“The test of any good fiction is that you should care something for the characters; the good to succeed, the bad to fail.” ~ Mark Twain
For today’s Sunday Salon I want to introduce you to a character who I think you will enjoy meeting. I’ve just started a new book which I’m finding so delightful all because of the main character, Miss Pettigrew.
We first meet Miss Pettigrew on a cold November day as she’s on her way to a job interview. Jobs are scarce and frankly Miss Pettigrew’s courage is growing thin at the prospect of finding a new job as a governess. Here is the first description of Miss Pettigrew that the author gives us:
“a middle-aged, rather angular lady, of medium height, thin through lack of good food, with a timid, defeated expression and terror quite discernible in her eyes, if any one cared to look. But there was no personal friend or relation in the whole world who knew or cared whether Miss Pettigrew was alive or dead.”
Don’t you just want to rush up to her and give her a hug? Or offer her a cup of tea and a smile?
Her circumstances clear, it is imperative that Miss Pettigrew get this job but when she arrives at Miss LaFosse’s flat she will be in for the time of her life. Miss LaFosse is quite unconventional and without even properly hiring Miss Pettigrew she begins to rely on her to help her get out of some sticky situations. And, it is thusly that Miss Pettigrew begins to live a life like one she’s not known before.
Through rich descriptions we are privy to Miss Pettigrew’s thoughts. Her shock at Miss LaFosse’s situation, the uncertainty of her job standing, and dare we even hope, happiness at having at least spent some moments being someone that mattered? Here’s one example of how the world is transforming for Miss Pettigrew:
“Dazed, Miss Pettigrew went into the bathroom. Dazed, she turned on the water. Dazed, she laid out soap and towels. She hadn’t heard aright. Her ears were playing her tricks. Even if she had heard aright she was putting the wrong construction on it. She stood gazing at the water pouring in. She was quite drunk now. She was drunk with excitement and expectancy and joy. She was drunk with an exhilaration she had never known in her life before.”
You know what’s best? All of this has happened and I’m not even at the halfway point of the novel. I don’t care, I already know that this is one character who has left quite an impression on me.
I hope this Sunday finds you reading a book with some great characters. I plan to spend at least a bit of time with Miss Pettigrew.
Good Morning, Iliana! Seems we’re both enjoying new characters this morning – I introduced someone new to me on my Salon post today too 🙂
Your Miss Pettigrew sounds very appealing. I love the notion of being “drunk with excitement and expectancy and joy”!
Ravenous Reader – Great minds think alike right 🙂 I really liked who you chose for your great character. He is a good one!
This book sounds like a lot of fun!
I’ve seen the movie trailer several times now and it looks like it will be so much fun to watch. I am glad the book is proving to be great fun as well. I will be eager to see what you think when you are all done.
Dorothy W. – It is such a cute story so far!
Literary Feline – I haven’t seen the trailer. I want to finish the book before even seeing it but already I can’t quite see how they can capture one of the best parts of the book – Miss Pettigrew’s inner dialogue. We’ll see…
I’m so glad you’ve met Miss Pettigrew. She has to be one of the most endearing characters to resurface via the pages of a Persephone Press novel. A lot of what they publish should never have been allowed to go out of print in the first place, but of none of their list is that as true as it is of this novel. I hope you enjoy the rest of it.
I really enjoyed your Sunday Salon and what a great addition to your blog. I had just watched to trailer for the film version of this book and thought what a fun story! Of course, I doubt the movie will be nearly as good as the book but I have to say it certainly perked my interest.
Look forward to hearing your final conclusion!
I’m reading Miss Pettigrew at the moment right now, too! I’m going very slowly (I hate to take the book around in my bookbag–it’s too lovely to get all beat up–how silly is that), I’m only about three or four chapters in. It is a delightful book to read though and Miss P. is a wonderful character!
Miss Pettigrew sounds delightful! It’s such fun to come across a character that is so charming and likable and one you think you would actually like to meet and have tea with.
This sounds adorable! I’ve given you the “You Make My Day” award thing that’s going the rounds. 🙂
Ann Darnton – I’ve read a few Persephone Press books and have been so pleasantly surprised by them. I agree, they are books that should have never been “lost” in the first place. My dream library would definitely include every one of those books!
Christine – I didn’t get to blog hop as much but the posts that everyone has for the Sunday Salon are always so fun. You should check it out!
Danielle – Yay we are in sync. I totally know what you mean about wanting to keep those books nice too. I have been taking my time with this book because I don’t want it to end!
Stefanie – At my next fake literary party Miss Pettigrew is invited 🙂
Eva – Aww, thank you! How sweet.
I have yet to read any Persephone books, this one sounds like a delight!