I had only read some Jeeves and Wooster stories by Wodehouse previous to this, and that was way back, so long ago I can’t really remember them. Anyway I bought an omnibus edition of three Blandings books last year and then it immediately got lost in the stacks and resurfaced just before Christmas, just in time for me to read the first one before the BBC Blandings series was broadcast.
These books (I’ve just finished the second one Summer Lightning) are at the same time completely daft but vital antidotes to the cruel world, so essential reading if it’s all getting too much for you.
Wodehouse wrote for himself the perfect setting for loopy characters, mainly members of the Emsworth/Threepwood family, but the servants have their moments too. Lord Emsworth has an appalling memory and information seems to sail through his ears, bypassing his brain completely. This is fine for people who know him and realise that he has just pocketed the cutlery absent-mindedly and not nefariously.
Most men have an obsession apparently, for Lord Emsworth it’s his beloved pig the Empress of Blandings and her weight and welfare. However for the American millionaire Mr Peters it’s rare scarabs which get him excited, he’s the father of Aline Peters who has just become engaged to Freddie Emsworth, (not the heir but the spare). Imagine his reaction when he realises that his best scarab has disappeared, and he knows who has it! Mr Peters is determined to get his scarab back where it should be – in his collection.
This book is an absolute hoot and in parts I was actually laughing out loud, it’s not only silly slapstick but witty repartee too. The Efficient Baxter, Lord Emsworth’s hated secretary is hilarious and as I’ve been watching the BBC Blandings series too I have to say that for me anyway the casting of David Walliams as Baxter is just perfect.
This book is available free from Project Gutenbery under the name of Something New
If you want to read something different by P.G. Wodehouse have a look at what else is available on Project Gutenberg here.
Oh my, just not enough time in the day to get all this reading done!, But I so enjoy a good laugh I guess I’ll have to hop over and get this one too!
Peggy Ann,
I think there are a lot of short stories in those lists, they’ll be a quick read and will give you a flavour of Wodehouse’s writing.
Something Fresh is one of my favorites. You’re right; it’s hilarious! I’m so happy to see all of the free Wodehouse on Project Gutenberg.
Elizabeth,
I think I’ll be working my way through his output bit by bit. They cheer you up when all the news is miserable. Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment.
This was my first ever Wodehouse, handed to me by an uncle when I was twelve or thereabouts. I remember every word or the book though I haven’t read it in 20 years or so. I also remember looking for Cheops of the fourth dynasty in a dead tree encyclopedia…
Niranjana,
That’s the perfect age to start reading Wodehouse, I think it was about then I was reading Jeeves. You have some memory though!
I don’t think I could stand reading the books if they are slapstick in flavour! Not for me at all! I saw a small bit of Blandings on TV recently. Definitely not my thing!
Evee,
Oh good, I love it that we’re all different. Now I want to know what you do like on TV – or don’t you watch it much?
To be honest, no I don’t watch TV much! Well there was Downton Abbey, and I’m quite enjoying Mr Selfridge. Loved Lark Rise to Candleford. So I do like costume dramas. I just can’t bear farces and slapstick.
Evee,
I watched the first two series of Downton then I found it too predictable. I would have watched it just for Maggie Smith but the constant advert breaks drove me mad. Our TV is almost always on but I hardly ever watch things regularly although I’ve been watching Borgen and Carol Klein’s Cottage garden thing, just because I can’t wait for spring.
I have yet to read the Blandings but discovered them through a PSmith novel I read.
I read so many Jeeves and Wooster because of the wonderful Fry and Laurie, but although I like ths new tv programme it would not make me read them if I had never read PGW before. That said I will read the books because I know they are going to be better than the programme. Good Sunday telly mind!
Jo,
It’s just cosy comfort viewing isn’t it! You’re right though the books are better. I had completely forgotten that I had recently read some of his short stories in the book Men In Spats, I knew I had read something by him but couldn’t think what until I caught sight of the book today – must have been having a senior moment.
Oh, my, I love “Something Fresh” – it’s had me writhing in helpless laughter at the wonderful use of words and the images they conjure up! I adore all those Blandings stories and PGW books in general. A bright spot in a cruel world indeed.
Valerie,
I’m going to be reading the next one – Heavy Weather – soonish. PGW was really very witty, I wonder if he was like that in real life or just kept it for his books. There aren’t many authors who have me laughing out loud.