When I was talking to my Mum today, I mentioned that I was re-reading "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" by Winifred Watson. The book was first published in 1938, and re-published in 2000 by Persephone Books, http://www.persephonebooks.co.uk/..
It's a Cinderella story about a penniless middle-aged governess, desperately looking for a job and being whisked off her feet by a beautiful young nightclub singer she meets.
It's just lovely, like a particularly good Carole Lombard film, which is the highest possible praise for a light thirties comedy. I was really delighted when Mum told me it was being made into a film this year, and even more excited when I looked up the cast on IMDB. It's going to star Frances McDormand, who is completely perfect for Miss Pettigrew.
Before the film comes out I would strongly suggest buying the book, because it's bound to be a huge hit and then you'll sound so cultured having read the book months before. Actually I recommend Persephone Books as a general rule, they have such an interesting range and lovely bindings. Persephone have a pretty little shop on Lamb's Conduit Street and you can also buy from their website.
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