Major Ernest Pettigrew, a retired officer residing in the quaint English village of Edgecombe St Mary, is a man of traditional values and routines. His quiet existence is shaken by the death of his brother, which leads him to forge a bond with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani village shopkeeper. As their shared passion for literature and mutual consolation over lost spouses bring them closer, Major Pettigrew finds himself at odds with the village's expectations and his family's demands. The budding romance between the Major and Mrs. Ali challenges the boundaries of cultural norms and village society, as the Major must navigate the delicate balance between his cherished village life and the possibility of newfound love. Helen Simonson's narrative weaves a tale of unexpected connection and the courage to pursue happiness against the resistance of convention — all told with a healthy dose of dry humor and heartfelt storytelling.