Reviews

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson

knitnread's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

alisarae's review

3.0

I had fun reading this surprising piece of chick lit... But as it was published in 1938, it comes with racism, anti-semitism, and domestic violence portrayed in a positive light. I have never read a book that so openly promoted those ways of thinking, so I haven't decided what to think about recommending this book.

westonculture's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book but didn't fully appreciate its wit and verve until I rewatched the movie (which is nothing like the book - to its detriment). It has its flaws but, as a whole, the book just sparkles so bright.

kirjakimalainen's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Infidelity

Moderate: Racism and Antisemitism

emmabeckman's review against another edition

4.0

Exactly what I expected it to be! Super charming and funny. So glad I picked it up when I was in London. I can't believe it took me so long to read it.

I will say, there are a few instances where the viewpoints on femininity, beauty standards, sex, and race were pretty antiquated and wrong, so I want to acknowledge that, but I think the educated reader can view them in a historical context and say that they were the wrong ideas, rather than condemning this book.

hope_l's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

beloxi's review

adventurous funny hopeful informative lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

melreb8's review

2.0

Oh dear... I was expecting to love this little British book, having heard so much about it. And indeed, it was arch, charming, the little drawings in the Persephone edition were delightful, and I was thinking about 5 stars! BUT! I was also upset to find it anti-Semitic, racist, and sexist in places. The excuse that it was published back in 1938 only goes so far… and not a good look considering that England entered World War II in 1939. This is tough, but I've decided that Winifred Watson could and should have done better-- after all, not everyone during that time period thought like that.

bufobufo's review against another edition

3.0

like the hollywood version of lolly widowes.

juleswells's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Such a cute & fun story! I didn't expect to like it as much as I did!