I loved the book. I thought it was well-written and a good story about life as an older person, family dynamics, racism, etc. I agree with previous posters that those who like Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society would also enjoy this book.

I enjoyed the book. It was a bit too slow for me but I thought the characters were unique and quite charming. A lot of people have compared it to "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society", which I absolutely loved, but I don't see similarity. They are both unique books with very interesting characters but very different in my opinion. Would definitely read another book by this author so will be watching for the next one.

I bought this book at a library sale and it sat on my shelf for over a year before I read it. I thought it wouldn't be quite my cup of tea. I was completely surprised. I loved (not liked, loved) this book. I am a character driven reader. No matter how wonderful the plot I have a hard time if the characters are not well developed. The characters in this book were wonderful. Even the minor characters were well developed and gave you a real feel for this little town. I particularly enjoyed the development of the Major's relationship with his son throughout the book. I would recommend this book for readers who really like to connect with the characters.

This is a charming novel with characters that are definitely familiar, certainly the Major has been seen in novels and films in the past. What makes it fresh and contemporary are the racial issues which seem to have replaced class issues in the Major's village. I felt that in the ending the author worked too hard to wrap up all the loose ends and got a bit unrealistic in doing so. Perhaps a better ending would have been after the Major and Mrs. Ali have their first extended time together and walk off hand in hand before the sword and gun nonsense.

I read this book some time ago, and enjoyed it very much. I thought Major Pettigrew was a brave old soldier in his relationship with Mrs. Ali and his community. Being well over 60 myself, it's comforting to read of "older" folks having romance in their lives and being open to changing their ways. While I now live in a metropolitan area, I lived in a very small community as a young child and a medium sized one from age 10 until adulthood, so I understood at least somewhat the dynamics of the village that was home to Major Pettigrew. The writing was crisp, even though the action was sometimes a bit slow. However, the subject called for deliberation and for letting the change of hearts of some of the folks to develop. All in all a most satisfacory read, IMO.

I had mixed reactions to this book. For me, it was like watching "Driving Miss Daisy;" it was a sweet, well-written story but not one that I'd see again. While I didn't find myself rushing to pick up the book, as it was definitely slow for my tastes, I was always drawn in when I started reading. The chemistry between the Major and Mrs. Ali was quite palpable but away from scenes with her, the Major came across as a bit more 2-dimensional to me. Overall, an enjoyable read but it's more the overall feel of the book I'll remember, as opposed to any particular part of it standing out.

I am only 1/3 of the way through the book, but I'm enjoying. Like others have commented, I read a lot of mysteries or thrillers, so it's taking me a while to adjust to the style of this book. It reminds me of a Jane Austen book, so much so, that I'm having a difficult time remembering that it takes place in a contemporary time. I read a bad review of it on Amazon, where the reviewer said he/she found no humor in it. While it is subtle, I find it quite humorous. I'm thinking that it would make a great movie.

As I read the book, I thought it was sweet little story but did not feel it worth a recommendation for my book buddies. However, I find that I think about parts of it from time to time in more depth and meaning.

I absolutely loved it. Really enjoyed the characters. So many topics in this book - culture, bigotry, romance. One of those rare books -- I simply didn't want it to end. My mother and six members of my book club have borrowed my copy. This is a book which I would reread.

I liked the book and think that there is a lot to discuss in it. It did start out a little slow but I don't think the Major would have wanted it any faster. He has his proprieties and procedures, and they have worked for him for 60 yrs. He was a fun character to learn about, and Mrs Ali certainly made him think outside the box. His son Roger was a real creep and it was difficult to read about the Major's acceptance of him in spite of his total
self-absorption and opportunism. The ending was a bit of a surprise after I thought I was able to read the Major but I'm sure the characters will have a happy ever after.

A marvelous story full of old world charm, well tended gardens, aromatic teas, exquisite manners and a bit of the stiff upper lip so well portrayed here. The important thread woven through this novel is that of love. Love in the autumn years, between two people who are of different cultures. Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali, both having lost their spouses, by all accounts, to a rather early death.

Their appreciation of classic literature, readings of Kipling while drinking tea from Meissen china. Walks in the garden and their support of each other in turbulent moments caused by the younger generation of their respective families. Then, of course, there are the Churchill guns. A Pettigrew heirloom of two generations, respected by Major Pettigrew as a family tradition but, seen by his son, as cash. There is also an out of wedlock child in Mrs. Ali's family. A very illustrious fruit salad of modern day ways of life laced with Major Pettigrew's high humor and civility. It is a very charming book, not easily put down. Brings to memory the values of another time, another, era. Makes me want to transport myself to Major Pettigrew's garden and enjoy his hospitality.

This was an absolutely delightful and charming book. I enjoyed the slow development of the book -- along with the slow courtship between the Major and Mrs. Ali. I loved the shyness of the Major and how their relationship blossomed. How he knew when not to let a good thing get away from him. Extra spice was added to the story with Sandy and Roger; Abdul Wahid, Amina, and George. I have already recommended this book to an Iraqi friend in Baghdad. She enjoyed books that encompass a "world view". After describing this book, she says it sounds realistic and is eager to read it if she can find a copy of it there. My book group at my Temple is also reading it this month.

Enjoyed this bool immensely. As I was reading it I kept thinking what a wonderful PBS comedy it would make, with the Major and Mrs. Ali as well as the other great characters in this novel. The village itself is somewhere I could see myself visiting. The depths of the characters and the way that the different layers of their characters are revealed is what kept me reading.

This is a book that I fell in love with, and I did not expect to! The characters are so well written that I felt as if I knew them personally. I agree with many of the posts, the story is warm and compelling. I loved the romance, especially a seond chance at romance..

I resisted this book at first because everyone seemed to love it. That to me usually means a book that won't appeal to me. When I finally read it, I loved it too! The characters were interesting with believable challenges and the writing was exquisite. The main villian seemed to be "what others think" or society, usually to be resisted in real life. A most enjoyable read, with very little angst.

Because I love all things British, I looked forward to reading this book. I loved it and my book group is going to discuss it this month. It is a great story and I could just "see" the characters.

I very much enjoyed Major Pettigrew and his last stand. He was kind, brave and showed that he could be a "proper Englishman," while also being open to new ideas. He showed he was not as closed minded as his neighbors might have thought, and have been themselves. His relationship with Mrs. Ali was as it should have been for their ages and situtations; no hanky panky, just growing respect and caring for each other. All in all a most satisfactory book, IMO.

I enjoyed the book very much. I love things English and found the Major someone I would like to meet. My book club read and discussed this book several months ago and also enjoyed.

I really enjoyed this book, perhaps because I am of an age and of a certain mindset that I understood all the dynamics, yet knew everything could work out. Loved Maj. Pettigrew and and Mrs. Ali. I have found out the life always brings you to a point where YOU are a stranger in a strange land. Looking, listening and smiling all help...but perhaps patience makes it work. I thought WOW I could be Mrs. Ali. How fun to now read a book that's about people my age. Hurray!!!!

I loved this book. I thought the words the author put in his mouth were delightful. Loved the issues with the younger generation and thought the class issues were accurately portrayed. This was the book I recommended to everyone the year it came out when they just wanted to read a book for pure enjoyment.

Just delightful! I am probably one of the few people who didn't enjoy the "Guernsey" book. So although what I had read about the book intrigued me, I kept sticking it in the bottom of my reading pile. Finally, a friend who has the same reading tastes as I do recommended I bring it up out of the pile. I was so glad she did. A very different read from my normal tastes but the writing was fun and the characters memorable.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Several readers have compared it to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Another book this reminded me of was Birds of East Africa by Drayson (Nicolas I think). It too is a story of a widower and his attraction to a woman of a different ethnicity. It is a little more humorous, however, involving a rival and a contest. There is also a club dance that is the climax. Anyone who enjoyed Major Pettigrew would enjoy Birds...

It took me a while to warm up to Major P. He was too prim and proper for me. but as the book went along I warmed up to him and to Mrs. Ali. He evolved and realized, (on some level, a little too late) some of his faults, especially as it related to his son. Overall, I enjoyed the book. Although it is far from my favorite,I did like it. I read it for my neighborhood book club. If it were not for that fact I might not have finished it, but I'm happy i did. I'm looking forward to my book club in a few weeks.

I loved the book. I recently reviewed it for my book club and we had a great discussion. We were very impressed by the ability of the author to paint word pictures. I had chosen several passages that were particularly descriptive and had one of the members read them aloud. We were all in stitches by the time she finished her very dramatic reading of fight scene at the big party. We could all picture in our minds those pompous old goats swinging fists at each other.

This was a joy to read and it had some relavance to it. Beautiful writing and a well thought out story line.