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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
Something Fresh, first instalment of the Blandings series, is a brilliant comedy. Once again, Wodehouse succeeds in juggling with several convoluted plot threads to great entertainment. It is truly amazing how he doesn't get entangled!!
Lord Emsworth, the forgetful and kleptomaniac earl of Blandings Castle, has appropriated himself of the prized possession of a wealthy American collector, who happens to be the father of his youngest son's fiancee. One can only imagine the ire of the hypochondriac magnate who will do anything to get his scarab back, even to the extend of employing someone to steal it back. Add to this a romance or two, blackmailing, a detective writer, a secretary with bulldog tendencies, and a butler with a troubled stomach. Life is anything but quiet at Blandings, especially in the middle of the night!!!
Although this novel was published in 1915 and shows a social world that doesn't exist anymore, Wodehouse is still a brilliant read today due to his colourful characters (all larger than life and yet believable), witty dialogue, and scene staging. The resulting book is not only extremely entertaining but also very cinematographic. I often had the impression of seeing a film while reading it :0)
Lord Emsworth, the forgetful and kleptomaniac earl of Blandings Castle, has appropriated himself of the prized possession of a wealthy American collector, who happens to be the father of his youngest son's fiancee. One can only imagine the ire of the hypochondriac magnate who will do anything to get his scarab back, even to the extend of employing someone to steal it back. Add to this a romance or two, blackmailing, a detective writer, a secretary with bulldog tendencies, and a butler with a troubled stomach. Life is anything but quiet at Blandings, especially in the middle of the night!!!
Although this novel was published in 1915 and shows a social world that doesn't exist anymore, Wodehouse is still a brilliant read today due to his colourful characters (all larger than life and yet believable), witty dialogue, and scene staging. The resulting book is not only extremely entertaining but also very cinematographic. I often had the impression of seeing a film while reading it :0)
This seemed better than other Wodehouse books I have read (until the cheesy ending) although I am sure I've come across this plot in Jeeves and Wooster stories more than once. (Cow creamer, anyone?) I think perhaps the protagonists, Joan and Ashe, are a little more relatable than the average Wodehousian character: more middle-class and with somewhat more modern attitudes. I understand that they do not make a reappearance in later novels. Too bad.
I enjoyed the wry examination of the preoccupation with status that we are given to believe (not just from Wodehouse) was characteristic of servants of this period. Funny, but sadly still relevant: the more impecunious squabble amongst themselves and allow the plutocrats to screw them every which way.
There is a meta aspect to the story that may have been ahead of its time(?), relating to the fact that a protagonist is a writer of detective novels and has found himself in the middle of a heist/mystery... and the answer comes to him with just as much unlikely, formulaic ease as it always does for the hero of his own novels. Wodehouse poking fun at himself? Who knows.
I enjoyed the wry examination of the preoccupation with status that we are given to believe (not just from Wodehouse) was characteristic of servants of this period. Funny, but sadly still relevant: the more impecunious squabble amongst themselves and allow the plutocrats to screw them every which way.
There is a meta aspect to the story that may have been ahead of its time(?), relating to the fact that a protagonist is a writer of detective novels and has found himself in the middle of a heist/mystery... and the answer comes to him with just as much unlikely, formulaic ease as it always does for the hero of his own novels. Wodehouse poking fun at himself? Who knows.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I've only read three of his books, and am in the middle of a short story collection; and this has been my favorite one yet. I would love to discover that it had been turned into a play or movie.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not the best Wodehouse. This is some of his earlier work and it shows. Too many characters, some humor, but nearly silly enough. Still has the same basic framework of all of his greats and boy how this man can write!