Who Would Like This Book:
Looking for a dose of British wit and lighthearted escapism? 'My Man Jeeves' serves up exactly that. Wodehouse's comic brilliance shines in these stories of the bumbling yet lovable Bertie Wooster and his ingenious valet, Jeeves. The banter is sharp, the scrapes are ridiculous, and the language simply sparkles - perfect for fans of clever dialogue, vintage British settings, and sitcom-style comedy. If you’re a fan of classic humor, cozy mysteries (minus the crime), or just want a book that consistently lifts your mood, this one’s a treat.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re not into repetitive story formulas or have little patience for the foibles of the idle rich, this collection might not be your cup of tea. Some readers didn’t love that only half the stories feature Jeeves and Wooster, with the others starring a similar - but less charming - character, Reggie Pepper. Others found the British slang and early 20th-century references a bit much, or wished the humor packed more of a punch. If you prefer intricate plots, modern settings, or character growth, you might find these lighthearted shenanigans a little old-fashioned or slight.
About:
'My Man Jeeves' by P.G. Wodehouse is a collection of short stories featuring the amusing adventures of Bertie Wooster and his quick-witted valet, Jeeves. The book also includes stories about Reggie Pepper, a character similar to Bertie, known for getting into comical predicaments. Set in the early 20th century, the tales showcase British humor, social comedy, and the clever problem-solving skills of Jeeves, providing readers with light-hearted and entertaining narratives.
The book offers a mix of stories, some focusing on the dynamic duo of Jeeves and Wooster, while others feature Reggie Pepper and his misadventures. Readers can expect humorous situations, witty dialogues, and clever plot twists throughout the collection. Written in a light and engaging style, 'My Man Jeeves' provides a glimpse into the world of the idle rich, filled with laugh-out-loud moments and enjoyable escapades.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
From The Publisher:
My Man Jeeves is a collection of short stories by P. G. Wodehouse, first published in the UK in May 1919. Of the eight stories in the collection, half feature the popular characters Jeeves and Bertie Wooster, while the others concern Reggie Pepper, an early prototype for Wooster.
Ratings (67)
Incredible (13) | |
Loved It (33) | |
Liked It (15) | |
It Was OK (3) | |
Did Not Like (3) |
Reader Stats (153):
Read It (70) | |
Want To Read (28) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (54) |
4 comment(s)
This book was plain fun. I read it as an audiobook during a slow period at work and kept struggling not to laugh out loud.
4 stars
RTC
Happy Reading!!
So cleverly written
“What ho!” I said.
“What ho!” said Motty.
“What ho! What ho!”
“What ho! What ho! What ho!”
My rating may in large part be a case of “it’s not you, it’s me,” because I don’t especially care for short story collections, and I was unaware that
My Man Jeeves is exactly that. (In hindsight I wish I’d done my usual and rated each story separately to average them out, but I didn’t realize what as happening until several stories in.) Not only is there no throughline, but fully half of the stories don’t even involve Jeeves himself: they instead focus on an American character named Reggie Pepper, who is basically a slightly more obnoxious, childish, and petulant version of Bertie Wooster—but just as stupid, just as lazy, and just as rich.
Occasionally Wodehouse did make me laugh out loud, but as a whole I just didn’t get on with his style of humor. He relies heavily on the slang of the time to add flavor, but it just felt overdone and not that funny. I didn’t really care about the characters, and while some of the plots were entertaining (“Doing Clarence a Bit of Good” was the highlight for me) I was generally unengaged.
In short,
My Man Jeeves felt like a slog. I’d be tempted to chalk it up to an apparent dislike of humor as a genre, except I absolutely adore Jerome K. Jerome’s hilarious
Three Men in a Boat (which itself is so episodic that it’s
almost a short story collection itself).
Much as I wanted to love Wodehouse, I don’t think he’s for me.
What can you read after
My Man Jeeves?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
