Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day in Around the World in 80 Books

Feb 28, 2018 Judy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

After reading and enjoying many Persephone books, I was expecting a lot from their number one bestseller. However, I found myself a bit disappointed, and would have to say for me this is one of their weakest titles out of those I've read.

At the start, a poor, timid, middle-aged governess is sent by an agency to a prospective new job. After she knocks on a stranger's door in London, a series of comic misunderstandings see her being welcomed in by a kindhearted nightclub singer, Miss LaFosse. Wit ...more

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Mar 23, 2014 Sam rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, read-2014, persephone

Giving this book a low rating kind of feels like kicking a cute puppy. It’s so good-natured with likable characters and zany adventures that I couldn’t hate it when I was reading it exactly. But really, this story is about as deep as one that elementary school kids read in terms of characterization and emotional depth. This book is published by another imprint whose catalog I want to explore more of this year: Persephone Books, which republishes “neglected fiction and non-fiction by mid-twentiet ...more

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Mar 01, 2009 SarahC rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austen-like

This book was pleasingly what I had hoped it would be. It has a style all its own, at least when compared with current-day novels. I found it life-affirming even though it is a lighter kind of book. I instantly found myself cheering on Miss Pettigrew as she made her discoveries. This is an enjoyable good read for a quiet afternoon or after a long, tedious workday. A hot cup of tea on the side wouldn't be out of place either. ...more

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Jun 21, 2011 mstan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: british, src-summer-2011

One extra star for the lovely drawings and smell of the book (I don't know how a library book can smell so good but it seems to fit with the whole Cinderella-ish theme of the book!). Miss Pettigrew is also too cute, even if she can be a bit racist... ...more

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Jul 31, 2021 Jody rated it liked it

If you love books with wit (the writing can be really, really funny), romance, happy endings, and a good bit of characterization, then Miss Pettigrew Lives for A Day should be at the top of your list.

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