Right Ho, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When a novel causes me to laugh out loud, I am a happy reader. When I am rereading a novel and yet again laugh out loud, that is a rare blessing. “Right Ho, Jeeves” by PG Wodehouse is a laugh-out-loud novel; there is no doubt. To my funny bone, this is one of the best in the Jeeves and Wooster series. It is the second full-length Jeeves and Wooster, although in modern editions it is billed as Jeeves #6. This is due to collections of Jeeves short stories that have been squashed into other editions. “Right Ho, Jeeves” was published in full-length novel form in 1934.

For this tale, Wodehouse assembles a tip-top assortment of goofy characters. There is the brainy Jeeves, of course, and his not-so-bright gentleman Bertie Wooster. The novel introduces the new characters of Gussie Fink-Nottle, the newt fancier, and Madeline Bassett. We also become acquainted with Bertie’s friend Tuppy Glossop, and cousin Angela Travers. The action centers around Brinkley Court, a magnificent old English Manor that is home to the formidable Aunt Dahlia. Rounding out the cast is Dahlia’s French chef, the renowned Anatole.

Bertie Wooster, our bumbling hero, descends on Brinkley Manor like a bomb-load of buffoonery. He is miffed at Jeeves and decides he, Bertie, can by himself sort out the many problems cropping up amongst the denizens of Brinkley. Eschewing the help of Jeeves’ mighty, fish-powered brain, Bertie proceeds to muck everything up to a degree that is quite complicated and hilarious. Jeeves, of course, saves it all in the end.

In between the mucking up and salvation by Jeeves, there is a rollicking good show of silliness and misunderstanding. There are broken engagements, engagements to the wrong people, and a drunken newt-fancier lambasting a headmaster. Say no more, for we tread into the realm of plot spoiler. It is a romp, that is what it is. If a reader fails to laugh out loud at some point during the reading of this novel, they should perhaps seek the opinion of a medical professional as to whether they are still amongst the living.

On a more general note, there are unlooked for benefits to reading PG Wodehouse’s novels. One may notice a change in ones speech pattern. A reader may find him or herself exclaiming “What Ho!” or “I say!” One may find oneself writing text messages using full sentences complete with proper punctuation. Or one may simple find oneself saying “One” with annoying frequency.

There is simply no down-side to this lovely and funny novel. If a reader needs to settle in, take a break, and let the world spin on its own for a bit, this is just the thing. Or, better yet, read this novel on the bus or train you take for your morning commute. When someone laughs aloud on a public conveyance, it makes the other riders nervous. The clever reader can laugh away in public, knowing that they have the good and those other poor blokes do not.

Until next time, happy reading!

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