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.