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 against another edition

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 against another edition

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 against another edition

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 against another edition

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!