Now here's a case where whichever format you pick - movie, book or audiobook, you are going to get a winner. Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day is a delightful book by Winifred Watson. It also happens to be a good movie - my goodness - they finally got an film adaptation right! And if you want another treat - try the audiobook which is narrated by Frances McDormand who is Miss Pettigrew in the film. I admit that I saw the film first. And then in the DVD extras, I discovered that the story was based on a book and there were some interesting things about the author. She wrote only six books, all were well received for their time - the 1930's - and Miss Pettigrew attracted much attention when it came out. It was going to be a musical - which is a still a great idea - but World War II started and that stopped that idea.
So knowing that the book is almost always better - and how could you better this movie? - I got a copy of the book. The story is definitely rag to riches. Down ridden governess, Miss Pettigrew has a whirlwind day (there is an hour by hour count down in the book) with an actress, Delysia LaFoss. Besides trying to keep track of Miss LaFoss' many beaus, Miss Pettigrew manages to make a difference. And she discovers this eccentric society life that she has only seen on the silver scene.
The book contains witty dialogue and it is very fast paced. (Gotta be paying attention to who says what.) And that part actually reminded me of another movie - His Girl Friday. And the reader is like Miss Pettigrew - a stranger in a wonderland - trying to figure out whats what and who's who.
Between the lovers and arguments and romantic parings, this book is a whimsical look at a time period that is forever gone. I found it interesting that they showed that in the movie, by having their cocktail party interrupted by overhead flying Spitfires signaling that this fun and fast lifestyle is not going to last. But until then, have another cocktail.
This book and all it's variations are definely fun and frothy. A great read!
