Not Logged in.
Book Jacket

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand


An enchanting tale, brilliant in its simple yet profound insight into human ...
Summary and Reviews
Excerpt
Reading Guide
Author Biography

Is love ageless?

Created: 03/24/11

Replies: 10

Posted Mar. 24, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert

Join Date:

Posts: 0

Is love ageless?

In the outset of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, the Major is described as feeling the weight of his age, but on page 320, the morning after his romantic evening with Mrs. Ali at Colonel Preston's Lodge, Simonson writes that "a pleasant glow, deep in his gut, was all that remained of a night that seemed to have burned away the years from his back." Do you think love is ageless? Can transform us at any point in our lives?


Posted Apr. 29, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rayp

Join Date: 04/29/11

Posts: 3

RE: Is love ageless?

Most certainly --- and this is the clear and most profound message that this novel provides. There are so seldom stories written about true love striking "senior citizens", or in this case, two mature widowed individuals that are clearly battling both their own personal grief over their lost spouses as well as their own loneliness. I think the reader will find themselves instantly rooting for Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali to get together and make each other happy for the remainder of their days.


Posted May. 04, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
paulak

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 264

RE: Is love ageless?

I just loved the connection between Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali, especially the scene toward the end where Major Pettigrew breaks with "what is expected of him" to follow his heart and collect Mrs. Ali from her husband's family. Both of them seemed to have spent so much of their lives doing what was expected of them, it was nice to see them throw caution to the wind.


Posted May. 15, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
normar

Join Date: 05/15/11

Posts: 46

RE: Is love ageless?

Yes, love is ageless. The relationship between Mrs. Ali and Major Pettigrew developed slowly. But then events force the relationship to a new and deeper level.


Posted May. 19, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
againstthetide

Join Date: 04/14/11

Posts: 20

RE: Is love ageless?

Most definitely love is ageless, but I do think that certain aspects become more important as time goes on.

I think companionship and the ability to connect on an intellectual level are increasingly key as we age. When we are younger, I think biology and social norms drive our choices far more than when we are older. I think the Major's maturity was what permitted him to really pursue his relationship with Mrs. Ali - - I'm not sure he would have done the same as a young man.


Posted May. 19, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Laura

Join Date: 04/13/11

Posts: 20

RE: Is love ageless?

Love is ageless. Love is about companionship, friendship and attraction - none of which is based upon age.


Posted May. 19, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
scknitter

Join Date: 05/08/11

Posts: 6

RE: Is love ageless?

Most definitely. If you are alive you can fall in love.


Posted May. 24, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
bettyt

Join Date: 05/12/11

Posts: 228

RE: Is love ageless?

Most definitely. But as we age I think we look for different things in our relationships. Intelligence, kindness, a sense of humor, respect -- these are so much more important than the physical appearance.


Posted May. 26, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ritah

Join Date: 05/26/11

Posts: 80

RE: Is love ageless?

Love is ageless, but different, I believe. As a widow, I could really identify with both characters even though I have not found myself in such a situation. But, I am still such a romantic that such relationships fill me with warm happiness. I think young love is often about looks and sex appeal; older love is about character though I don't discount sex appeal at any age! But, family is a real complication for older love as this book so vividly portrays!


Posted Jun. 13, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
annar

Join Date: 06/13/11

Posts: 114

RE: Is love ageless?

Love is ageless. Think of those older people in Nursing Homes who get married. I use to think "why?"
But who knows; maybe everyone wants companionship.


Posted Jun. 14, 2011 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
SarahD451

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 14

RE: Is love ageless?

Love is absolutely ageless, just as all other human emotions are. Perhaps it's the fault of Hollywood or romantic literature that we think love can only happen to the young, which is why I think MPLS is such a wonderful novel. It speaks to the enduring qualities of love and relationships, even when people think they are too old. To RayP's point, there are too few novels that discuss love between older people. Perhaps MPLS will change the trend. I like to think that there are always opportunities for new starts, even in old age.


Reply

Please login to post a response.