'Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day'

by Winifred Watson

Who wouldn't love a life-transforming day? A day of making fun new friends, getting a total makeover by some of the best in the business, drinking cocktails galore, and falling in love, sounds way better than trudging out of bed before the sun comes up and plodding away at work. Unfortunately most of us can't make ends meet by having fun, but there is always Miss Pettigrew.

Miss Pettigrew (Miss P from here on out) is a total prude, completely judgmental, and utterly charming. Winifred Watson's 1938 book ‘Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day' is a wonderful escape from the daily grind. The fascinating part is that the book almost didn't exist. Watson, who was a shrewd businesswoman, basically had to con her publishers into releasing the book by promising them another book more in the style of her previous historical romances which were more ‘chaste.' She gave them their book and so the story of Miss P survived with all its sexual freedom, smoking and drinking, and cunning women.

Miss P is a down and out governess who isn't very good at her job but is given one more chance by her agency. She is sent to Miss LaFosse, an actress who is sleeping her way to the top while trying not to fall in love or marriage. When Miss P arrives Miss LaFosse needs to get Man #1 out before Man #2 (the rent-payer of her apartment) comes home. All manner of farcical chitchat and conniving on Miss P's part gets him out in the nick of time and calms the suspicious Man #2. Miss P is seen as brilliant by Miss LaFosse who instantly befriends her.

Through the day we are given clues into Miss P's prudish thinking as she judges everyone, but ends up going along with numerous things (drinking, makeup, silk underwear) her religious upbringing and spinster life have made her shun. And, as she partakes in each escapade, she finds she is having fun and sees what life is all about. Her transformation is gradual enough to be believable and the characters seem like real people (no one I know, but real enough) whom you might want to meet for drinks.

Miss LaFosse and Miss P enjoy a Cinderella and fairy godmother relationship although at times it's hard to tell who is the godmother and who is the Cinderella, as they both change and better each other's lives. With an overall happy ending the book is a top read for putting you in a good mood.

Note: The recently released movie is okay, and that's the best I can say. The characters seem much too stereotypical and are annoying at times. You miss out on all Miss P's conservative thoughts and the insight that the book provides into her fortitude and cleverness. The storyline is much tighter though, so I would advise watching it just to see a different take on the tale, but it definitely doesn't replace the book.