Frothy Fun

I've been in the mood to read some stories that are funny or at the least amusing.  So when I saw this post on Jeeves and Wooster, and then this post sorting through the masses of books out there by P.G. Wodehouse, I was inspired to see what my library had on hand.  I lucked out and found a copy of Carry On, Jeeves on the library's shelves.  It was first published in 1925 and appears to be one of his earlier books.  The first story in the collection, "Jeeves Takes Charge" introduces Jeeves not only to the reader but to Bertie Wooster as well.

This is the very first P.G. Wodehouse I've read, so his work and these characters are completely new to me.  I only know that Wodehouse is quite popular and popularly known for his comedic writings about the British upper class (generally eccentric) and their servants.  Although this is post-WWI England, it is a frothy without-a-care version of it.  Bertie Wooster is a young man of wealth, but perhaps not so much intellect.  And Jeeves, the inimitable Jeeves, has everything under control.  You wonder how Bertie Wooster ever got on before he met Jeeves, as he manages to get him out of a variety of scrapes and uncomfortable situations with the utmost ease and finesse.  Bertie himself says, "The man's a genius.  From the collar upward he stands alone, I gave up trying to run my own affairs within a week of his coming to me."

Bertie Wooster's former manservant, Meadowes, was caught sneaking silk socks and therefore had to be let go.  A few silk socks is a small price to pay really, when compared to the incalculable benefits of the new man sent round by the agency--"a kind of darkish sort of respectable Johnnie"--Reginald Jeeves (I had to look up his first name as it wasn't mentioned in the story).  Right from the get go Jeeves is ready to assist.  Bertie receives a telegram from his fiancé, Florence Craye demanding his immediate return to Easeby, in Shropshire where they had both been staying with his uncle.  It appears that Uncle Willoughby has written his memoirs revealing that he had " been somewhat on the tabasco side as a young man".  He wasn't alone; Florence's father was a willing participant in their escapades.  The memoirs reveal all.  Florence demands that Bertie destroy the manuscript before it's mailed off to the publisher, or she's calling the marriage off.

As you might imagine, Bertie gets himself in a humorously tight situation that only Jeeves can pull him out of.  The story is quite witty and amusing and was a pleasure to read.  Wodehouse is great, frothy fun!  And yes, I want to read all the stories.  I'll have to look for some Wodehouse to mooch, however.  I've got too much on my reading plate at the moment to add yet another book to it, but I do plan on reading more of his work eventually.  I'm not sure I can be content at just stopping at one Jeeves and Wooster story, however!      

Comments

[Ashleigh]

Glad you found some Wodehouse! Fabulous review by the way (something I need to work on...). I'll definitely be reading more of the Jeeves & Wooster adventures as well as some of the other Wodehouse series.

[Dorothy W.]

I've never read Wodehouse, but I've always been curious about him. I think I'd get a kick out of his work.

[Danielle]

Ashleigh--I greatly enjoy reading your book posts--I don't think you need to work on them at all! I had a feeling I'd like Wodehouse--I shouldn't have waited so long to try him.
Dorothy--He is great fun. You should try him when you're in the mood for something lighthearted and amusing. His writing is very witty, too!

[PamelaHD]

The first time I tried reading about Wooster and Jeeves, I just didn't understand why it was so popular. I didn't find it funny (maybe I was too young and unfamiliar with British humour). I picked up a copy not long ago and loved it. Possibly because I kept "seeing" Hugh Laurie - the consummate befuddled Bertied - and Steven Fry - the perfect Jeeves.

[Danielle]

Pamela--I've not seen any of the TV versions, but I know who Stephen Fry is and can totally imagine him in that part. I could just totally visualize these antics and found them really amusing. I'm not sure what I would have made of it when I was younger, though, either!

[Eva]

I just listened to this one on CD, and I looved it! Now, of course, I want more Wodehouse, so thanks for the resources. :D

[Litlove]

There's an absolute ton of them, Danielle, and they are all exactly the same. But so much fun and so comforting. I used to like all his Blandings Castle novels, which is a different set up to Jeeves and Wooster but no so different as all that. I also love listening to these on audio book - wonderful for car rides or nights when you can't sleep.

[Andi]

I've never read Wodehouse, but the wonderful fantastic Bookfool sent one of the novels a while back. The next time I'm in the mood for frothy fun (shouldn't be long now) I'll pull it off the shelf! :)

[Lisa]

I haven't read any of these stories, either, but I've heard so many other bloggers talk about how funny they are. I really must try to get my hands on some of them.

[oolookitty]

Not only is Wodehouse hysterical, he's also considered to be one of the great prose stylists. I love his fiction but also really enjoyed his autobiographical "Bring On the Girls", written with his theatrical partner Guy Bolton, about his days writing musical comedies with the likes of Jerome Kern. Wildly embellished, I'm sure, but a great and funny look at the theater way back when.

[Danielle]

Eva--His work would be great to listen to! I have to keep that in mind for my walks home!
Litlove--When I was reading about him I did get the feeling that his Jeeves and Wooster novels, and stories were all of a similar mold, but that can be fun if that's what you're in the mood for. I'd like to read more of his work--it's very entertaining!
Andi--Lucky you to get a copy. I'm going to have to see what I can mooch or find used!
Lisa--Very, very amusing. I'd like to see the TV adaptations!
Oolookitty--He must have been quite a cut up to know. I know he emigrated to America--it sounds like maybe he lived in Hollywood? I need to read more about him--his memoirs must be a fun read.

[Nan]

Frothy, but also, very, very intelligent. I just love Wodehouse. I could happily spend my life just reading him, and often wonder why I don't. :<) Blackstone Audio has some great audio versions read by the late Frederick Davidson, and Recorded Books have a few good ones too. Great, great stuff. There is a biog. if you want to know more about the man.

[Ed]

Wodehouse's books are predictable but in a fun way. The plots are usually quite similar and he even reuses jokes. The familiarity is part of the fun I find.

As for the Bertie - Jeeves relationship, in "Thank You Jeeves" Bertie refers to Jeeves as a "domestic Mussolini" and sacks him. Of course by the end he is re-hired. I think I can give that away because you don't read Wodehouse for suspense.

[Danielle]

Nan--My library has one of his audio books--not a Jeeves and Wooster (I think the title has 'Sally' in it), which I plan on checking out eventually and loading onto my MP3 player. There's not a single book out there to mooch, so I'll be looking for something to order. You're right, it might be frothy but he was a wonderful writer!
Ed--Sometimes it's nice to have an author to turn to that you know is sort of predictable--there is something comforting in that! I can't wait to read more!