Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

A Novel

By: Helen Simonson

Narrated by: Peter Altschuler

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?

©2010 Helen Simonson (P)2010 Random House

The world needs more novels like this

This is a humorous, gentle well-written comedy of manners, nothing trite about it. There's no angst or violence or silly bodice ripping. Although a light read, it's still in touch with reality ( especailly that of "polite" prejudice of many kinds). The novel can say that you're never too old for love without sounding like a hallmark card. Reading this novel won't change your life, but it sure can brighten up a gloomy day or soothe the progress of a head cold. May the author write on and on. (Note if you dislike a Brit character who feels "assaulted by American vowels," this may not be for you - there are lots of pride and prejudices in all the lovely, flawed characters.)

Very Interesting!

I enjoyed this book; learning the mores and practices of this class of society was very enlightening -- as well as all their prejudices. The reader was very expressive, and the author was very insightful in describing these complex relationships.

Too broad for my taste

Had the narrator not underlined the humor so emphatically I would have enjoyed this novel more - it came highly recommended and I had high expectations. I enjoyed the story, but the reading was too broad for my taste.

I liked it, but surprised so many others do too...

The dry, witty comments of Major Pettigrew as he watches cultures, class status, generations, genders, traditions and values collide over a cup of tea make this a delightful book. Honestly, my husband wouldn't listen to 5 minutes, but I enjoyed watching the Major reluctantly evolve. Insightful writing.

A Major Success

Ostensibly, this is a senior love story, but it is much,much more. Major Pettigrew, and he insists upon the honorific, is a stogy widower in a remote English village who is forced to come to terms with a spoiled, ladder-climbing son, a widowed Pakistani merchant, the death of his brother, radical change in his beloved town, a sullen young Muslim, the annual play put on by his elite club, and his own pretensions.

The author writes crisply, empathically, and makes us care for her characters. She allows us, along with the Major, to question our values and dares us to make the decisions that, while not popular, make us happy.

Delightful

This is a wonderful out-of-the ordinary novel. The characters are charming. I highly recommend it. The narrator is good, except when trying to fake a Pakistani accent.

A Wonderful Book

I do not use the term lightly when I say the narration of this Audible book is superb. Mr. Pettigrew's Last Stand is a touching and pleasant read. It is written from an older, well seasoned man's perspective as he goes about simply living his life. There are few novels of daily life, in its routine, that are from a man's point of view. Major Pettigrew' story is told through his mind and heart, this is one of the many reasons I so enjoyed the book. There are no scenes bigger than life, yet all of man's, and woman's, emotions seem to be touched upon. There is loss and loneliness, tenderness, love, a little greed, much ' English ' pride, an abundance of humor and a few moments of cliff hanging suspense. There are a few trials and triumphs of the generations, each trying for closeness and independence. I highly recommend this book for a relaxing, enjoyable listening experience. I feel there is nothing to offend a reader, no fowl language, no offensive sex scenes and no trying to push a message or agenda. What a relief!

Charming

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a warm and funny story. Understated, but amusing.
The narrator, Peter Altschuler, is excellent and greatly contributed to the pleasure of this listen.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand

The narrator made the book come alive. Totally entertaining! You have to like British humor.

Thoroughly enjoyable. Hated for it to end.

Peter Altschuler was an integral part of my enjoyment of this book. I think he was Major Pettigrew in another life! I loved the characters and their development. A couple of the plot lines were a bit overwrought but not enough to distract. A delightful listen.