Saturday, April 2, 2011
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson was a terrific read. This book tells the story of Major Ernest Pettigrew who finds new life when he falls in love with a Pakistani shop keeper in his village. It tells the trials that he faces as he becomes friends with her due to the towns deep rooted prejudices against her because she is foreign. It amazed me as the story plays out to see that while we consider ourselves to accept people, there is still a deep feeling of being around ones kind. It also shows the relationship between Major Pettigrew and his son as his son feels his dad is aging and begins to feel the need to take care of him. I really liked how in the end Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali decide that despite what everyone else thinks they want to be together and he shows that he is willing to fight for her and their relationship.
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I listened to the audio version of this book. I felt like I was listening to Major Pettigrew himself. He was such a proper and upright man. I admired his qualites of neatness and manners but was so surprised by his boyishness with Mrs. Ali. How sweet to hear him ponder over his conversation with her and to think about her like a young man! I also enjoyed getting to know Jasmina Ali. What a strong and spirited woman! The author tells the story in such a way that we come to know so much of her through her interactions with different characters such as her nephew and his girlfriend and son. This story is one of my favorites!
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