Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

By: Winifred Watson

Narrated by: Frances McDormand

Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Miss Pettigrew is a down-on-her-luck, middle-aged governess sent by her employment agency to work for a nightclub singer rather than a household of unruly children. Over a period of 24 hours, as she becomes caught up in the life of Delysia LaFloss, her own life is changed - forever.

This charming, funny, light-hearted 1938 novel was a bestseller on its first appearance. Read by Academy Award winning actress Frances McDormand, who stars in the 2008 film as Miss Pettigrew.

Winifred Watson grew up in Newcastle and was a secretary until, in 1935, she married Leslie Pickering, the manager of a timber firm. She wrote six novels in all and died in 2002.

©2000 The Estate of Winifred Watson (P)2008 Persephone Books

Critic reviews

"Miss Pettigree is irresistible, a perfect mix of wistfulness and joy, substance and froth." (Tracy Chevalier)
"Pure Cinderella fantasy farce with beaus, bounders, negligees and nightclubs - Miss Pettigrew's blossoming is a delight to observe." ( The Guardian)

Guinevere's Excellent Job Interview

This book burns along at warp speed. There is absolutely not a moment for a body to catch a breath. Frances McDormand's performance is brilliant. She catches every nuance. She made the story her own. As I am sure you recall, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" is story of one glorious perfect day in the life of the Soviet prisoner Ivan Denisovich. For this one day in a life of total misery and Spartan existence, Fate and Fortune smile on the wretched man and he lives for a few fleeting and splendid hours. Like Ivan, Miss Pettigrew escapes if only for a few hours from the oppressive non-existence of the governess Gulag Archipelago; one envisions Agnes Grey. One day, Miss Pettigrew strayed through the looking glass into the ditzy world of the singer-actress Delysia LaFloss where she is valued for herself, her opinions are sought and considered, a world of light and happiness, drama and intrigue, life and possibilities, kisses, hugs and naughtiness. This is a great book; a fun book; a satisfying book.

Dark Chocolate for the Soul...

I have a short list of books that simply feed my soul and this is one of them. I love Miss Pettigrew and her simple ways. I love how she affects others and doesn't know it. I love the way she stands up to horrid men and that she thinks ice cream is bad. The old fashioned-ness in a new era is brilliant and I only wonder why Winifred Watson isn't more famous all around.

Frances McDormand played Miss Pettigrew in the movie and did an all right job here. There were a few times when I furrowed my brow in confusion, but usually it wasn't anything essential to the plot.

This book is a happy tale that makes you think and transports you to a time and place that you'll want to return to over and over again.

Light Reading

This is a charming bit of escapism. It is an optimistic story and I enjoyed it a lot. A bit of fun.

Love the movie, love the book

I got this because I have become so enamored of Frances McDormand's performance in the movie, and she does not disappoint as an audiobook narrator either. I usually enjoy English romance novels of this era (between the Wars) and this was no exception.

Having become so fascinated with the movie, and having it so fresh in my mind, it was really interesting to see what was kept, what was condensed, and what was altered. Stuff was changed, characters altered, but the spirit was the same.

All in all, a very enjoyable few hours.

Cinderella Story

A not-quite-modern Cinderella Story, but all the better for that. Some readers will be familiar with the film starring Frances MacDormand, and who better to deliver the charming story but she.

Vintage at it's best.

What did you love best about Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day?

So many of those old chiclet type books from the pre-50's era were over written and over long. This one is just right in those 2 ways. It's predictable, but the characters are so dear that I was delighted all the way to the end.

What does Frances McDormand bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The reader had just the right accent, and read without over-dramatizing the material. I like the bright quality of her voice.

Who was the most memorable character of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and why?

Uptight Miss Pettigrew was a wonderful juxtaposition to her new found friend, free-spirit Miss LaFloss. I loved their interaction, and Miss Pettigrew's

So Satisfying!

Would you listen to Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day again? Why?

I would listen to this book again, because it is a charming story read delightfully! It was so engaging, I had to plug my ipod into my car stereo-I couldn't put it down! (I can't wait to follow up by seeing the film; I believe the reader is in the 2007 film of the same name!)

What was one of the most memorable moments of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day?

It was splendid to her Ms. Pettigrew's thoughts as she encounters new situations for the first time at age 40-nightclubs, cocktails...No film could capture that!

Which scene was your favorite?

The last chapter was my favorite; it had a fairy-tale, happy ending quality, without being overly sentimental or sappy.

Who was the most memorable character of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and why?

I will never forget Miss Pettigrew! She embodies being open to new experience while being true to yourself.

Any additional comments?

I am a 49 year old woman who works hard each day, and Miss Pettigrew appealed to me as a 40 year old character who steps out of herself, decides to be open-minded, make new friends, and go where life leads her (taking her common sense with her). That is a pleasurable thought!

Delightful!

I needed a positive read and this made my day!!!
This is narration at a very high level. Never a moment that the reader took my attention to herself. Thank you for sharing your fine acting abilities and making these characters shine and letting them LIVE!

Pet Review

If you could sum up Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day in three words, what would they be?

Enjoyable, happy story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day?

When she was offered a position in the new house.

Which scene was your favorite?

When she was made up to look like someone she had never before.

If you could rename Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, what would you call it?

A Most Unlikely Friendship Between 2 Strangers.

Pure listening enjoyment.

Frances McDormand's performance is absolute perfection. Thr story is a wonderful romp in an earlier time seen through the eyes of the very prim and proper Miss Pettigrew, who is caught up in a whirlwind of change. I loved it!