back blurb: Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired) of Edgecombe St. Mary is wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing. He values proper Englishman things - honor, duty, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea. But his brother's death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, a widow Pakistani shopkeeper. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition?
p. 120 "Whenever I order it now, it never seems to taste quite as I remember," said the Major
"Ah, the foods of childhood," said Mrs. Ali breaking into a smile. "I believe the impossibility of recreating such dishes may be due more to an unfortunate stubbornness of memory than any inherent failure of preparation."
Every page is delightful to read, and I wanted to sit with the Major and Mrs. Ali, drink tea, and discuss literature. Or take a walk in the English countryside, dawdle looking out to the sea. And I rooted for them as they encountered problems, family issues, and the rudeness of villager friends. I highly recommend Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.
