Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day – Winifred Watson

I first heard of Winifred Watson's Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day via yarnstorm and finally got round to buying a copy when I was looking for something on amazon to bring my order of work related books up to the level required for free postage and packing.

I completely loved this book for so many reasons. Miss Pettigrew is the most delightful character that grows with the book in quite a remarkable way. She is a middle-aged governess who is sent by an employment agency to Miss LaFosse (a nightclub singer!) and Miss P thinks that she is going there to look after the woman's children. Things don't turn out quite to plan though and Miss P spends a fantastic day living Miss LaFosse's life at whirlwind speed. 

I won't spoil the story by telling you exactly what happens, but Miss P's confidence grows with ever single encounter and by the end of the book she is somewhat different to the woman who entered Miss LaFosse's flat 24 hours previously.

The other delightful thing about the version of the book that I read (linked above) is the inclusion of the original illustrations. This just added a certain quaintness that I haven't seen since re-reading some Enid Blyton books.

I was delighted to learn that a film version has been produced (if a little disappointed to discover that the UK DVD version is not yet available). I may have to wait for a while, but I'm certainly looking forward to curling up and watching it when it is available.

This was also my first Persephone book and after reading it (and listening to comments from yarnstorm and Cornflower) I'll certainly be seeking out some of their other publications.