013" really enjoyed her rich, visually descriptive prose and good character development. "
— Jeni, 5/2/2013" A brilliant story, wonderfully told. "
— Andy, 12/20/2012" I love English humor and wonderful characters. "
— Neha, 11/23/2012" Loved this book! The ending is not as expected. Heart-warming and loving. "
— Helena, 7/19/2012" Interesting story about different family cultures and expectations. I enjoyed reading it! "
— Shellieslp, 5/20/2012" I loved this book. I miss the characters and didn't want the book to end. "
— Laurie, 5/6/2012" Lovely mix of humor, romance and pragmatism. "
— Nandini, 4/11/2012" Charming story and a most enjoyable read. "
— Mary, 12/2/2011" Wonderful, sweet story... Totally agree with Joyce - Alan Rickman as Major Pettigrew would be brilliant casting. He's the right age, build and height and has the talent to capture the Major's wit and demeanor. All through the book, I kept thinking of Rickman. "
— Anglophile, 11/29/2011" I truly loved this quiet book that speaks to growing older with the changes of families and friends and finding your own happiness sometimes in spite of the people we love......it is much like the Guernsey LIterary and Potato peel society but it takes place in the present. I finished it in two days "
— Kelly, 11/22/2011" I enjoyed this book very much and so did a male cousin who works in an athletic supply store. "
— Trvls, 7/31/2011" There were parts that were fun, but I had no problem putting the book down. Ended up taking it back to the library before I finished it. "
— Carrie, 5/24/2011" Really, really enjoyed this book! Good stuff "
— Annie, 5/24/2011" This book was a sweet love story. It started out slow in the begining but picked up towards the end. It was hard to believe that it took place in the modern day. It seems that type of prejudice should not exist in today's society. "
— Mary, 5/24/2011" Just loved this book - the two central characters were both beautifully drawn - very gentle & old fashioned. The other charactedrs were so easy to imagine as well. Would def recommend!! "
— Donna, 5/23/2011" Crotchety old men falling in love kinda makes me feel more hopeful about life in general. "
— Andra, 5/23/2011" This is a pleasant, feel good book. I'm about halfway through but am enjoying it. The characters are very likable. Not a heavy read but pleasant. "
— Judy, 5/22/2011" Delightful, charming. Alan Rickman should play the title character in the film and perhaps Shohreh Aghdashloo could be Mrs. Ali. That would be fun to see. "
— Joyce, 5/22/2011" I loved this book. So many areas and subjects to scrutinize, and such delightful writing and portrayal of people and their values. A sweet love story and a real look at the problems of racism and prejudice. "
— Carolyn, 5/21/2011" The characters are very endearing. If you like "As Time Goes By" on PBS, you'll love thus book. "
— Roadrunner, 5/21/2011" i don't know why so many people liked it. it would make a better movie than book. "
— Debbykc, 5/21/2011Helen Simonson was born in England and spent her teenage years in a small village in East Sussex. A graduate of the London School of Economics and former travel advertising executive, she has lived in America for the last two decades. A longtime resident of Brooklyn, she now lives with her husband and sons in the Washington, DC, area.
Peter Altschuler is an actor as well as a voice-over artist. His voice can be heard in commercials for Mercedes Benz, on the Nickelodeon show Addictive Games, and as the narrator of audiobooks, including several that earned him the AudioFile Earphones Award.