Reviews

A Damsel in Distress by P.G. Wodehouse

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scribicide's review against another edition

3.0

I’ve wanted to read Wodehouse for ages and am disappointed that I picked this one at random as my introduction to his books. The snappy, wry descriptions and the hijinks were all extremely enjoyable, but I just couldn’t overlook the pervasive fatphobia, which even becomes central to the plot in the last act.

Reggie Bing was a delight, though. “Hullo-ullo-ullo! There you are! I mean to say, what?" Also loved moments like this:

I know what it means to be in love, dear old soul. I say, Maud, old thing, do you find love puts you off your stroke? What I mean is, does it make you slice your approach-shots?"

Maud laughed.

"No. It hasn't had any effect on my game so far. I went round in eighty-six the other day."

Reggie sighed enviously.

After spending time with him, I feel like I have more cultural context for characters like Luc’s vapid, posh coworker Alex in Alexis Hall’s Boyfriend Material.

darwinista's review against another edition

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4.0

This story, narrated by Jonathan Cecil, was available as a free listen on Audible Plus. It was a delightful, silly romp. Perfect mini-holiday from the pandemic.

munchkindad's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

jojo_27's review against another edition

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4.0

My favorite of the non-Jeeves Wodehouse works so far. As always in the Wodehouseian universe, no one is truly bad, the sun always comes out, and the day is inevitably saved. A delightful read.