Helen Simonson’s debut novel, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, is quintessentially British in the finest sense of the word. Maj. Ernest Pettigrew, retired widower is brought together with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper in the village of Edgecombe St. Mary in Sussex, when she thoughtfully offers assistance as he navigates his grief following the death of his brother, Bertie. Their friendship blossoms, much to the consternation of his fellow villagers, culminating in the title referenced “last stand”. Underlying prejudices, wry humor, a touching late life romance, and all the trauma that extended family can produce make for an enjoyable story well worth the leisure time it takes to read.
Recommended for adults.
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