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bookminx'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? No
4.5
jadziadax's review against another edition
5.0
okay, because of reading a bunch of these in quick succession I'm actually seeing literary callbacks which is fun. Exhibit A: "And a few moments later the man was with us, looking so brainy and intelligent that my heart leaped up as if I had beheld a rainbow in the sky."
In the previous Joy in the Morning Bertie says Jeeves has told him his heart leaps when he sees a rainbow (Jeeves is likely quoting Wordsworth's poem "My Heart Leaps Up.")
And then on Anatole leaving "and going off to waste his sweetness on the desert air of the Trotter home." The "desert air" line of Thomas Gray's "Elegy" poem is quoted by Jeeves in Joy the Morning. Jeeves actually has quoted that poem multiple times throughout the series -- he must like Thomas Gray quite a bit. In this case, it's Bertie quoting it, so he must absorb some of Jeeves's quotes.
This is but two examples of a multitude of literary quotes and references and probably only some of the callbacks as well. I have no idea if PG Wodehouse simply had this all his brain or if he kept copious notes or what, but I’m constantly impressed by PG Wodehouse’s literary knowledge. Adding to that is the fact that these references are weaved naturally and hilariously. Also, I'm getting introduced to a lot of great poetry! (thanks, Jeeves!)
In the previous Joy in the Morning Bertie says Jeeves has told him his heart leaps when he sees a rainbow (Jeeves is likely quoting Wordsworth's poem "My Heart Leaps Up.")
And then on Anatole leaving "and going off to waste his sweetness on the desert air of the Trotter home." The "desert air" line of Thomas Gray's "Elegy" poem is quoted by Jeeves in Joy the Morning. Jeeves actually has quoted that poem multiple times throughout the series -- he must like Thomas Gray quite a bit. In this case, it's Bertie quoting it, so he must absorb some of Jeeves's quotes.
This is but two examples of a multitude of literary quotes and references and probably only some of the callbacks as well. I have no idea if PG Wodehouse simply had this all his brain or if he kept copious notes or what, but I’m constantly impressed by PG Wodehouse’s literary knowledge. Adding to that is the fact that these references are weaved naturally and hilariously. Also, I'm getting introduced to a lot of great poetry! (thanks, Jeeves!)
littletaiko's review against another edition
4.0
Oh Jeeves and Bertie - the perfect tonic for my topsy turvy moods these days. So nice to settle into the their usual madcap shenanigans involving aunts, Anatole, romantic entagelements. This time Jeeves and Bertie are trying to help Aunt Dahlia out of a pickle involving her publishing company, a pearl necklace, and her need to keep the world's greatest chef in her employ. To add to the mix there is a Stilton who would like to pulverize Bertie, Flo who thinks she'd like to marry Bertie and a few others colorful characters. Loads of fun as usual.
rheren's review against another edition
5.0
All the best aspects of a good Bertie Wooster story: Hilarious relatives with hair-brained schemes, hilarious friends with amusing love lives, Jeeves' brilliance, unexpected turns of fate, terrific and random literary phrases. You'd definitely want to start with an earlier one, because this has a lot of recurring characters that you would want to already be introduced to beforehand.
libriotecha's review against another edition
4.0
An entertaining read. I can see why Stephen Fry loves these books. While reading it I couldn't help but get nostalgic for the old tv series and rented the first season. Lots of twists and turns but always in an upbeat Wooster way.
glowbird's review against another edition
4.0
Picks up where The Mating Season left off. Completely ridiculous and charming.
danjk's review against another edition
4.0
It's true that you should never judge a book by its cover, but when you look at the bright yellow monstrosity of Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit, it's hard not to. A woman on the tram was giving me weird looks as I was reading this. I know, lady, it looks stupid, but that's only because you don't know the pure undiluted joy of a Wodehouse novel. I feel sorry for you.