Book Review #2 - Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand

I’ve heard good things about this book from several trusted sources and yet it took it being chosen as a book club selection for me to finally get around to reading it.  All of my sources were correct.  It is delightful.

Helen Simonson manages to do what plenty of authors have tried to accomplish, most unsuccessfully, I might add: capture the romantic and comedic flair of Jane Austen in a modern day novel.  I have no idea if this was an intention of hers.  While not an obvious adaptation of any of Austen’s popular novels, the themes of class,  obligation to family, unsuitability and prejudice all surround Major Earnest Pettigrew, a sensible and established older gentleman in a small English village, and Mrs. Jasmina Ali, a Pakistani widow who owns the small village market, while their late-in-life romance blossoms.

The story begins as Major Pettigrew answers his front door to Mrs. Ali on an errand and she finds the usually distinguished major in his deceased wife’s housecoat.  Embarrassed, he explains the confusion and despondency on the recent passing of his brother.  Her immediate kindness in making him tea and discussing his favorite author, Kipling, spark a new and surprising friendship.  It is heartening to read that even in a later age, passion can still be discovered.

Similar to Austen’s style, the rest of Simonson’s secondary characters are all developed through the major’s opinion and perspective, limiting most to be seen as a rather ridiculous and unlikable bunch.   Of course, as certain characters become better known to Major Pettigrew or his sympathies change through experience, they develop more depth and nuance, sometimes in an unexpected way.

While the plot takes a back seat to Major Pettigrew’s character development, there are balls, walks in the park, gossip, ultimatums, landed gentry, hunts and a rather dramatic romantic ending to enjoy.  It may be predictable but it manages to avoid being at all fluffy thanks to the major’s conservative humor and his behaving in a gentlemanlike manner.   Recommended!