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jess_mango's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
This is the first book I've read by P.G. Wodehouse. In this book, our narrator is the bumbling, slightly daft Bertram (Bertie). At the start of the novel he employs the titular Jeeves as his personal manservant in London. But, Bertie's banjolele playing drives Jeeves to seek employment elsewhere AND causes Bertie to move to the countryside where he is less likely to disturb neighbors with his playing. Jeeves and Bertie both end up in the same neck of the woods where some drama/hi-jinx ensue do to a misunderstanding over Bertie's American ex.
I felt cringe-y reading this due to some black face and other discussion of black musicians. I realize that black face wasn't as lambasted back when this was written, but it still made it an uncomfortable read for me.
I could appreciate the dry British humor that was abundant in this book. I wouldn't be averse to reading more Jeeves books but I am not going to rush out and read the whole series ASAP.
This is the first book I've read by P.G. Wodehouse. In this book, our narrator is the bumbling, slightly daft Bertram (Bertie). At the start of the novel he employs the titular Jeeves as his personal manservant in London. But, Bertie's banjolele playing drives Jeeves to seek employment elsewhere AND causes Bertie to move to the countryside where he is less likely to disturb neighbors with his playing. Jeeves and Bertie both end up in the same neck of the woods where some drama/hi-jinx ensue do to a misunderstanding over Bertie's American ex.
I felt cringe-y reading this due to some black face and other discussion of black musicians. I realize that black face wasn't as lambasted back when this was written, but it still made it an uncomfortable read for me.
I could appreciate the dry British humor that was abundant in this book. I wouldn't be averse to reading more Jeeves books but I am not going to rush out and read the whole series ASAP.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Book on CD performed by Jonathan Cecil
In this full-length novel, Jeeves gives notice after yet another nearby resident complains of Bertie Wooster’s incessant banjolele playing. It seems that while Jeeves has somewhat smoothed relations with the neighbor, he cannot stand listening to the instrument any longer himself. Just as Bertie has agreed to go to the country estate of his school friend Baron Chuffnell, he learns that Jeeves has taken a position in Chuffy’s household. Say what?! Good thing Jeeves is still nearby, because an American millionaire and his lovely daughter are also staying in the vicinity of the country estate aboard their yacht. Bertie had become briefly engaged to Pauline Stoker when visiting America but they parted when her father objected to the match. Now she is engaged to Chuffy, but one misunderstanding after another puts everything in a twist. Until Jeeves calmly and capably sorts it all out.
This was a delightful romp. Lighthearted, fun, entertaining and extremely visual. I will warn modern readers, however, Bertie and another character don blackface for much of the second half of the novel. The dialogue includes one particular racist slur that would never be used so casually today; the book was originally written in 1934 and the audio edition I had did not edit the words for modern sensitivity. Had someone been able to rewrite these scenes to use a different device that was not so racially demeaning I would probably rate it higher.
Jonathan Cecil does a marvelous job narrating the audio version. His pacing is very good and his skill with voices breathes life into the laid-back Bertie, the blustering Mr Stoker, and the inimitable Jeeves.
In this full-length novel, Jeeves gives notice after yet another nearby resident complains of Bertie Wooster’s incessant banjolele playing. It seems that while Jeeves has somewhat smoothed relations with the neighbor, he cannot stand listening to the instrument any longer himself. Just as Bertie has agreed to go to the country estate of his school friend Baron Chuffnell, he learns that Jeeves has taken a position in Chuffy’s household. Say what?! Good thing Jeeves is still nearby, because an American millionaire and his lovely daughter are also staying in the vicinity of the country estate aboard their yacht. Bertie had become briefly engaged to Pauline Stoker when visiting America but they parted when her father objected to the match. Now she is engaged to Chuffy, but one misunderstanding after another puts everything in a twist. Until Jeeves calmly and capably sorts it all out.
This was a delightful romp. Lighthearted, fun, entertaining and extremely visual. I will warn modern readers, however, Bertie and another character don blackface for much of the second half of the novel. The dialogue includes one particular racist slur that would never be used so casually today; the book was originally written in 1934 and the audio edition I had did not edit the words for modern sensitivity. Had someone been able to rewrite these scenes to use a different device that was not so racially demeaning I would probably rate it higher.
Jonathan Cecil does a marvelous job narrating the audio version. His pacing is very good and his skill with voices breathes life into the laid-back Bertie, the blustering Mr Stoker, and the inimitable Jeeves.
worldwidewebb's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I mean, it's definitely racist.
Very much a product of the time. The plot literally revolves around people not being able to tell the difference between two men in blackface. There are a lot of hard Rs used.
But if you ignore like....the plot and stuff, it's a fun and lighthearted romp through the thirties.
Very much a product of the time. The plot literally revolves around people not being able to tell the difference between two men in blackface. There are a lot of hard Rs used.
But if you ignore like....the plot and stuff, it's a fun and lighthearted romp through the thirties.
grahamjohnson's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The blackface plot is… difficult to get through.
angela_king's review against another edition
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
xanadu_'s review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
hrishivish23's review against another edition
5.0
Another one of Wodehouse's masterpieces. I marvel at how Bertie manages to insert himself into every dire situation and somehow makes it worse for everybody.
The scene that left me gasping for breath was when two lovers end up in a precarious situation and Bertie tries to engage them in a conversation about pig husbandry.
The scene that left me gasping for breath was when two lovers end up in a precarious situation and Bertie tries to engage them in a conversation about pig husbandry.
f_i_n_b_a_r's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
rohitremeshhello's review against another edition
5.0
This book makes you chuckle at many times but is very much a product of its time. A major plot device used would be considered offensive. Nevertheless a satisfying light-hearted read. Thank You, Wodehouse!