On Bookstore Shelves March 2, 2010, Random House announces Helen Simonson’s debut novel, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand.

You are about to travel to Edgecombe St. Mary, a small village in the English countryside filled with rolling hills, thatched cottages, and a cast of characters both hilariously original and as familiar as the members of your own family. Among them is Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired), the unlikely hero of Helen Simonson’s wondrous debut. Wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing, Major Pettigrew is one of the most indelible characters in contemporary fiction, and from the very first page of this remarkable novel he will steal your heart.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand will be available in the UK in July 2010 from Bloomsbury Press.