Hooked on Books discussion

Members Starting the BR: Amanda and Jackie / Quill Questers
Challenge: Book Quest Adventures
Book: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson


Anyone is free to join in this Buddy Read! Happy Reading!

I'm planning to start Monday or Tuesday.

I started this one this evening. It took a while for me to get into it as it's quite different from what I've been reading. The main characters are very likeable and then you have other characters that aren't very likeable at all and tend to make life difficult for our MC's. There is a lot of dry wit and since I'm listening to the audio, I've had to bump the speed down so I won't miss a lot. This book might actually be better read rather than listened to but audio is what I have.

(view spoiler)[The MC's are British Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali, a Pakistani shopkeeper. They're both in their sixties and have lost their spouses in the last few years. They are an unlikely match but they find compassion in each other and learn that they both have a deep love of literature. Each also has a relative that proves to be a thorn in their side. Major Pettigrew's son, Roger, and Mrs. Ali's nephew. It's good to see how these two people from very different cultures come to care for each other in spite of obstacles presented by almost everyone else. There is an awful amount of attention paid to a gun which I find amusing. Altogether, I'm enjoying this. (hide spoiler)]

60% in. I'm enjoying. The writing is excellent and witty.

(view spoiler)[I'm not sure when this takes place. Historical fiction for sure but not sure about the time. There is a lot of prejudice involving an illegitimate child, the unwed mother being looked down upon and not accepted by the family of the child's father. And the child not allowed to play with other children by their parents. Also, the heritage of the Pakistani shopkeeper even though she was actually born in England. Still, all the prejudice is lowkey, no violence.

I love the MC's and their slow romance amid their cultural differences. (hide spoiler)]

Finished. I loved the story, a very well-written romance. And it is contemporary. I got confused by the cover and the MPGs listed on the book page. Historical Fiction and Contemporary were both listed, but the book is definitely contemporary.

Jackie wrote: "I started this one this evening. It took a while for me to get into it as it's quite different from what I've been reading. The main characters are very likeable and then you have other characters ..."

Finally started and I already feel the same about everything! I just finished a religious horror book today, so this is a very big departure in tone lol.

I'm also doing audio and realizing I might sometimes struggle to keep up, but I am liking the characters already

I found it a really good change to my usual books. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I like Roger thinking he has to take care of his dad when it's so obviously the other way around. (I'm still fairly early on). He seems like the worst child

I think it was more take advantage of his dad than take care of him. I was not fond of Roger.

Oh yes definitely its more of a guise. Like "oh you need me around" when really he's around to mooch off him.

Jackie wrote: "Finished. I loved the story, a very well-written romance. And it is contemporary. I got confused by the cover and the MPGs listed on the book page. Historical Fiction and Contemporary were both lis..."

I’m about 60% in and felt the same curiosity about when it took place; did you land on fully contemporary? I wonder then if it’s just cultural differences? Also probably age differences

I finally decided on contemporary because of cell phones, etc. I guess it must be the cultural differences that made it seem older. To me it felt like historical fiction so it was confusing. I wouldn't have thought that the prejudice would have been so great but maybe so in small villages.

I didn’t realize how hooked I was until I just got to the award party scene where she leaves without him and tells him not to visit. I’m very upset! I honestly thought I didn’t feel much because it’s such a slow steady build. Caught off guard in the best way

I was the same. It took me a while to really get into the book and I was thinking that it was good but nothing special until probably halfway in. Then I found that I really cared about what happened to the characters. Ended up really loving the book.

I hated that that happened and that she was so hurt. People can be so cruel and for no real reason.

I really ended up enjoying it! Like I said it snuck up on me, but just really wonderful characters. I'm glad you found it, because I know I would've never picked it up

I'm so glad you liked it! I know it's not your usual type of book. I like the author's writing and will read more by her.

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