Back to the Book Review Page
|
I am told that the works of P.G. Wodehouse are today not much read in North America, which I can only say is a sad, sad thing indeed. The stories are as amusing and relevant to us here today as they were at the time of their writing in post-war Britain.
These are by no means serious books. Carry On, Jeeves is a slimish volume suitable for a Sunday afternoon and a few "stiffish w & s" (read and you too will understand). You will however laugh yourself silly - why is it that the brits are so good for that?
The book is a collection of short stories and - in my never to be humble opinion - the place to begin one's perusal of the Jeeves stories. The stories center on Bertie Wooster, well meaning but rather dim-witted yet endearing wealthy young gad-about London. And of course his "better half" the inimitable Jeeves, gentleman's personal gentleman. Bertie never fails to get himself into trouble, and Jeeves never fails to extract him from it. This is high humour, but can't be explained in a few short sentences.
Suffice it to say that this is worth a look. You won't be disappointed. You will want to read more and more. Trust me, I have.
Reviewed by Alain Kemper on December 3, 1997.