Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand Featured at Adult Book Discussion

The novel “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand,” by Helen Simonson, will be featured at the adult book discussion on Tuesday, September 17, at 7:00 PM at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, 201 N. Mulberry Street, Mount Vernon.

In the small village of Edgecombe St. Mary in the English countryside lives Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired), the unlikely hero of Simonson’s wondrous debut. Wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing, the Major leads a quiet life valuing the proper things that Englishmen have lived by for generations: honor, duty, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea.

But then his brother’s death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina  Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. But village society insists on embracing him as the quintessential local and regarding her as the permanent foreigner. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition?

Discussion leaders will be Sharon Holdren and Linette Porter-Metler. The program is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served. Copies of the book are available upon request at all 4 library locations.

For more information call the main library at 740-392-2665, visit www.knox.net or email communityrelations@knox.net.