This collection of short stories introduces Bertie Wooster, a young somewhat foolish gentleman dependant on his aunt for money, and his gentleman’s gentleman, Jeeves. Jeeves is incredibly clever and throughout these stories manages to solve every predicament that Bertie finds himself in, often with some benefit to himself. These stories range from how Jeeves was hired by Bertie to a story written in Jeeves’s own voice.
I have often heard the name P.G. Wodehouse come up in terms of comic writing. Jeeves and Wooster are a comfort read for many. These stories are indeed light and funny. There is a lot of British slang, but it’s nothing that makes the story hard to understand if you’re familiar with British culture in what seems to be the early 20th century.
The stories get predictable after a while. One of Bertie’s friends, or Bertie himself, gets into trouble, and Jeeves is called upon to work his magic and save the day. Often Bertie is defying Jeeves in some way, by growing a moustache or wearing a strange tie or ordering shirts Jeeves doesn’t think are appropriate. In the end, Jeeves always gets his way, and often extra money, too, adding to the comic value. Their predictability doesn’t lessen them, but it certainly makes me realize why these are comfort reads. They’re funny, but there is no suspense or real surprise involved.
I’d be remiss in this review if I didn’t mention the TV show Jeeves and Wooster. Having now read this little book, and eager to read more, I made an effort to also watch the show. If you’re familiar with Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, Wooster and Jeeves respectably, it’s amazing how well they fit the characters. When I started reading this book, I’d never actually seen the show, but I could still envision each of them in their respective role in the book. When I watched the show I realized I had been picturing them in the precise way that they played the parts. The stories are still recognizable on screen, if often combined to make an hour-long episode
I can recommend both this book, Carry on, Jeeves, (as well as the other books) and the TV show if you like light, slightly over-the-top British humor. I definitely enjoyed them both.
I am an Amazon Associate. I borrowed this book from my local library.
I’ve been meaning to read the Jeeves books for a long time. I even have one in audio. One of these days….
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I think my mom would really like this book – she is crazy about British humor. You’ve just given me a great Christmas gift idea.
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I listened to the audios of several Jeeves books and found them to be hilarious. For me I think if I’d have read them first I wouldn’t have appreciated the humor quite so much. Now I could definitely read one and laugh. Glad to see you enjoyed this – yes, it is predictable but your also right that is a fun comfort read that will ALWAYS make you smile.
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I’ve heard of P.G. Wodehouse but never read any of his books. Now I want to read the book and watch the show. I love Hugh Laurie.
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I’ve heard of these books and they definitely sound worth reading; I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. I had NO IDEA, though, that Hugh Laurie was in the TV series! (Hm, he must be older than I thought he was.) I’ll definitely have to watch it now.
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This sounds like a fun (and funny) collection of stories. I recognize the name Wodehouse and Jeeves but never connected the two.
Would you believe I haven’t read anything by Wodehouse? It’s been recommended to me by several people who know my sense of humor, so the Jeeves books sound like a good fit. Thanks for the reminder!
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I am really glad that you liked the book! I have read quite a few Jeeves books and do indeed find them to be great comfort reads. I have also watched a few of the television shows and think that they are great as well, I am thinking about adding a few more Jeeves books to my wish list for this holiday because I know I can share them with my husband who loves them as well.
I’m hoping to read this at some point this month and I’m very much looking forward to it
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I have thoroughly enjoyed the two Jeeves books I’ve read so far. Light and enjoyable. They’re the kind of humor that will make me smile, but rarely laugh out loud.
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