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The Book Club Online is the oldest book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone. We offer cordial discussions of one book a month, 24/7 and enjoy the company of readers from all over the world. Everyone is welcome to join in.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Proposed for April Book Club Online
Please post below if you can join us.
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/majorpettigrew/majorbookcover.jpg) | "When Major Pettigrew, a retired British army major in a small English village, embarks on an unexpected friendship with the widowed Mrs. Ali, who runs the local shop, trouble erupts to disturb the bucolic serenity of the village and of the Major’s carefully regimented life.
As the Major and Mrs. Ali discover just how much they have in common, including an educated background and a shared love of books, they must struggle to understand what it means to belong and how far the obligations of family and tradition can be set aside for personal freedom. Meanwhile, the village itself, lost in its petty prejudices and traditions, may not see its own destruction coming." New York Times (best seller)
"...a wry and witty love story set in a little English village where small town prejudices, and race and religious intolerances are alive and well. With gentle insight, the author captures the thrill of falling in love after 60 and the disruption romance can introduce into a well-settled life." |
Note: The author, Helen Simonson, has agreed to visit our discussion!
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We've just tallied the votes for the April/May discussions...and just like that, we have a new title to explore in April.
Have any of you read this book? It is Helen Simsonson's first novel, so that everything we know about her will come from reading her book, reading reviews and listening to the comments from those who have read the book already. Since some of you do not like reading reviews before reading a book, we'll refrain from quoting too many sources.
Since the majority of you have voted for this one, you must have heard good things about it. I'm really looking forward to Helen Simonson's debut, which has generated so much enthusiastic comment. Anything labelled "dry, delightful comedy" gets my attention. A comedy, a later-in-life love story, what more could we ask for?
Don't miss this!
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I am so looking forward to rereading this book! I read it a few months ago. It touched me in many ways. I am already looking forward to the author's next novel. I voted for this. I have it on my Kindle. I look forward to discuaaing it with all of you.
Sheila
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This was my first choice on the second round. I'll see you all in April.
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I'm with you pat and Sheila - this was my first choice and I am so glad this is "The" book for the majority - A second read Sheila - wow that says a lot about what appears to be a simple story.
I am ready for something light with love and less complication than the headlines in the news - I have not started it yet - I had ordered it in expectation - and to my delight, lo and behold here it is the book most of us decided we needed to read - don't know about others but for me I was expecting a story to calm and fill our spirits -
I have agreed to be a co-leader for the discussion - there are 10 days in April when I am out of pocket and so we will have another discussion leader at least for April 5 through the 15th and maybe we will split the month - we shall see what we shall see.
I am so looking forward to this and I hope - I hope - I hope Rosemary you can join us or at least be a resource since I understand the story takes place in Britain. The Britain of today rather than the cozy, thatched roof cottage, village life Britain between the wars or before WWI. This story I understand is very much a story of today...
Hats off to those of you who have read the book - we know and appreciate how hard it is not to give away what happens - so we salute you as you will be holding onto with a giggle in your heart what happens next.
I can see the mad scramble now as some of you get your name on the library list - you might want to just break down and buy a copy - I got a new copy from Amazon for only $9. - just click the Amazon button on the top of the page and make your order - by the way a couple of years ago I paid - I forget how much - not bundles as I recall and so every book I purchase comes to me in two days with NO additional postage charged, unless I buy a market place book and then there is a shipping fee - which means I must add the shipping fee to the price of a used book to see if the combined cost is less than the buying the new book from Amazon without the addition of shipping - I can heartedly recommend paying the one time extra for that service.
I won't start to read the story just yet, IRS requires my attention for a bit so that I can have April free of that worry - we have about two weeks till we start - and so by next week I plan to be able to sit back and enjoy the read.
P.S. Don't you just love the front cover - that color blue against the lavender does things - is her hat a rust color do you think? The whole thing is just striking, elegant and yet comfortable...
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I loved the book. We'll be out of town until the middle of the month, but will check back in after that.
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Great Maryz - look forward to your input - you always see the cheerful - have fun...by the way is there a question you think we should pursue when reading this story?
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I'm on the list for this book when it's available at my library. I've heard a number of people say it's most enjoyable.
jane
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Tra La - great Jane - this appears from what folks are saying and just the cover alone to be a nice fun read...
Found this today about the author - evidently this is her first book published.
About the Author
• Birth—ca. 1964-65
• Where—England, UK
• Education—London School of Economics; M.F.A., State
University of New York, at Stony Brook
• Currently—lives in Washington, DC,
"I have lived in America for over twenty years. I have been a long-time and proud resident of Brooklyn and have recently moved with my family to the Washington D.C. area. However, I was born in England, and when I was a teenager, my family achieved the English dream - to move to a house in the country.
"East Sussex, with its sleepy villages, medieval smuggling towns, and unique pebble-bank shores is my vision of 'home.'' My family lives near Rye, a 14th Century smuggling port on a cobbled hill, from which the sea receded long ago. It is marooned in the Romney Marshes (where Charles Dickens' Pip grew up) yet clings to its designation as a member of the Cinque Ports. Close by are the seaside towns of Hastings and Eastbourne and to the west, the Downs swell up into a ridge of grassy hills topped by the hundred mile trail known as the South Downs Way. It is literary country—Henry James at Lamb House, Rye; Kipling at Batemans, Burwash; Virginia Woolf at Monk's House, near Lewes—and this heritage was always a great inspiration to me.
"As a young woman, I could not wait to go to college in London, or to move three thousand miles away from home to America. Yet I have always carried with me a longing for England that will not fade. I think this dichotomy—between the desire for home and the urge to leave—is of central interest to my life and my writing."
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Don't you just love the cover of this book? It's from a 1924 Life Magazine cover, called April Fool. I've read the book, loved it, and told DIL I was keeping her autographed copy a bit longer just in case we had a discussion here. And am hoping my f2f group will get it on the agenda as well.
It seems there have been some really good acclaimed FIRST novels the past few years. This is a first novel, Kathryn Stockett's THe Help is a first novel, The Guernsey Literary Society is a first novel, and Abraham Verghese's Cutting for Stone is a first novel. I'm sure there are others, but these are what come to mind.
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It's from a 1924 Life Magazine cover, called April Fool
it looks so contemporary who would have guessed from 1924 - I remember Life magazine but for some reason I'm seeing the photography in the magazine and on the cover as black and white - I am sure there was color because so many of the covers were Norman Rockwell and I can see those in my mind's eye in color. But then I may be as old as the dinosaurs but I do not go back to 1924.
Well here it is as a poster available today - the colors on the poster are not as delicate as the cover illustration on the book - I prefer the illustration on the book Vintage Life Magazine April 1924 (http://www.ricsartshop.com/vintage-life-magazine/life099.html)
Thanks Pedln for that - I wonder if the age of the cover has anything to do with the time the story takes place - we shall see what we shall see won't we.
Although, it is up to y'all - if those who have read the book want to tell us when in history this story takes place we can add to our posts the next two weeks tidbits about what was going on, maybe a few recipes from the time - you know the background that puts us into the story once we start to share...
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The story is set in contemporary time.
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Mary is that in the twenty-first century or the twentieth century...?
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Well here is a bit about the name ---
Pettigrew
Recorded in the spellings of Pettegre, Petegre, Pettigrew, Petigrew, Petticrew and Petegrew, this is a Medieval 13th century English surname, but of French origins.
The phrase "petit cru", meaning in this context, small person, was introduced into Britain after the 1066 Norman invasion, when French became the official language. Originally "petit cru" was used as a nickname of endearment, similar to "young son", the later surname "Youngson".
Victorian researchers however concluded that "petit cru" was a nickname for a dwarf, but whilst this may have applied in a few cases, the name could hardly have achieved its level of popularity had the origin either been uncomplimentary, or so restrictive.
The name is particularly well recorded in East Anglia, and all the early recordings come from this region. Examples include:
- Roger Petitcru of Bury St Edmunds in the year 1268,
- John Petegrew, in the rolls known as the "Feudal Aids" for the county of Suffolk, in 1346,
- Robert Pedegrewe, of the same county in the Subsidy Rolls of 1568.
- Thomas Pettigrew (1791 - 1865) was an early archaeologist and senior surgeon at Charing Cross Hospital, London, in 1835.
- Walter Peticruw which was dated 1227, in the Assize Court rolls of Colchester, Essex, during the reign of King Henry 111, known as "The Frenchman" 1216 - 1272, the first recorded spelling of the family name
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Looks like a British Major earns between 73,000 dollars and about 88,000 dollars a year. I wonder what they make in retirement - it appears Major Pettigrew has a sur name of some lineage and a comfortable income - defiantly middle class - in fact the lower end of the middle of the middle class.
In the US Army the rank of Major earns a year between $50,664 and $84,588 - I am sure on both accounts there are additions to the salary for housing, if you are overseas etc. and I have no idea if a British Major in rank is equal to or above the rank of Major in the US Army however, it appears the Brits do make more money.
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I put it on my IPAD and will try to come and go with you. I have an elderhostel the first week in April, so it will depend on how busy they keep us..
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Barb, can't remember that specifically - I'd guess 21st, but somebody else, feel free to chime in.
Which Elderhostel are you doing, Steph? Have you said, and I've just forgotten? ::)
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Yes, Steph - what is the focus of the Elderhostel you are doing? Who else posting here has taken advantage of Elderhostel?
Thanks Mary - so the story really is very contemporary - one of the descriptions talked about a village with thatched roofs and so I thought maybe it was about an earlier time in the twentieth century - there are some Pakistani names among the characters and where London had experienced a large growing Asian populations especially in the 60s and 70s it could be that the smaller villages are only now seeing a bigger influx of folks who were not of Anglo Saxon, Norman or Celtic heritage.
It is so muggy here today and has been for two days now - had to put my AC on to get any sleep and my nose and throat tells me the main filter needs changing and that is located outside in a closet off the patio - such a hassle - I think first a cup of peppermint tea is in order then I will tackle cutting filter material and getting out the screw drivers. I can at minimum be thankful warm is returning.
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I would agree with MaryZ -- 21st century.
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Thanks pedln - thought we could at least get some of the background that put these characters in a setting - with the story told in our current time looks like the people will be acting out from today and not yesterday. Although, I must say knowing the history of the Major's name and his salary gives me a picture of him as an Englishman content within his skin and he may even have more conservative values if he was army retired.
Only met and worked with one women from Pakistan some 15 years ago or so - I imagined at the time it was a very exotic country - she had two grown children and she returned to visit her family every other year - she was very derisive of the way women, especially divorced women were treated and the process of divorce by a Pakistani man was very one sided - or at least that was her experience. She had a sister who lived in the states and it was the sister who owned a hotel here that she was running since the divorce - this was the first time she ever worked outside her home for money - she was experiencing lots of changes in her life that her sister supported but her parents back in Pakistan were horrified. I remember seeing her in her office in her national dress that were billowy pants under a tunic where I was expecting a sari. Well I will soon see if my experience prepares me for the characters in this story.
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Barb, we were in England last summer and saw plenty of thatched roofs - they’re not unusual at all.
We’ve done lots of Elderhostels (now Road Scholars) - both in the states and overseas. We love the programs in general and always go through the catalogs looking for another one. The last ones we did were back-to-back in September 2009 (Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, and Crisfield, MD) - both great!
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I guess you are right - my last trip over was 15 years ago - maybe thatched roofs are mentioned to give an impression of a traditional village that is being used to help foil the story in some manner
Years ago I sent for a catalog from Elderhostel - hmmm I should look online I bet their schedule and catalog is now online.
Does anyone know what is particular in the way of food to Pakistan?
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When did they change the name Mary - found it and yes, it is now called Road Scholar
http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/usa.asp
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I'm in. Anything about later-in-life romance gets my attention. Am thinking now of Elegance of the Hedgehog. Wonderful book if you haven't read it yet.
I love the cover too. The red hat, the stylish clothes, the way she is nestled against his chest, head in his neck. They don't seem to care who is watching. Thanks for the information on the cover, Pedln. I thought the clothes looked like they were from the 20's. But the story is set in more modern times? Don't you wonder why this cover was chosen?
Barbara, something jumped out of your posted information on the author -
"Currently—lives in Washington, DC."
Shall I get in touch with her to see if she'll join us? What do you think?
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Barb, in the fall of 2009, they changed it to something else (to get away from the "elder" and "hostel" connotations), which turned out to belong to some other organization. They had previously acquired the Road Scholar program, so they went with that name instead in 2010. They have done away with the age requirements, and are offering more "active" programs and ones that might be geared to the 45-60 age range (my take on it, not an official one). There are still plenty of programs for all ages, IMO, and they're very good about stating the activity level of each program.
They still send out paper catalogs unless you specifically ask them not to do so. We usually browse the paper catalogs, and register on line.
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Wheee Joan wouldn't that be grand - please, yes, if only for a one time visit - how much fun.
Mary thanks for explaining the name change - I have been glued to the online catalog - lots of possibilities - I've been so busy working all these years that there was little time for more than visiting my daughter when I could and that is a 1500 mile one way car trip.
It appears most of you have already read the book - we shall have to think through here how to discuss this chosen book instead of piece meal it may be that we break it by subject matter or something - I need to read it - and please feel free to throw out your ideas of how you would like to see us discuss the book - we have 4 weeks and the easiest would be to divide the book into 4 sections but if you know what happens than that may not be the best way to organize this discussion.
Getting a bunch of themes could be a way to discuss this - I can see that I just have to get busy and read - my best laid plans of mice and men sort of thinking may be disturbed as I use the weekend for reading instead of to sort out for the IRS - of course anything to delay Uncle Sam :o hahaha
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Barb...Some Pakastani urls on food...looks like kebabs, lamb, mutton, curry, etc. are big:
http://pakistan.saarctourism.org/pakistan-food.html
http://www.khanapakana.com/438/recipes-by-chef/shireen-anwar
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OK, let me get some things done around here - will try to reach her on Monday.
I haven't read the book yet...just checked and see I'm 4th on the library hold list. Let's not forget those of us who haven't read the book when deciding how to approach the discussion...
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Ok Joan - we will make sure a consensus includes everyone - and thanks - cheers to you that you will contact the author - this is special - what a gift you are...
Thanks Jane - a few recipes to look into - have you ever eaten or cooked Pakistani food? I think here in Austin there is one Indian restaurant but there is a difference between the two cultures - its been awhile since the two countries separated but it seems to me it was partly a religious difference - I did see bits of a special on PBS something about folks uprooted from their homes on both the Indian and Pakistani side.
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Hi Barbara! I'm on a reserved list at my library. I have looked twice at the cover of this book (from the picture above) and I see a hat rack with two hats and two coats hanging. I do not see two people, what am I missing? Or is this a puzzle one is supposed to solve?
We read and discussed Gandhi's autobiography years ago and he was in tears over the division of India and Pakistan. He tried very hard to keep it all one nation, but it was religion that separated the two countries.
Now, of course, I forget the details, I'll look up our discussion.
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Ella there must be two covers - seems to me I remember seeing more than one cover for this book - I wonder - do you by chance have the hardback edition - sometimes they have a separate cover for the Hardback versus the Softback.
Yes, please if you have a snippet that can fill us in - I know we do not want or need the whole history but to get a bit of an idea who or from what culture some of the characters are depicting.
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No, Barbara, I do not have the book, I am looking at the cover portrayed above and then I looked at the Life Magazine cover you posted.
Here is a short history of the division of India:
http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Part.html
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I read it on my Kindle, so didn't see the cover. But the one at the top of this page, on closer inspection, certainly looks like coats and hats on a coat rack. :D
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Thanks Ella for the link about the split
I did find the alternate cover but it is of the same two figures with instead of a blue background a tan background.
Here is the link to the hardback edition
Hardback Major Pettigrew's Last Stand (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517KA-OWU9L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
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You know you are right Mary - look at where his pant legs should be - now if that isn't the bottom of a coat rack I don't know what is...
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That's very funny. I just looked again at the cover in the heading - it COULD be a coat rack, I guess. :D
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Of course - Last Stand - hahahaha :D
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X marks my spot.
Hi, gang. Will be here. Have book.
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Oh, duh, Barbara. Of course, Last Stand. Aren't you smart for picking up on that. The 1924 idea is very clever, and it's perfect for this title.
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My Road Scholar(elderhostel) program is from the 3rd through the 8th of April. It is in St. Augustine and is the history of St. Augustine with walks and tours through all of the various stages.
I love Road Scholar, get the paper catalogues, so I can bookmark and make notes on programs. For a widow it is a safe way to travel and I love to learn things, so it is really a good choice for me. They go all over the world.. I pay the single supplement, since I am a bit wary of rooming with a stranger.
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The Book Club Online is the oldest book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone. We offer cordial discussions of one book a month, 24/7 and enjoy the company of readers from all over the world. Everyone is welcome to join in.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Proposed for April Book Club Online
Please post below if you can join us.
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/majorpettigrew/majorbookcover.jpg) | "When Major Pettigrew, a retired British army major in a small English village, embarks on an unexpected friendship with the widowed Mrs. Ali, who runs the local shop, trouble erupts to disturb the bucolic serenity of the village and of the Major’s carefully regimented life.
"As the Major and Mrs. Ali discover just how much they have in common, including an educated background and a shared love of books, they must struggle to understand what it means to belong and how far the obligations of family and tradition can be set aside for personal freedom. Meanwhile, the village itself, lost in its petty prejudices and traditions, may not see its own destruction coming." New York Times (best seller)
"...a wry and witty love story set in a little English village where small town prejudices, and race and religious intolerances are alive and well. With gentle insight, the author captures the thrill of falling in love after 60 and the disruption romance can introduce into a well-settled life." |
Discussion Schedule:
April 1-7 ~ Chapters 1-6
Note: The author, Helen Simonson, has agreed to visit our discussion!
Discussion Leaders: Barbara (jonkie@verizon.net) & JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net)
maryz's post:Sounds like a good one - and not too far away from you.
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I really liked St. Augustine. If ever I move to Florida, that is the first place I would look at. Enjoy your tour, Steph.
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Steph is St. Augustine far from where you live? I saw online yesterday they had what looked like a great week in San Antonio and even have a rate for those not staying in the hotel - there were a few places on the list that were suggested for free time that I have never checked out so that was a nice bit for me to put on my list - the ones that really interested me were in Norway - Have you been to any overseas Steph?
April is going to be a come and go month for several of us - good thing this is not the novel of the century or the Great American or English Novel, we would be lost trying to keep up - but this should be a delight - so far there is a lightness about the story - nice - for a change...
I did start to read the Major's story this morning and it is a page turner - I may just stay with it although, the day is clear and warm and my garden is so needy and I still have papers and papers and papers that each year I come up with a new system to organize and it ends up all in a big plastic bin with the IRS wanting its due in less then a month - ohhhhhh
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My memory has lots of missing parts, these days. As I remember, the book takes place following WWII. So, take this with a grain of salt.
The Elderhostel name change is news to me! I haven't been to one, for several years. But, I went to several, with a widowed friend in the 1980s. They were most interesting, and enjoyable.
Sheila
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Barb, we've been overseas to programs in Antarctica, the Galapagos, and Scotland. All were fantastic! We've also been to one in New Brunswick, so that's a foreign country, but not exactly "overseas". :D All the rest have been in the US (including Alaska).
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OK how adventurous are you - Sheila you are definitely excused with so many bumps and bruises still healing that requires a cane to walk - oh dear - Has anyone ever prepared or even eaten Pakistani food? I have not that I know of - nor have I ever prepared a recipe from Pakistan - Looking for some on-line I found too many that were not written in English or the preparation or even the basic foods I could not manage -
If anyone wants to find and share an appetizers, appropriate to beginning, as in the beginning of our read, that would be great - we could have a mock table of appetizers to choose from - and maybe - yes, just maybe we could really try one of these recipes - if you do try one, please let us know what you think.
I found a Chicken Apple salad recipe that does not sound too difficult and sounds like flavors that I would enjoy tasting similar to our own - to start out that is where my comfort level allows me to go... :)
1 cup boiled chicken
a small cabbage
2 medium size apples
1 Spring onion
3 tblsp chilli garlic sauce [not sure what chilli garlic sauce is but I am assuming a red sauce with garlic]
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
Mix veggies and then mix and add sauce/mayo
Served on lettuce leaves with sliced tomatoes and black olives surrounding the center mound of Chicken Apple salad.
And then this one is simply called a Traditional Side Dish:
1 Tomato cubed
1 Red Onion thinly sliced
1 fresh hot or mildly hot Pepper sliced
some Ginger - matchstick sliced
Fresh lemon
Salt to taste
Mix in a bowl - squeeze in lemon - add salt - cover bowl and refrigerate for at least a 1/2 hour
Serve with Roti and Chutney
Roti is an Asian bread made from stoneground wholemeal flour, traditionally known as atta flour - "'Atta' actually means "flour" in most East Indian dialects. Atta flour is not actually a 'type of flour'. Atta in a recipe, will use a mixture of whole-wheat and all-purpose flour (most often a two to one ratio). Exclusively whole-wheat flour could be used if it is very finely ground flour made from the grain and the endosperm (without the bran)."
Youtube - How to make Roti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg0p5TXi_Cc
I know we have an Indian restaurant in town so I may have lunch or dinner there next week and I bet I can find out where the atta flour is sold or better yet, talk them into selling me a few Roti - seems it is typical of the cuisine of most of southwest Asia and northern Africa.
I am a sucker for a sweet while I am sitting and reading - need to find a recipe for a sweet snack - not yet a dessert but just a snack
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I went to a Pakistani restaurant once, but as I had suspected, it was like an Indian.. Nothing I really liked. I love oriental food but not these..
I have not been overseas on Elderhostel. But I am toying with it.. I finally decided on the Scotland tour to go with a recognized tour company..CIE.. I was looking for a program that provided almost all meals, since I will be by myself and dont want to wander off on my own in a strange area. The two Elderhostel Scottish tours had a bunch of free for dinner options, plus one was heavy in Edinburgh and I have been there and spent a week a few years ago.. I wanted a tour of the far north and the Isles..
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Steph, CLICK HERE (http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/programdetail.asp?rowid=1%2BJB%2B265) for Sea and Skye - Highlands and Islands. It's the one we did and it's FABULOUS! We'd love to go back to that area again.
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Sounds good Steph - have you taken yourself out to a nice restaurant where you live - once you get past that hurdle it may be easier on vacation - at first it can feel awkward and many hide behind a book but after a couple of times it is fine and you look around at everyone and enjoy the experience of tasting food in a nice environment. Then being able to act on your adventurous and curious spirit in travel does not take as much planning to feel comfortable on your own. I've decided t he only reason we find ourselves in a life situation is we are meant to learn something that we were not learning - good luck - you must still be in a lot of pain - my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Oh, I eat out by myself at home all the time.. I also go to Disney, the movies, art shows, etc. Doesnt bother me.. It is the fact that dinner is after dark many times and the idea of being alone somewhere where I dont really know where things are is not a happy thing for me.
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Just received word that Major Pettigrew's Last Stand is waiting for me at the library - Can't wait to look closely at that cover. Is it a man and a woman, or a coat stand? Very clever if that's what "last stand" was intended in the title. :D
I understand what you are saying about being alone after dark in a strange place., Steph. I'm that way too. Actually, I think we all ought to exercise such caution!
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STEPH, why don't you email me? I notice you do not post your email address. For about 15-20 years I took Elderhostel trips and then when my husband retired he went to. I'd be happy to tell of some interesting ones. It's difficult to write Road Scholar for the program, but a change was needed. Why do we older folk resent being older, being elders? I don't think our parents felt this way?
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Why do we older folk resent being older, being elders? I don't think our parents felt this way?
Our parents didn't feel that way. And I never thought of my family members as old. Old was alway "somebody else."
Actually, everyone over thirty was old.
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Oh we are reading the perfect book aren't we to further discuss the 'old' question - Steph, Joan, Ella and Pedln y'all bring up the issues of the day in this small exchange over travel - the need for safety especially at night and protecting ourselves from being typecast in a way that appears to give others control - after putting our life's blood into raising our children and then find it is the younger ones we must be on our toes to protect ourselves is a bit of an undoing isn't it.
I did finally finish my other book and settled in with Major Pettigrew's Last stand, staying up too late last night as I gobbled up 7 chapters - oh I do like the Major - and I like the undercurrent light humor that runs through this author's story telling. What a wonderful recommendation - thanks and a tip of the hat to those of you who read the book and recommended it.
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Please count me in for this discussion. I have read many great reviews about this book and am looking forward to reading it with all of you! I think it has been a year or two since I last participated in a discussion here. Time flies!
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Glad you are going to read this with us Laura - from what reading I did last night it promises to be a good discussion - the book has a lightness with the characters showing laughter and ironic humor however there are in the middle of so many issues of the day -
If anyone has themes they would like us to explore please post them - no need to go into your opinions why we should make them the topic of our discussion - a one or two words will do it - for instance - being a widow or widower - living alone - independence - why others take it upon themselves to have opinions about how older folks lead their life - on and on - lots of issues are built into this story - probably more than we have time to explore so lets get a heads up on the themes/issues that you would like to discuss so we can create question that will encourage the variety of opinions that will be represented by each of us.
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What a story - it has been too long since I can sit back and know the awfulness is going to be within bounds and the language is going to be safe and a certain comedy of manners is going to play out and yet, serious issues will tug at heartstrings - what a great writer we have in Helen Simonson.
pedln I only learned tonight that your daughter knows the author - left a post in the Odyssey discussion - what a thrill to know someone who it looks like she is on her way as a well known author - I truly hope she has another couple of books that she will be able to write - I do like her writing style.
There are so many topics to get y'alls feedback about that are incorporated in this story - we sure won't be stuck for topics
As I read I am trying to figure out logical breaks - the number of pages divided by 4 weeks suggest 87 or maybe it was 89 pages a week but I am also seeing that there seems to be a natural break or change of focus in the story that suggests the first week it would be good to stick to the first 6 chapters - Please if you have any druthers or input on how we read this book or what topics you would like to tackle then please post your thoughts...
Since April 1 is April "Fool's" day I am thinking to have the heading up for us along with our early questions by March 31 and if you would like to start discussing the book on Thursday the 31st that is just fine or, you can wait till Friday the 1st - it will be your individual call.
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I am not sure if being older has made me more aware or if being a widow has done it, but I do know I tend to be careful to pick my spots in many ways.
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STEPH, am sorry, I just replied to your email and I had the mistaken notion that you lived in Ohio. However, we have the same interests in the Road Scholar program.
BARB, I hope my book comes in time to begin the discussion with the rest of you.
Age happens. Your body gives you lots of hints that you are not spry anymore; people open doors for you with a smile. Yesterday for the first time someone (I can't remember what store I was in) asked me if I was okay - OH! I was going to let my hair go white, but I think I will dye it back to a light blonde again, anything, anything!!!
I am 82, who knew I would attain this great age, not me, I never gave it a thought!
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Ella, you are one of the the spryest women I know! Really hope you get the book for the discussion.
Road Scholar...not bad. Has Elderhostel officially changed its name?
Picked up my copy at the Library yesterday. Getting started today. Unlike many of you, I've yet to read it...but every time I mention the book, I hear warm praise.
Barbara, first six chapters sound just right. Thanks for the guidance.
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Yes, Barbara, my DIL knows Simonson through school -- their kids go to the same high school.
April Fool -- the connect just hit me (Barbara's note of April 1). The Book Cover is from the Life Magazine Cover, which is titled "April Fool."
Ella, you and Ann A both had met Phyllis Green, from Columbus, is that correct? Another wonderful book on aging (non-fiction) -- Designated Daughter by Green and her daughter D.G. Fulford. (That's what's kept me from The Odyssey, I couldn't put it down.) I highly recommend it. Pyllis Green died last month at the age of 91. But this past November she was still maintaining her BLOG -- while in hospice. No slouch, that lady.
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:D ;) We were guided by the gods to start this book conversation by April 1 - and then there are those who believe in coincidence...! ::) ;)
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Joan
Has Elderhostel officially changed its name?
Yes. It's now Road Scholar -- the old Elderhostel site says after 34 years, they launched the new name.
http://www.roadscholar.org/
As someone mentioned, MaryZ maybe ?? who has done some wonderful ones, they had another name briefly, but ran into a copyright problem with it and so now have this Road Scholar one.
The Library called and my name had come up on the WL for Pettigrew, so I have it and will start it probably tonight amongst the thunderstorms. I love reading during storms.
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The first change was in Sept/Oct 2009 (we were on an Elderhostel at the time), and it was first changed to Exploritas (dumb-sounding, IMO). As jane said, turns out somebody else was using the name (although why they didn't find that out before hand is beyond me). This took a couple of months. And then they changed to Road Scholar. Oh, well....
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Road Scholar is supposed to appeal to a wider audience.. I note that they are also actively working on line to build a community. Have not participated.. Life is a bit too busy just now for another daily world and I love this one and Facebook.
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Well, I think "Road Scholar" is just right (better than "Exploritas" which it might have been had another group not taken the name!)
Here's a question for those reading Major P on a Kindle. I know you don't have page numbers. Are there chapter numbers indicated? When Barbara suggests we read and discuss Chapters 1-6 the first week, will you know what that covers. Here's hoping Chapter numbers are indicated...
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Do we need to copy out the last paragraph of the 6th chapter in a post so you know where we are stopping the conversation during the first week?
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The last sentence should be enough, but the Kindle3's will show page numbers now.
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For insurance then the plan is to type out the last bit - probably a sentence - haven't looked to see what the last bit is but we will make sure it is made easy to know where to stop for this discussion. - Thanks pedln - that is a help...
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My Kindle on my IPAD shows Chapters.. but only pages once in a while.. NO, I have no idea why it only does it part time.
The story is enchanting so far..
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Joan is working on the last details but it looks like we have the author Helen Simonson joining us for a one time visit during the discussion - the offer is firm it is working out the dates that is where we are now...
So get your books primed and ready so that you have a question for the author - we are trying to work it out so that her visit is after the first week and we will have read and discussed more then the opening few chapters. What a coup to have a first time published author join us for a question and anwer time as we discuss this her first book - I love it...!
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How wonderful. I am enjoying the book very much. Not heavy,, just right for us.
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x Marking my spot and looking forward to the discussion and cyber-meeting Helen Simonson.
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I've been reading back through the posts - "getting acquainted", so to speak. :)
I have been to four Elderhostels (San Antonio, Seabrook Island SC, Bellingham WA and Phoenix) and took each of my three grandchildren to an Intergenerational Elderhostel the summer after their ninth birthdays. Those were in St. Louis, the TX Hill Country north of San Antonio and Callaway Gardens GA.
I thoroughly enjoyed each one of these but am no longer able to make that kind of trip.
;D a bit at the discussion about the book cover. I read the hardback and almost immediately noticed the clever way the coats and hats were arranged on the cover.
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I t will be such fun to listen to the author and see what she had to say about various parts of the book.
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I am excited to hear that Helen Simonson will be joining us.
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I have a question, which I hope our author will answer. How long must we wait for her next book? I am a "forever fan" of hers, until my life runs out!
Sheila
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Good question, Sheila...
I think it adds another dimension when an author comes into the discussion - am really looking forward to your thoughts on the book, as well as hers!
Callie, I am looking forward to learning who chose that book cover of the coat stand...do you think it was the author's or the publisher?
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JoanP, we're thinking along the same lines. I've just now been reading the comments about the cover, and wondering how it was found and chosen. Did it come first, or did the title come first?
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I wonder if illustrators submitted ideas and this one was chosen?
This might be a question for Helen Simonson when she joins us.
Edit: Look what I just found!!!!! Scroll down to the first question by the interviewer and Helen Simonson's answer.
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-11-26/helen-simonson-major-pettigrews-last-stand-rebroadcast/transcript
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The Book Club Online is the oldest book club on the Internet, begun in 1996, open to everyone. We offer cordial discussions of one book a month, 24/7 and enjoy the company of readers from all over the world. Everyone is welcome to join in.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Proposed for April Book Club Online
Please post below if you can join us.
| (http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/majorpettigrew/majorbookcover.jpg) | "When Major Pettigrew, a retired British army major in a small English village, embarks on an unexpected friendship with the widowed Mrs. Ali, who runs the local shop, trouble erupts to disturb the bucolic serenity of the village and of the Major’s carefully regimented life.
"As the Major and Mrs. Ali discover just how much they have in common, including an educated background and a shared love of books, they must struggle to understand what it means to belong and how far the obligations of family and tradition can be set aside for personal freedom. Meanwhile, the village itself, lost in its petty prejudices and traditions, may not see its own destruction coming." New York Times (best seller)
"...a wry and witty love story set in a little English village where small town prejudices, and race and religious intolerances are alive and well. With gentle insight, the author captures the thrill of falling in love after 60 and the disruption romance can introduce into a well-settled life." |
Discussion Schedule:
April 1-7 ~ Chapters 1-6]
(E-readers ~ Last lines in Chapter 6:
..."his sandwich seemed as appetizing now as two rubber mats filled with horsehair. He pushed the plate away and signaled Tom to bring another lager.")
Discussion Leaders: Barbara (jonkie@verizon.net) & JoanP (jonkie@verizon.net)
Steph's comment:
I had read somewhere else that the author ( unless it is a very powerful one) has little say on the covers and I know several authors who have been outspoken that they hated it.. Publishers have all of the power on that sort of thing. Explains why most sci fi hascovers that have little to do with the book..
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I love Diane Rehm's interviews...and how refreshing to learn that the publisher...Random House gave Helen S. take a say in the selection of the cover. I've heard of so many authors who dislike the cover that was selected for their work.
The credit for the cover goes to Caroline Cunningham. Will have to go back to see if she is the artist who did the magazine cover back in 1924 She must have been, don't you think?
Edit: Well no, I'm wrong. Just found this -
Cover : "Pair of coats and hats on a coat rack that look like a couple kissing “April Fool”, artist signature is very clear, but I can’t find any other confirmation. It is Crenard, C. Renard, or Grenard, and may have a J before it."
I wonder whether H. Simonson is aware that this is the "April Fool" bookcover, coinciding with the opening of our discussion of her book. Funny, isn't it? Do you think that Caroline Cunningham received credit for the cover because she found the Life cover?
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JoanP, I think the name is Grenard, with the G. I was doing some looking for more info because I just love that cover, and the name Grenard is the one that rings bells for me. With a J?
Callie, thanks for alerting us to that interview. Absolutely fascinating.
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I thought I was going to run out of room in the "Google" box when I went searching for:
"Helen Simonson Major Pettigrew's Last Stand jacket cover picture illustrator" :)
I have reserved the book (for the 2nd time) and am next on the list. Yay!
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Caroline Cunningham was responsible for the design of the whole book, how the book is put together: what fonts are used, how wide the margins will be, what artwork will be used, what goes where in the book, what kind of binding to use, etc. Wikipedia has a good overview of what goes into book design. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_design
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I gather that book design is a specialty that most people really dont understand. It is like at the end of the book when they tell you all about the type.
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Steph, it is pretty much a "behind the scenes" kind of thing. Most people don't think about why a type style is used or who chooses the artwork/photos to include in a book. In fact, I don't generally notice that the person responsible is credited. More often, I see a credit for the cover design, not the whole book. Anyway, for the most part, the format regarding what goes in what order in a book has been pretty much standardized. I have noticed that publishers are putting acknowledgments near the end of the book instead of with the front matter. These books don't have a forward or intro by the author, translator or editor. It's just something I've noticed lately, but it could be that I am just paying more attention now-a-days.
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I picked up my copy of the book from the Library today and I see you have a schedule posted.
I've barely begun reading, but it seems that "older" people are all the rage for authors lately. Isn't that nice!
Ginny suggested somewhere the book OLD FILTH by Jane Gardam and it, too, is about an older couple. I loved the book.
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Reading both this and the Paul Scott at the same time makes for confusion..Two older couples.. very very different however.
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Frybabe that whole bit about the actual design of the book was fascinating - you can see from the diagram the more successful way to design a web page and it also makes looking at a piece of art a new experience. thanks for all of that -
Yes, older folks as protagonists seems to be in - maybe we will begin to have a different acceptance and understanding than as you say Ella - wanting to rush home and dye your hair. What a comfort to read about folks who are experiencing some of the same trials and tribulations that occur in life today and in our own life.
Steph it must be a challenge to keep all the characters separate in the two books you are reading but how much fun to imagine a story where they all get together for a coffee or a day on the beach. Have you ever had a dream where that happens - where characters from two separate books meet up with each other in your dream?
It happened to me one time - the characters from a mystery were TV characters - Rosemary & Thyme - that met up with the Vicar's wife and Agatha from the Agatha Raisin mystery series.
Callie did your number come up yet at the library - have you had a chance to hold the book in your hands yet? I finally finished it over the weekend and it kept me till the very end - what a story and what a great writer. Some of her sentences are jewels.
Well my best friend turned 92 yesterday - we have been celebrating all weekend starting with a big sit down dinner for 14 on Saturday night - wheee - but again, it was interesting overhearing how the restaurant staff characterized Charlotte and being all gaga over her age without seeing past that to the vital women she is. Ah so... I keep wondering is this all because during the 50s and 60s the thing was to have separate living rooms so the kids could have their friends and have their fun separate from the adults??!!??
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Barb, don't have the book, yet - but I had read it back when it was first mentioned here. I'm looking forward to rereading it along with the discussion.
I have mixed feelings about the current enthusiasm for "older" protagonists. I enjoy reading about them - but would like to see more about interesting older people who are leading a less physically active life. Too often, that sort of person is written as the "pitiful" one.
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Interesting - yes, you are correct - never noticed that before - seldom are they show as overcoming their handicap and it is about their accepting it as well as how they utilize the support system or create a support system.
Well no physically handicapped in this story but then I did not see them particularly physical either - just normal folks.
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Thats interesting.. I cant think of a single book where the older characters are not active, etc. Yesterday we were putting away things at the library kitchen that we had all given for the pantry shower.. I was the oldest helping and the only one who could sit down on the floor to clear out the bottom shelves.. Exercise does help..
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Oh yes, Steph doesn't it give you such a boost when you learn you can do things that many struggle with - yesterday I received such a boost - had been to the Doctor's for tests which included a sonogram of my arteries and the measurement of muscle capacity.- I was ecstatic to learn my arteries are of a person 15 years younger than I am and my muscle capacity is of a person 5 years younger than I am - wheee. this was especially good news since my sister only had triple bypass and is now facing more surgery - so that I thought I was next. Now I need to follow your lead and get back to an exercise program - although for me just walking more often makes me feel better in more ways than physical.
Joan has really pulled this discussion heading together - she will have it almost complete today and it should be available late tomorrow afternoon - need to run - be back later...
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I am looking forward to starting this one.. Biggest problem will be that I will forget where to stop when discussing.. I am somewhere in Chapter 12 currently and I know the first week is maybe the first 6??
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I bought a copy of the book today - I wasn't going to but it sounds just what I need at the moment. It might take me a day or two to come up to speed.
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Good morning, Gum... It is good to hear that you will join us in discussing this one. Your viewpoint is always helpful. This new author is deserving of our attention, I think. (Promise to do Kristan L. in the near future.) Am looking forward to what you think of Helen Simonson's writing after the first six chapters.
Steph - No one is going to jump on you if you go ahead...(maybe a wet noodle slap :D) - we know you'll try not to give too much away. Do you find the schedule in the heading helpful? Tried to put the last sentences in Chapter 6 for the Kindle e-readers without chapter numbers, but do you think more is necessary?
Later today we'll be opening the new discussion with some topics to consider - they are all pretty safe, I believe.
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So glad to see your post Gum - you'll be right in step with the discussion schedule so no panic.
Steph the story is addictive isn't it - the expression most use is a page turner but this story is to full of life to be just what happens next - it is like a movie in your head - there is something about the story that reminded me of the TV series Mayberry - very different situations and characters in a different part of the world maybe it was the gentle nature of the story that the two share.
Calliei If your book has not arrived I notice Amazon includes the first chapter and a couple of pages in the second chapter when you hit the link under the book cover for more information - forgot exactly what it is called but it brings up a second PDF like page and shows the cover, the copywrite page and then it says the first page which goes on and on to include the entire first chapter Amazon - Major Pettigrews Last Stand (http://www.amazon.com/Major-Pettigrews-Last-Stand-Readers/dp/0812981227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301590495&sr=8-1)
Joan thanks for remembering to include the last line of chapter 6 in the heading...till later this afternoon...
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Barb, it's in at the library. I just have to find time to go pick it up - probably in the morning.
Thanks.
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Have you noticed? We've just opened the Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. This prediscussion will no longer be open for posts.
We're waiting to hear from you in the the new book discussion. (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2183.0) of Helen Simonson's first book. Come on over!