In Review

08 January 2009 18:56 BST

Carry On Jeeves by PG Wodehouse

Arrow Books, out now.

In a nutshell...

Wealthy, healthy and thick Bertram Wooster travels the world, falling into troubles which his masterful but diplomatic valet Jeeves extracts him from.

What's it all about?

It is a series of short but sweet tales, gently and never maliciously mocking the upper classes by portraying the world through the eyes of its hero Wooster.

Who's it by?

PG Wodehouse – without a doubt one of the funniest British writers ever.

As an example...

"There was Jeeves, standing behind me, full of zeal. In this manner of shimmering into rooms the man is rummy to a degree ... He moves from point to point with as little uproar as a jellyfish."

Likelihood of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster

The series has already been turned into films, plays, TV shows, musicals and radio programmes but the Hollywood treatment would no doubt involve some precocious US kiddy and destroy all the book's quiet charm.

What the others say

"You don't analyse such sunlit perfection, you just bask in its warmth and splendour." - Stephen Fry

So is it any good?

To be perfectly frank, there could not be a jollier book for summer than the adventures of good old Bertie Wooster and his gentleman's gentleman Jeeves. Each chapter is a short story, meaning it is as gentle on the old grey matter as it is brilliantly, brilliantly funny. It is perfect for wiling away half an hour before Pimms on the lawn or for a quick chuckle before bed.

Each tale is comfortably similar; Betram will fall into some devilish scrape, from which escape seems impossible and the wrath of his Aunt Agatha inevitable, and then the seemingly omniscient Jeeves will carefully extract him, usually having already anticipated the bally old problem from the start. Smart chap, Jeeves.

Despite the gentleness of the comedy, Bertie's good-humoured account of life dependent upon Jeeves builds anticipation, intrigue and excitement. The reader can just never believe that Jeeves will succeed in rescuing his master from the various escapades into which he tumbles – social solecisms, managing females and hangovers to name but a few. Wooster, you see, has rather less brain than the average chap, as he is the first to admit, but he is thoroughly good natured and likable; leaving the reader unable to relinquish the tome until they are sure he is safe. Fortunately, Jeeves never fails, often coming to the rescue in a rummy deus ex machina manner.

Some of the finest tales in the whole book, however, result from the partnership breaking down. Bertie rather fancies himself as a trend setter and will occasionally adopt a rather splendid moustache or daring new striped blazer. Ever the perfect servant, Jeeves never openly criticises such cranium choices or apparel, he merely fails to exert his extraordinary mental capacity on Wooster's behalf, a course of action designed to lead to swift penitence and amends from his foppish master.

To summarise; Jeeves can only give satisfaction and it is with no hesitation that I recommend him to your employ. His sparkling wit, genial manner and undeniable genius make him a very pleasant companion for a space. This is a brilliant book.

10/10

Felicity King-Evans