Highly recommended. Very unexpected. There is a wonderful mix of "plot" and "character"....and the perspective of hindsight from a gentleman in his 90's who is looking back on it all is refreshing. One of my favourites from all of our book club selections.

It was Major Pettigrew himself, along with Mrs. Ali, which kept me plodding through the book. The first half is definitely slower than the second half but, overall, the writing was excellent and highlighted many moments of humour and well-grounded romance.

I dislike how the synopsis of the book is so elusive in an effort to pull the reader in....I don't think knowing more of the story hurts the impact of the book or affects the overall message of the book.....There is a very powerful undertone regarding the violence and destruction that often happens in very poor, unassuming, "unpopular" areas of the world, even today...and how most of us have absolutely no clue such things are even occuring......An important message to spread to be sure. However, if I could have given this a star rating of between 3 and 4, I would have opted for that rather than a flat out 4....just didn't enjoy some of the characters as much as I enjoyed the story behind the characters.

I read the whole thing in 24 hours (granted I was on vacation!).....absolutely LOVED IT and had NO idea what to expect......The ultimate PAGE-TURNER!

But SUCH a good book. Once you get past the whole "letter format" context, it will become a delicious read you won't want to put down. I found it informative and touching all at once. HIGHLY recommend.

Not for book club....but as an individual reading for "Fun"...I got it! FUN!