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My enjoyment rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Book Source: Public Library
Alas, I was out of town for our July book club meeting. My daughter was at her grandparents for an extended period, and I needed to pick her up. I was sorry to miss this discussion, because I was very eager to see what others thought – because this wasn’t an enjoyable read for me – unlike so many others.
This book was the perfect example of why I rate my books according to my “enjoyment” level. I am not a critic – I read for enjoyment, and my ratings reflect those feelings. As I read this book, I could see where it would be “critically” excellent. Ms. Simonson creates, what I would expect, the perfect English village: Quaint cottages, local shops, hunting on the weekends, lodges, gardens and LOTS of tea. Major Pettigrew reflects the textbook Englishman: impeccable manners, a dry wit, tweeds and guns. She weaves a story around family, prejudice, honor and love with great skill. Her attention to detail was flawless. Even the minutia of refreshing oneself, was not left unnoticed, “By the time Mrs. Ali came back, her hairline damp from where she has splashed her face with water…” Even with all of the necessary elements there to craft a successful novel (and considering ALL of the reviews I’ve read, it is successful) – I found it dreadfully boring.
If this hadn’t been a book club choice, I would have implemented the 50 page rule and abandoned it. All of the elements that I mentioned above just didn’t work for me. I read it at a snail’s pace – pages turned as if they were stuck in mud. I didn’t particularly care for any of the characters. Even the love interest between Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali didn’t elicit any chemistry for me. And the side characters were equally flat. I must say, the last 50 pages were the most successful, and salvaged the book a bit for me, but even then, the ending of the book was, well…odd.
So, once again I am in the vast minority of those who haven’t gushed about this book.
I was very disappointed. I was expecting to LOVE It.
Oh well…on to read another day.
Our August book selection is: Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
For more about Major Pettigrew from the author -- please check out the related video:
View all my reviews
This was our July book as well! Snap!
ReplyDeleteUnlike you though all of my book group loved it which was lucky
I'm so sorry this book didn't work for you. I haven't read this one yet but I definitely want to because I usually really like British books. I always feel like I'm missing something when everyone else loves a book and I'm left scratching my head.
ReplyDeleteI have a copy of this book on iTunes... I felt I had to read it since everyone was raving about it - I haven't read it yet. Something has kept me away and since you and I dislike the same books.... I will probably pass now.
ReplyDeleteTHanks for reading this for me! HA
Thanks. It's been sitting in my drawer for a year and I just have never actually wanted to pick it up. Now I don't feel like i have to :)
ReplyDeleteI'm all about reviewing for enjoyment as well. No critical analyses here! I've seen many good reviews of this one as well as ones like you saying it just wasn't that entertaining. Hmm for now I'm going to pass. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteruby95660[at]yahoo[dot]com