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:

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.

---

Claire Huston / Art and Soul