I really enjoyed this book. It has so many aspects - the wry British humor, a stuffy hero softened by a woman and some important issues, such as prejudice, gossip, death of a spouse, cultural differences, family, including adult children with differing values. I was a little thrown by the great-auntie with the knitting needle; it seemed a bit out of place and was not what I has expected as the Major's "Last Stand."

I really liked the development of the Major's relationship with Mrs. Ali, especially their shared love of books, especially Kipling. I picture them reading in their respective chairs well into their old age.

"It is funny, isn't it?" she said in a quiet voice. "A couple may have nothing in common but the color of their skin and the country of their ancestors, but the whole world would see them as compatible." (265)

"You must speak for yourself," she said gently. "I refust to play the dried rose and accept that life must be tepid and sensible." (290)

"He felt, in the area of his heart, a slow constriction of sorrow for his son and wondered where or when he had failed, or forgotten, to teach this boy compassion." (296)

"We must refuse to imagine it and concentrate only on the next step and the next, " he said, swinging the car into the empty car park. "We do what we can do, and the rest is God's problem." (332)

"The Major wondered again at how much love and grief could feel the same..." (352)

This book had been on my tbr list for sometime. It's choice as a book club selection (after several times suggested) made me finally read it. Even though I missed book club this month (Everyone seemed to like the book as well.), I am so glad that I read this one.