Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson, narrated by Peter Altschuler
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Synopsis:
When Major Earnest Pettigrew’s brother passes away, he begins to evaluate his life. A widower, his only son living off in London and visiting infrequently, Major Pettigrew is a bit lonely, but somewhat annoyed by most of the women in his town. When Jasmina Ali, proprietor of the village shop, comes to check in on him, he strikes up first a conversation, then a friendship with her. Jasmina is witty and well-read, a perfect partner for Major Pettigrew. She is also a Muslim Pakistani woman, who isn’t always seen as an equal by some of the people in their small town.
Thoughts on the story:
“Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” is a novel about knowing when to break with tradition and when to hold tight to it; a sweet but not saccharine story of family and love. The ending was perhaps too quick and easy, but I adored the story as a whole. It was just insanely charming, and I’m not really sure what to say about it beyond that.
Thoughts on the audio production:
Peter Altschuler was the absolutely perfect choice to narrate “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand.” He had this perfect British accent and played the slightly stuffy and slightly sentimental Major perfectly.
Overall:
Lovely story, and even lovelier audiobook.
Buy this book from:
Powells: Audio/Print*
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound: Print*
Amazon: Audio/Print*
I enjoyed this story too, although I’m not one for audio books. I liked your thought of knowing which traditions to hold on to and which to let go of. Well put.
I am in the middle of this book right now! I’m glad you enjoyed it, I am so far.
Oooh, this one has been on my “want” list for a couple of months now. I’ve added quite a few audios to my queue at the library…now I’m off to check if they have this one!
I’ve been wanting to read this for a while, so I’m glad to see the audio production is good!
I’ve wanted to read this one and now I’m thinking maybe audio is the way to go!
I finished this last night after I got home. I intentionally ignored my husband to finish the last 5 minutes. It’s okay, he’s used to it. I absolutely adored every second of it. Peter Altschuler did such a fantastic job; it’s hard to believe it’s his first audiobook! He was perfect.
I’m so glad I got my HP #3 and 4 review up today! My husband and I just loved the audio versions. I don’t listen to a lot of audio books, but Jim Dale is a favorite of ours.
I have this book on paper, and am looking forward to reading it!
Your description of it as “insanely charming” really makes me want to listen to it.
Books that can be classified as charming are either wonderful – like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society – or horrendous. I’m glad you liked it.
I have been seeing this book around a lot lately but your review was the first on that I have gotten a chance to read. This sounds like a darling book that I would love to pick up some time (or maybe even try in audio form!)
My husband called from work several months ago all excited about this book. They had interviewed the author on NPR. It sounds like a good story. He doesn’t have time to read, but enjoys audiobooks. It has been nice being able to discuss books we have both listened to.
I have heard such good things about this book. Quite unusually I actually bought it based on recommendations rather than requested it from the library, but that means trying to fit it into the reading schedule.
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[…] Tower, The Zoo, and the Tortoise” has been compared to both “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” and “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society,” both charming and lovely […]