Reader's Ink discussion

Years ago, an English friend commented that the only people still shocked to see brown-skinned people in the land of Austen were Americans. I found that comment resonating with me while reading Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand. How does this novel, with its mix of traditional English country life and a diverse population, portray that reality?

In the US, we can feel some of that diversity too. I have always felt blessed that I was born and raised in a state and city that all cultures exist. never knew what that type of diversity was. The Brits are a very traditional people. Some of my dearest friends come from there, and they have moved State side, and to see them evolve themselves since moving here has been a very interesting process. It opened my eyes when I watched the Major's and Mrs. Ali's relationship develop, and in spite of skin color still found fondness and love with each other. It was intereting to see the people around them, including their chidren, seem to have more difficulties accepting it than they did.

I think Americans like to think of England as rather fairy tale-ish and/or Austen-esque--quaint, well-mannered, unchanging. Of course, I've never been there. You think cottages and Big Ben, you know? At the same time, I've seen enough movies and read enough contemporary literature set in England to know that it's not true.

That said, this is the first book I've read that tackles diveristy/immigrant culture that is set in the tweed-wearing English country side! I think it's a pretty ballsy move on Simonson's part. I liked it.

I did a semester at Oxford when I was in college- and when I first got there, I was surprised by the numbers of immigrants from the middle eastern countries. I found that getting good Indian food was actually easier than any type of other food! With that experience, the diversity of characters in this novel was completely believable to me, and not surprising....