Major Ernest Pettigrew is retired and lives a quiet life in a small village in the English countryside. He values all things British - tea time, great literature, and, above all, proper decorum. His son, Roger, flies into town from London every once in a while – just long enough to upset the quiet life-style the Major has come to enjoy but not long enough to form a bond with his father.
One day, at a village shop, he strikes up a conversation with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shop owner, who was recently widowed. They discover a mutual love of literature and agree to meet for tea and a discussion of Kipling. Their friendship blossoms.
When circumstances force Mrs. Ali to move away, the Major realizes how deep his feelings for her really are and he sets off to “rescue” her.
Helen Simonson’s debut novel reads like a BBC comedy/drama; I found it thoroughly delightful.
Tags: country life, England, Fiction, interracial friendships, Pakistanis, retirees