Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
by Helen Simonson
Random House, $25.00

This is a first novel by Helen Simonson that captivates the reader, providing laugh-out-loud humor throughout.  Instead of a story about a stodgy old gent (Pettigrew), the novel is a tapestry of modern village life filled with a rich cast of characters, including the Pakistani shopkeeper Mrs. Ali.  Through plot and character dialogue, Simonson gives a wry look at modern life in Great Britain and the world with all the changes involved.