Tuesday night: the back door is open, the smell of orange blossoms floats in from the tree on the patio. The second day of warm temperatures has brought people to the bookstore and the cafe. It is the first time in months that the heat lamps placed around the tables remain unlit. Eight copies of Helen Simonson’s Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand were delivered late today and stacked high on our display table. Three hours have passed. Two copies remain. The same wind which keeps carrying the aroma of the blossoms in for me, carries out this exquisite story, time and time again, in the hands of people who won’t long remain strangers.
When Major Pettigrew first arrived two weeks ago, he was shelved and promptly sold within minutes. With its memorable characters, pitch perfect narrative and prose so beautiful you will reread certain sentences over and over again, this book is destined for greatness. Having just recently finished it myself, I confess to having fallen hopelessly head-over-heels in love with the Major. It is the perfect Spring read. Just when you believe the rain and cold will go on forever, the first buds appear on trees and the garden brims with possibilities once again.
I don’t care where you buy the book (well, I actually do) just get your hands on it. You’ll see why.
Posted by BJ
The Other Day at Portrait... 