Helen Simonson presents Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
VIEW EVENT DETAILSMajor Pettigrew's Last Stand is the first book from Bethesda author Helen Simonson. The Washington Post described the book as a "thoroughly charming novel that wraps Old World sensibility around a story of multicultural conflict involving two widowed people who assume they're done with love."
At its core, the book is about the convergence of two people who had to begun to accept the unchanging nature of the types of relationships in their lives. The story takes place in a quiet English village where Maj. Pettigrew's life is being turned around. He is a little unhinged after the passing of his brother and the growing distance between him and his wealthy, money-oriented son. Maj. Pettigrew encounters and befriends Jasmine Ali, a Pakistani woman who runs her own convenience store in the village. As they bond over Kipling and the loss of their spouses, their romance blooms and gathers scrutiny from the other members of the village (which is delightfully satirized by Simonson).
One part romance, one part satire, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand delivers a potent message while remaining a gentle read that will warm readers' hearts.
Although born in England, Simonson has lived in the United States for over 40 years. She has an MFA and a degree from the London School of Economics. Her debut novel has also won positive reviews from the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor.
From the reviews:
"The real pleasure of this book derives not from its village conventions but from its beautiful little love story, which is told with skill and humor."
"Simonson is as sure-handed at social satire as she is at romance, and the combination makes for an entirely satisfying read."
At its core, the book is about the convergence of two people who had to begun to accept the unchanging nature of the types of relationships in their lives. The story takes place in a quiet English village where Maj. Pettigrew's life is being turned around. He is a little unhinged after the passing of his brother and the growing distance between him and his wealthy, money-oriented son. Maj. Pettigrew encounters and befriends Jasmine Ali, a Pakistani woman who runs her own convenience store in the village. As they bond over Kipling and the loss of their spouses, their romance blooms and gathers scrutiny from the other members of the village (which is delightfully satirized by Simonson).
One part romance, one part satire, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand delivers a potent message while remaining a gentle read that will warm readers' hearts.
Although born in England, Simonson has lived in the United States for over 40 years. She has an MFA and a degree from the London School of Economics. Her debut novel has also won positive reviews from the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor.
From the reviews:
"The real pleasure of this book derives not from its village conventions but from its beautiful little love story, which is told with skill and humor."
"Simonson is as sure-handed at social satire as she is at romance, and the combination makes for an entirely satisfying read."
Event Details
Thu 03 Jun 2010
Women's National Democratic Club, 1526 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC
Members $25, non-members $30. Lecture only: $10.