I am just back from returning Major Pettigrew's Last Stand to the library and I am terribly sorry to be done with it.
I am now ready to pack a bag and travel to a village in the English countryside. I will rent a cottage with a garden and walk to town everyday and immerse myself fully into the goings-on of the community. Helen Simonson has created a quirky cast of characters and supplied them with such smart dialogue. This is the kind of book that is easy to escape into. It is pleasant reading in the very best sense of the word. I found myself smiling a lot as I listened. If you have not had the pleasure of meeting the Major and Mrs. Ali you must not deprive yourself any longer.
I am going to inform my sister that we will be moving The Cotswolds up on the list of places we have to visit.
I can confirm that the Cotswolds are beautiful, though very often wet! Thanks for the book recommendation :)
Posted by: Jan McCann | 06/03/2013 at 12:40 AM
I adored this book. I think I'll go have a cup of tea.
Posted by: Snap | 06/03/2013 at 08:09 AM
Loved this book!
Posted by: Megan | 06/03/2013 at 08:24 AM
Also Devon and Dorset counties have lovely little cottages (in the southwest towards Cornwall). I may have to rent one near you and come visit for a cuppa!
Posted by: Rhonda | 06/03/2013 at 11:34 AM
Yes, the Cotswolds are wonderful, I can attest to that. We are taking a long road trip this summer, maybe I'll add this to the list of books on CD to take along. Thanks!
Posted by: Betsy | 06/03/2013 at 12:25 PM
thank you thank you thank you for this recommend. We just got home from our car trip-it was the perfect entertainment along the way. Downloaded it for my kimble so I can roll some of those sentences around in my own mouth an maybe bookmark a few. So good.
Posted by: SusanS | 06/04/2013 at 01:24 PM
I hope you read or listened to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society???
If you haven't, please treat yourself to this book. The Islands were occupied by the German forces during WW II, a fact unknown to me. I don't want to divulge any more. Grab it and settle in for a lovely read on the porch.
Major Pettigrew sounds grand. I'll pick it up when I deliver my latest batch of books back to the library. I'm determined to not buy any more books. I've run out of room on my shelves. It's time to stop adding to the overload.
Posted by: Joan Clarke | 06/04/2013 at 03:58 PM
Sounds right up my alley - and yes, the Cotswolds are picture postcard England. The Cotswolds, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall - all most suitable. I do hope that you can talk your sister into a jaunt? And then a class?
Posted by: Jane Bumar | 06/06/2013 at 07:00 PM
Another vote for the Cotswolds! A dear friend referred to them and their ilk, as "honeypot towns." You'll want to get your hands on the upcoming "A Fine Romance" by Susan Branch. It's the travel journal (watercolors! hand lettering!) of her most recent trip to England. And if you've never heard of her, you're in for a TREAT. All of her books AND blog are outstanding. susanbranch.com
Posted by: Michelle | 06/17/2013 at 01:40 PM
I loooved this book, and now must re-read. "Careful, careful. Passion is all very well, but it wouldn't do to spill the tea."
Do go to the Cotswolds. We took the Mad Max tour (from our base in Bath--Jane Austin pilgrimmage!) which was very entertaining.
Posted by: orangerie | 06/23/2013 at 11:58 PM