Writing lessons learned from MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND

Shhhh! I have a big crush on an Englishman with thinning hair and a dry sense of humor. His name is Major Pettigrew, and he's the main character in Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, by Helen Simonson. This is not a fast-paced political thriller, or a romp with vampires or spaceships. It's a quiet story about a proud Englishman who adores his village--even though it's populated by quirky neighbors--and who falls in love with an unlikely woman.

From Goodreads: Written with a delightfully dry sense of humor and the wisdom of a born storyteller, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand explores the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of family obligation and tradition.

My writing buddy, Leslie Rose, recommended this book, and she was right when she told me, "The language is delicious." My inner word thief came out of hiding as I read page after page of gorgeous language, while also being wrapped up in an engaging plot.

Here are the writing lessons I learned from this charming story:

• Hint early on about a future disturbance--On page 6, we learn that the Pakistani shop owners are not welcomed by everyone in the village. Major Pettigrew develops a close friendship with Mrs. Ali, a widower, and most of the villagers don't approve.
• Bind the two main characters together--In this case, grief connects Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali together. She lost her husband. The Major had lost his wife, and now his younger brother. They understand and can relate to each other because of their loss.
• Establish a parallel story problem--From the early pages, we learn that the Major would like only one possession from his late brother: the other half of their father's prized pair of Churchills. These sporting guns are valuable and sentimental, and his sister-in-law has other plans for the guns. We know that future conflict is on the horizon. These guns also act as a symbol for what's important in the Major's life at different parts in the story.
• Show character through dialog--Major Pettigrew is dutiful, loyal, reserved, and very proper. This is shown when he and another neighbor are unhappy about a housing development planned for the village. He calls it "civic unrest." The neighbor reacts like this: "Civic unrest? This is war, Major. Man the barricades and break out the Molotov cocktails!" The Major responds by saying, "You do what you must. I shall write a stern letter to the planning officer."
• Use a character's life experience to aid in the climax scene--The Major was retired from the British army. Throughout the book, he reflects lightly on his military experience, but it's more like background music. But in the climax scene, his expertise comes into play. The author wrote, "He felt a soldier's pride at an assignment well executed."

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand was endearing story about lovable characters, and their journey through an old-fashioned courtship. The writing lessons were the cherry on top.

Have you read this book? What are some writing lessons you've learned from a book lately?


I guest posted over at Adventures in YA and Children's Publishing today. The topic? Don't think too much--you'll create a problem that wasn't even there in the first place. I hope you'll stop by and say hello!

photo credit