A suitably witty homage to one of the best writers of all time. 4/5.
Thank you to Random House UK/Cornerstone for providing me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley.
The blurb:
The Drones club’s in peril. Gussie’s in love. Spode’s on the war-path. Oh, and His Majesty’s Government needs a favour. I say – it’s a good thing Bertie’s back!
One man – and his Gentleman’s Personal Gentleman – valiantly set out to save the Drones, thwart Spode and nobly assist His Majesty’s Government.
From the mean streets of Mayfair to the scheming spires of Cambridge we encounter a joyous cast of characters: chiselling painters and criminal bookies, eccentric philosophers and dodgy clairvoyantes, appalling poets and pocket dictators, vexatious aunts and their vicious hounds.
Replete with a Times crossword, and classic Schottian endnotes, you hold in your hands the most blissfully entertaining means to while away an idle hour.
P.G. Wodehouse has long been a panacea for the woes of the world… have we ever needed a new Jeeves and Wooster more?
My take:
I love P. G. Wodehouse and the Jeeves and Wooster stories in particular. So I was immediately drawn to this new story but also went in with a sizeable concern: could it possibly live up to the beloved Wodehouse originals?
The answer is: nearly. I enjoyed Jeeves and the Leap of Faith very much. To be honest, I think the comic combination of Bertie and Jeeves is indestructible and, as with the originals, the story itself is pretty incidental. All the truly important elements are here: the small sly jokes, the witty turns of phrase, Jeeves’ jaw-dropping ability to always see 10 steps ahead, hideous aunts, preposterous friends…
One new element I liked a lot was the appearance of what seems to be a proper love interest for Bertie. And we know she has real potential because Jeeves seems to approve!
Most importantly, it’s funny. Once I got into the story it raised a lot of smiles and the odd snort.
Finally, fans of cryptic crosswords have the bonus of a series of clues littered throughout the narrative and the full puzzle in the endnotes (I’ve never been any good at them – my brain doesn’t work that way!).
Overall: this homage to Wodehouse successfully emulates the master’s wit and lightness of touch. An amusing diversion and ideal escapist read at the moment.
Loved the originals, but this sounds really interesting!
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It was really good and I take my hat off to the author for taking on such a challenge. I’d be far too frightened to attempt to imitate Wodehouse and he does a good job 😊
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I know! Sometimes it just doesn’t work, but when it does it’s an unexpected gift!
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Wonderful review! xx
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Thank you! 😊❤
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I have been meaning to read the originals for ages!
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They’re brilliant 🙂
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