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Evie's Reviews > Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
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"She prayed desperately for a knock on the door. A knock on Miss LaFosse's door heralded adventure. It was not like an ordinary house, when the knocker would be the butcher, or baker or candlestick-maker. A knock on Miss LaFosse's door would mean excitement, drama, a new crisis to be dealt with."—Miss Pettigrew
Dear, Miss Pettigrew! A woman after my own heart! Practically on the steps of the workhouse, Miss Pettigrew can't imagine that her last ditch effort to secure a post as a governess will lead to a twenty-four hour day of glamour, excitement and the way the other half (or sinners, as her vicar would say) live. I remember not being a fan of the film when I saw it years ago, but was determined to give the book a try regardless. So glad I did! Maybe I wasn't ready for Miss Pettigrew's charms, or the thrills of London circa 1938. I've been chastened. There is so much to learn! For example:
"Our Vicar once said that to swear in your mind was just as bad and even more cowardly than to swear out loud. He did neither."
What about makeup?
"All these years and she had never had the wicked thrill of powdering her nose...And all because she lacked courage. All because she had never thought for herself. Powder, thundered her father the curate, the road to damnation. Lipstick, whispered her mother, the first step on the downward path. Rouge, fulminated her father, the harlot's enticement. Eyebrow pencil, breathed her mother, no lady...!"
Silky drawers?
"'But the young girls!' Miss Pettigrew shook her head. 'Silk it is and silk it has to be. No warmth at all. I don't know how they don't all die of pneumonia. You cannot make them understand that they look better for wool. A warm body means a glowing face. A cold body means a pinched look and a red nose.'"
I'm sure that I'll be coming round to this one quite frequently, just like The Diary of a Provincial Lady. Highly recommend!
by
"She prayed desperately for a knock on the door. A knock on Miss LaFosse's door heralded adventure. It was not like an ordinary house, when the knocker would be the butcher, or baker or candlestick-maker. A knock on Miss LaFosse's door would mean excitement, drama, a new crisis to be dealt with."—Miss Pettigrew
Dear, Miss Pettigrew! A woman after my own heart! Practically on the steps of the workhouse, Miss Pettigrew can't imagine that her last ditch effort to secure a post as a governess will lead to a twenty-four hour day of glamour, excitement and the way the other half (or sinners, as her vicar would say) live. I remember not being a fan of the film when I saw it years ago, but was determined to give the book a try regardless. So glad I did! Maybe I wasn't ready for Miss Pettigrew's charms, or the thrills of London circa 1938. I've been chastened. There is so much to learn! For example:
"Our Vicar once said that to swear in your mind was just as bad and even more cowardly than to swear out loud. He did neither."
What about makeup?
"All these years and she had never had the wicked thrill of powdering her nose...And all because she lacked courage. All because she had never thought for herself. Powder, thundered her father the curate, the road to damnation. Lipstick, whispered her mother, the first step on the downward path. Rouge, fulminated her father, the harlot's enticement. Eyebrow pencil, breathed her mother, no lady...!"
Silky drawers?
"'But the young girls!' Miss Pettigrew shook her head. 'Silk it is and silk it has to be. No warmth at all. I don't know how they don't all die of pneumonia. You cannot make them understand that they look better for wool. A warm body means a glowing face. A cold body means a pinched look and a red nose.'"
I'm sure that I'll be coming round to this one quite frequently, just like The Diary of a Provincial Lady. Highly recommend!
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Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.
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Reading Progress
March 7, 2018
–
Started Reading
March 7, 2018
– Shelved
March 24, 2018
–
Finished Reading
January 2, 2019
– Shelved as:
classics
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cameron
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rated it 3 stars
Mar 19, 2018 12:51PM
I actually liked the movie better than the book. Delightful fluffery.
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cameron wrote: "I actually liked the movie better than the book. Delightful fluffery."I wasn't a fan of the movie, but it's been years since I watched it. Thinking of rewatching it this coming weekend! Fluffery, indeed lol!
Homeschoolmama wrote: "Great review Eve 😊"Thank you, Mama! ♥️
I might have to read this. The movie with Francis McDormand as Miss Pettigrew was great. Got to love Francis.
Toni wrote: "I might have to read this. The movie with Francis McDormand as Miss Pettigrew was great. Got to love Francis."It was, and such a different spin on it, too! Great cast. I’ve a feeling you’ll love the book.
My son bought me this years ago for a present, the first book he ever dared give me (hard to give someone with a bookshop a book!) I was so proud of him choosing just the right one.
Petra X wrote: "My son bought me this years ago for a present, the first book he ever dared give me (hard to give someone with a bookshop a book!) I was so proud of him choosing just the right one."Awww! I’d say he has excellent taste!
