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Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

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Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

By: Winifred Watson
Narrated by: Frances McDormand
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About this listen

Set in 1930s London, Winifred Watson’s Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day recounts twenty-four hours in the life of a governess who turns up for a very unexpected first day at work. Watson’s comedic, light-hearted novel is read by Academy Award-winning actress Frances McDormand, who plays Miss Pettigrew in the 2008 film production.

Middle-aged governess Guinevere Pettigrew visits her employment agency one morning and is mistakenly sent to the glitzy home of a nightclub singer. Miss Pettigrew meets the glamorous Miss Delysia LaFosse and embarks on a whirlwind adventure. These two very different women soon become friends, and Miss Pettigrew proves to be the perfect companion. Instead of having to look after unruly children, Miss Pettigrew spends her evening at a party. But what will happen when the day finally ends?

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is part of the Persephone Audiobook Collection, a series of forgotten classics including neglected fiction and non-fiction by women writers. First published in 1938, this edition includes a preface by author and retired academic Henrietta Twycross-Martin.

©1938 Winifred Watson (P)2024 Macmillan Publishers International Limited Classics Literature & Fiction Celebrity Heartfelt
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I listened to an interview from Frances McDormand lead in film and heard she narrated audiobook. I had to purchase and it did NOT disappoint! I was hooked and loved being along for the journey of Miss Pettigrew! Loved it!!!

Exhilarating and so entertaining!

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I loved the story, but the narrator! She was one of the best I’ve ever listened to.

Narration is Exceptional!!

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Intelligent, sharp and funny. It was such a delightful read.
Small but important note; There are two racist passages in the text that date the book to the era it was written…you can decide for yourself if it ruins it for you.
Personally- I think it shows the ignorance of the character but based on how quickly she adjusted her perspective on many other aspects of society in 24 hours, I believe that were she challenged on these views, she would change her mindset about her comments too.

The wit in this book is thick!

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