Wodehouse, P.G. (1976) Jeeves, Jeeves, Jeeves: Three Novels. NY: Avon Books, 585 pages.
How Right You Are, Jeeves
Bertie goes to visit his beloved Aunt Dahlia and immediately becomes embroiled in a crazy plot to break an incipient engagement, save another, steal a cow creamer (again) and prove that someone other than himself is insane. And, worst of all, Jeeves is on vacation.
Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves
When the universe seems to be sending Bertie messages warning him away from Totleigh Towers, residence of the dreaded Sir Watkyn Bassett and his soppy daughter, Madeline, he is adamant on heeding them – that is, until he hears of a rift in the lute between said Madeline and her beau, Gussie Fink-Nottle. Knowing that he’s next in line for Madeline’s undesired hand should Gussie bow out, Bertie goes forth to save their relationship. But can even Jeeves do anything in the face of forced vegetarianism?
Jeeves and the Tie that Binds
Finally, Madeline is fated to be married to someone other than Bertie. But Bertie has to get closer to her wedding than he wants to when he visits Market Snodsbury to help his friend win an election – and the hand of Florence Craye. Thievery, drugging, bribery, and other antics ensue.
It’s always interesting to read Wodehouse. The books are funny and crazy and – well, really funny. On the other hand, most of the embedded criticism of British class issues during the 1920s go right over my head. Or rather, even if I notice it, I don’t have to read the books that way – there’s a huge gap between the author’s intended reading and my reading of the books, most likely due to the fact that I’m from a different generation, culture and nation than the author. For instance, my eyebrow goes waaaaaay up when Bertie starts talking about being “one of nature’s bachelors” or how one of his friends is “Damon to his Pythias.” Is this intentional? Probably not. Does it matter? Depends on your pet brand of literary theory.
Putting that aside, however, there is the fact that reading Wodehouse never fails to make me grin like an idiot. The unique writing style that he perfected in this series had a huge impact on modern narration, and his sarcastic humor left traces all over the map.
If you liked these books: Why not watch the BBC series starring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry? Or, for a Japanese take on a hero trying to dodge multiple engagements, try Ranma 1/2.
