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Comments (117)

Community comments are the opinions of contributing users. These comments do not represent the opinions of Vancouver Public Library.
What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 117 items
Feb 29, 2024mljackroyd rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali are charming characters who show readers how to triumph over personal loss, grief, and loneliness. Definitely an amusing read despite the unnecessary suspense tacked on at the end.
Apr 08, 2023Urbano rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Funny; expertly narrated on audio.
Mar 23, 2023vac28 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
a wonderfulstory
Sep 25, 2022crazycatladyreads rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
Sep 21, 2022Gobe4me rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
i thought this was a sweet book, just a nice story when the world has enough stress and worry, curl up and visit with these characters.
Sep 21, 2022Strope rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Delightful.
Oct 19, 2021sisson_pam rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
First book I read by Simonson and I was enamored with the story and her style of writing. In summary, it was the story of a small village outside London with its haves and have-nots, acceptance and rejection, juxtaposition of different…
Sep 13, 2021sisson_pam rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Loved this book from beginning to the end. I listened to it and the reader put on a brilliant performance having a different voice clearly for each character. His British accent made for a perfect narration as the book was set in…
Jun 25, 2021
Kathryn recommended June 2021
Mar 05, 2021
In a small English village, widower Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired) develops an interest in widow Mrs. Jasmina Ali, a Pakistani shopkeeper. In this delightful comedy of manners, their courtship is not only complicated by cultural…
Mar 05, 2021
In a small English village, widower Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired) develops an interest in widow Mrs. Jasmina Ali, a Pakistani shopkeeper. In this delightful comedy of manners, their courtship is not only complicated by cultural…
Feb 26, 20212greyts rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Helen Simonson’s first book. Major Pettigrew is a delightful man with a crisp wit, a true sense of moral outrage and the enviable ability to understand both sides of a situation. This was my second reading. Not sorry.
Jan 13, 2021firebird770 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline although the wording and detail were at times lengthy and found myself refocusing quite often in order to get through quite a lengthy read.
Aug 29, 2020Roundcat rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I listened to this book, and the narrator, Peter Altschuler, was excellent. Since this is Helen Simonson's first novel, I will have to look for more by her. We watch all the characters develop and change for the better. Major Pettigrew…
Mar 09, 2020xiaojunbpl12 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
English country living in modern time, with traditional ways, e.g. the English house (cottage, manor, garden, cabin), golf, shooting game, country club (ball, feast), etc., detailed and enlivened in amusing narrations and witty…
Feb 21, 2020AaronAardvark1940 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Overcoming racism in modern England. For background, try Rushdie's Shalimar the Clown. Although this book has ethnic Pakistanis as the objects of disrespect, Rushdie delves more thoroughly into the problems of empire, whether political or…
SKM2
Jan 03, 2020
Charming and very sweet book. Good to know chivalry isn’t dead!
Sep 06, 2019Einer2 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I guess this is a book that you love or dislike based on the many reviews. Put me in the like very much camp. If you love the English wit and propriety it will entertain you. Agree that it would make a great Masterpiece Theater piece.
May 13, 2019
Alcona Caledona
Nov 30, 2018IndyPL_SteveB rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A completely charming, humorous, and skillfully written romance of modern English manners. Don't be put off by the word "romance." -- this is entertaining for BOTH male and female readers. Major Ernest Pettigrew, retired as a soldier…
Oct 26, 2018SurreyLibraries_Reads rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
One of my favorite books from this year. The story of an unlikely friendship between retired Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper, in rural England. They are brought together by a shared love of literature and the loss…
Aug 24, 2018DPL_zoeanns rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Delightful read! The character and plot development will keep most any reader engaged.
May 25, 2018Lilybug062 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Another Gem !
Feb 28, 2018PerthEastLibrary rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Perth East Public Library Evening Book Club thoroughly enjoyed this British novel. The consensus was that the author followed a typical British novel format (military, aristocrat, small village setting, etc.) but that the story was…
Aug 08, 2017glotet rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A story with depth and a powerful ending. Hopeful that Ms. Simonson is working on a third novel.