Tuesday, February 24, 2009

REVIEW: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, by Winifred Watson


Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, by Winifred Watson. Originally published 1938. This edition 2008 by Persephone Books. Literary Fiction.

I picked up Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day after seeing the movie of the same name, which came out last year. The movie was delightful- sunshine on the screen. The book is sunshine on the page.

Miss Pettigrew is the story of a poor single woman, Guenivere Pettigrew, in 1930s England who is having trouble finding work. She ends up, quite by accident, in the employ of one Delysia LaFosse, a gorgeous, bubbly young actress who needs someone to keep her head on straight and her boyfriends at bay. As we watch her bumble her way through a thicket of romantic entanglements, we wonder, which man will Delysia end up with? Will Miss Pettigrew be cast out on to the streets? What will become of either woman?

First of all, if you've seen the movie and you want to read the book, be aware that there are some differences between the two. The filmmakers took license to create dramatic situations in the movie that don't exist in the book, and certain characters that barely merit a mention in the book are major players in the movie. The book also has some drug references absent from the film. But you'll recognize it nonetheless- the premise is the same, and Miss Pettigrew and Delysia, Delysia's dilemma, and the romantic entanglements, and the story's slapstick humor and pacing, remain the same.

The story is told hour by hour from Miss Pettigrew's point of view, and recited in a delicious, delightful period voice that captures the heady chaos of Delysia's and Miss Pettigrew's life. As the hours tick by, we see Miss Pettigrew change from a shy mouse who feels like an impostor and believes herself unworthy of love, to a more confident woman who just might be ready to change her life. Delysia learns that she deserves more too, and these transformations- and the sweet friendship between the two women- are what makes this Cinderella story so wonderful. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is a delight from start to finish. As I came to the end I actually teared up a little at Miss Pettigrew's happy ending. You will, too!

Rating: BUY

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive this book for review from the publisher.

12 comments:

avisannschild said...

I loved the movie, so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the book!

bermudaonion said...

Sunshine on the page! This one sounds fabulous.

Ana S. said...

I think you sold us all with the "sunshine on the page" description :)

caite said...

I agree...'sunshine on the page' has me looking for a copy of this one. we can all use some sunshine sometimes!

so which was better, the movie or the book?

Katherine said...

Oooh, I loved this book! "Sunshine on the page" is a great way to describe it.

Audrey said...

Oh, I LOVED this book and though I also enjoyed the movie very much I'm glad I read the book first.

LorMil said...

What a fantastic review! "Sunshine on the page", what more could you say to entice others.

Lorri

Tara said...

I love your description of sunshine on the page! I read the book and went to see the movie immediately afterwards - it was fun to see the similarities/differences when it was so fresh in my mind. The actresses in the film were certainly well cast!

Zibilee said...

I have seen the movie and loved it. I still am very interested in reading the book. I am glad that the book didn't stray too far from the movie and that you enjoyed both.

Anonymous said...

Great review, Marie! I've been dreading that the film might have tainted the reading experience. I've had the book for a while but have never got to read it.

Jo-Jo said...

This sounds like a delightful book! I did see the movie and I just loved it.

Anna said...

I don't believe I've ever heard of the book or the movie, but they sound interesting. Thanks for the review!

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric