Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Reviewed by Jessica Brady

Summary: Major Ernest Pettigrew epitomizes the Englishman with the “stiff upper lip”, who clings to traditional values and has tried (in vain) to pass these along to his yuppie son, Roger. The story centers around Pettigrew’s fight to keep his greedy relatives (including his son) from selling a valuable family heirloom. The Major finds an unexpected ally and source of consolation in his neighbor, the Pakistani shopkeeper Jasmina Ali. On the outside these two seem to have nothing in common but as their relationship grows they discover they have the most important things in common.

Review: Overall, I enjoyed this book. I found it a little slow in the beginning but was devouring it by the end anxious to find out how it ended. I loved how the author had very different voices for each of the characters. I passionately hated some characters and deeply loved others. Something I appreciated about the books is that the ending is not all neat and tidy, instead it reflects real life with not everyone ending up “happily ever after”. I really enjoyed the peek into British culture and how the “right” way to do things and having the “proper” manners influenced everything the Major said or did. Another bonus of this book is I think it would appeal to both men and women. Overall, I would give this book 3 out of 4 stars.