Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
hardback 358 pages
published by Random House in 2010
ISBN 13: 9781400068937
Type: {Weekend Read: a book to curl up on the couch with}
Rating: {I’m Lovin’ It: Very entertaining!}
Why You’re Reading It:
- You enjoy books that are set in the English countryside
- Characters that are well written make your heart flutter
- You enjoy a good throwback to more classic writers
- Books that could be read in an old leather-bound library with tea or scotch at hand are your style
What I Thought:
Is it strange that a 30 year-old real-life woman from Los Angeles, California relates so well to a 68 year-old fictional man from the English countryside? Apart from hunting being an integral part of his life, I do believe the Major from Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand and I would be great tea pals… if he existed, of course.
Saying that I enjoyed this debut novel by Simonson would be am understatement. It is one of my favorites of the year. Though not a page turner that will keep you up at nights wondering what will happen next, this book wedged it’s way into my heart and I have to say, I’m sorry it is over. I purposefully took my time with this novel… it is not to be rushed. The characters are some of the most well written that I have read about in some time. And I’m sad that they exist only on the page or I would be headed directly to England to look for them.
Beyond the fact that “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” to meet “the Major (who) 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,” you will find that for most of the novel the book is more character driven than plot. In most circumstances this is not something I prefer, but when you are in the hands of a talented writer, this can be most satisfying.
The novel begins with Major’s brother passing away, and we are shortly after introduced to Mrs Ali, whom the Major forms a friendship with. We watch as they connect over a love of good literature, the English countryside, and the two young men in their lives. Simonson adds a host of other characters to not only enrich our experience with Major and Mrs. Ali, but to entertain us as well throughout this gentle, sweet story.
Unfortunately towards the end, Simonson adds a bit of drama that I feel doesn’t quite fit the book (which is the only reason it was not given an Unputdownable rating from me), but she is careful to bring the story back to it’s original rhythm by the end and I thank her for that. The rest of the book is incredibly well done and a wonderfully charming story that is perfect for a weekend curled up on the couch.
(The above quotes are taken from the front flap of the book).
Buy this book for as low as $17.50 from Powell’s and Unputdownables gets a commission!
This sounds like it would be one of those “pleasure” reads that you just curl-up with and enjoy. I am reading Someone at a Distance before bedtime and it’s the same type of book. Everyone is so quaint and polite. It makes me long for earlier, more simple times.
Yes, that is exactly what this book is like, Ti. I will have to look into Someone at a Distance. These warm, lovely books are perfect for fall reading, don’t you think? Possibly while burning some new fall candles?
Oooooo Wallace this one has been on my TBBought list for a while now. It is definitely my most anticipated read this year. I almost picked it up when I was in Edmonton in June, but they only had the hardback addition with the crinkly, uneven pages. I am not much for hardbacks and I can’t stand …I mean, REALLY can’t stand, crinkly uneven pages. Is there a name for those awful editions? Anyway, I am anxiously awaiting the paperback release of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand!
That would of course be edition not addition…excepting that I want to ADD it to my collection!
Are you talking about the books with the edges that are not cut to look old and kind of jaggedy? I LOVE those, haha, so funny that you don’t. I never thought about it but I guess people do prefer all types of different styles with their books. Well, definitely pick it up when it’s out in paperback. It’ll be worth the wait.
I took the audio of this home from the library, but I never did get to read it.
Maybe better that you didn’t this one might be better read on the page. It’s one of those that you won’t rush through. It’s nice one to take your time with.
Wallace, so glad you read and reviewed this one, because now I know for sure I want it! This book just sounds like such a wonderful read! I think it will be perfect to read come fall season – I can grab a throw blanket and snuggle into a comfy chair with my cuppa and this book – bliss! I’m definitely looking forward to reading this one! Cheers!
Yes! You have the exact right idea about this one, Nadia.
I’ll look forward to seeing if you like it.
I just love the cover. I’ve seen this around on a few blogs lately and it does sounds delightful.
Isn’t the cover wonderful? Apparently it was the cover of Life magazine March 27, 1924.
I will add it to my list!
You’re back! Yay! This is the book I had with me at your wedding
I loved this book too. Read it straight through. It’s funny, I almost didn’t read it because of all the book group hype. I’m not usually a ‘book group’ book type reader, but am I glad I didn’t hesitate for more than a few weeks. This is a wonderful book. And wouldn’t it make a great film? I think so. Who to cast??
I was picturing James Cromwell as Major Pettigrew, but couldn’t decide on anyone else while reading. What do you think?
James Cromwell would be a good choice, I hadn’t thought of him. I was thinking Bill Nighy or maybe Ralph Fiennes? But I can’t think who else. I’m not familiar with actresses from India. I meant to add on my earlier post that I too, LOVED the cover. It couldn’t have been more perfect. I like your blog very much, Wallace. I’m just starting out with my blog, still feeling my way around after two months – half the time I don’t know what I’m doing but I keep on doing it anyway. : )
Oh Ralph Fiennes (if they aged him) would be good. I bet Bill Nighy would be good too. I loved him in Love Actually. I can’t think of anyone else either.
Thank you for the compliment! Glad that you are joining the blogging community it is a lot of fun. If you haven’t checked out my interview with Ti (posted August 16th) you should. It’s especially useful for new bloggers!
Ran across your blog after doing a search for “Major Pettigrew” and “casting.”
Read the book in two days. Not my usual cup of tea (so to speak), but the writing was good, and the story fascinating. What more can you ask of a book?
By about 1/3 of the way in, I pictured Meera Syal as Jasmina Ali. She’d be a bit young at 49, but she has the right combination of humor and wisdom. http://tiny.cc/0osq8
About halfway through, I started to envision Anthony Hopkins as Maj. Ernest Pettigrew. I kept thinking about his role in “The Remains of the Day” and how he perfectly captured the British reserve and ability to put aside his (often strong) feelings for a misguided (and perhaps outdated) sense of duty, honor and loyalty. http://tiny.cc/xqa75
Also, Hopkins has a certain charisma which would make it believable that a woman as vibrant as Jasmina Ali could fall for him.
If they play up Pettigrew’s unspoken pain, longing and vulnerability, however, I cannot think of a better actor than Jim Broadbent. http://tiny.cc/ftx7u Hopkins in his 70′s would be awkward for Syal at 49, but Broadbent in his 60′s may seem more suitable.