The Inimitable Jeeves: For someone like me, to review the work of an author who has been credited for being ‘The funniest writer ever to put words to paper’ is like cracking a racist joke in front of Russel Peters (Been watching a lot of him lately). Therefore, this post is an attempt to articulate the novelty of the my reading experience. An experience which feels carefully crafted by the master in every single page of this book.
The ‘Inimitable Jeeves’ is my first PG Wodehouse book and now I wonder why I waited so long to experience the obnoxious yet subtle peculiarity of the British humour.
Characters:
The story revolves around Mr. Bertie Wooster, his childhood friend Little Bingo and Jeeves (Mr. Wooster’s valet). Mr. Wooster is a rich Englishman who has a strong affinity towards leading a tremendously simple life. He prefers waking up early afternoons and keeping the day free for reflective observations! And occasionally, for hopping into a club for intellectual discussions over a few drinks. Overburdened with this simple lifestyle, he responds terribly to any social contracts, responsibilities or any other activities unrelated to his lifestyle. Little Bingo, his friend, is more of the adventurous sort. He has a knack of plugging himself into well, complex situations. He neither knows why and how he got into those. Nor does he know how to get out of them. Interestingly, every woman he comes across, like gravity, makes him fall, in love.
He has a steady income in the form of stipend he receives from his uncle. The continuity of which is inversely proportional to the steady turbulence in his rocky relationship with his uncle. The close camaraderie between Little Bingo & Bertie. This implies that Little Bingo’s problems are Bertie’s problems. And Bertie is capable of solving none of those or his own. This is where Jeeves steps in! An intelligent and a resourceful man who knows, says and does the most appropriate things at the perfect time. Surprisingly, he manages to bail out Little Bingo and Bertie out of their clutter, all the time!
Jeeves is a master in the art of alluring persuasion. Like the times he makes Mr. Bertie sheepishly come around after the latter stubbornly decides to roam around the town wearing purple socks, much to Jeeves chagrin. It’s no wonder the book is titled after his name.
Recommendation
All the 18 chapters are small connected stories with a common theme. Either Mr. Bertie or Little Bingo or both landing themselves in a soup and Jeeves bailing them out with finesse. The crafty play of words keeps you hooked and pace makes you devour huge portions of it in each go. The humour is not just sprinkled but is carefully rooted into the plot, characters and their interactions. You will laugh your way through this leisure read with you so much pleasure. Happy Reading!
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I am extraordinarily affected beside your writing talents, Thanks for this nice share.
You are too kind. Thank you 🙂