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roblucasstevens's review
4.0
The advantage that the Jeeves books have is that there is a central point of view in which for all the shenanigans to be seen through. The first Blandings castle takes a minute to get going as the chapters need to build up each characters interest in the events and some are more effective than others. The book especially comes to life during the sections with Joan Valentine and Ashe Marson - with their last pages being especially moving, so it’s a little disappointing if they don’t crop up in the series again
colinlusk's review against another edition
5.0
In a world gone batshit crazy, we need comfort-reading that delivers good, solid, reliable laughs, and PG Wodehouse brings that by the shovelful.
peter_ewing's review
4.0
This is an absolute riot that will appeal to any Jeeves fans, or really to anyone at all.
I looked up when Wodehouse wrote this. 1915 - it was his first farcical novel. What's astonishing about this is the skill with which he develops the plot, building whatever the comic equivalent of suspense is. From quite an early point, you can start to anticipate some of what will happen later. Of course, as one improbability is quietly piled on another, the plot is far from predictable.
It's also a marvellously feminist book for its era, with a resourceful, confident heroine who also remains human.
I looked up when Wodehouse wrote this. 1915 - it was his first farcical novel. What's astonishing about this is the skill with which he develops the plot, building whatever the comic equivalent of suspense is. From quite an early point, you can start to anticipate some of what will happen later. Of course, as one improbability is quietly piled on another, the plot is far from predictable.
It's also a marvellously feminist book for its era, with a resourceful, confident heroine who also remains human.
timtamslam's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nes1572's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
karen_unabridged's review against another edition
4.0
My 2nd Wodehouse of the year (and it's only January 20!). This one is sparkling, silly, sly, and splendid. (Was about to run out of "s" words there...) This is our introduction to Blandings Castle, Lord Emsworth, the Hon Freddie, and so much more. Delightful. This audio version is good (read by Jonathan Cecil) although I did have to increase the speed to x1.25 to help it along. (Lots of deep, ponderous voices and long pauses are not enjoyable in an audio book for me.)
If you need to laugh or take a load off, I prescribe a healthy dose of Wodehouse. Works for me, every time.
If you need to laugh or take a load off, I prescribe a healthy dose of Wodehouse. Works for me, every time.
steg's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
dpkb's review
4.0
This being the first of the Blandings series, I managed to read the second book in this series (Leave it to Psmith) first, so I was already well acquainted with the odd inhabitants of Blandings Castle. Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's the tale of romances, thievery, and of course Lord Emsworth pottering about in his garden.
It's quite nice to see the first appearance of many beloved characters such as Frederick, Beach, and of course Baxter. The plot itself is relatively simple and as with all P.G. Wodehouse, the escapism and funny prose are what really draw you in.
Reading Wodehouse always fills me with joy. Would highly recommend you pick this up if you’re interested in the series.
It's quite nice to see the first appearance of many beloved characters such as Frederick, Beach, and of course Baxter. The plot itself is relatively simple and as with all P.G. Wodehouse, the escapism and funny prose are what really draw you in.
Reading Wodehouse always fills me with joy. Would highly recommend you pick this up if you’re interested in the series.
dunnettreader's review
4.0
Really 3.5 stars. This is the first of the books featuring Lord Emsworth and Blandings Castle. There is no Empress of Blandings in this one. This book was originally written in 1915, but there is no hint of war or desolation on the horizon of Wodehouse's world.
When the absent-minded Lord Emsworth pockets the valuable Egyptian scarab belonging to the future father-in-law of his son, the Hon. Freddie Threepwood, elaborate schemes are set in motion to recover the precious item. A dyspeptic butler, a nosy secretary, two desperately poor writers, and a shady acquaintance who is not averse to using blackmail all converge on Blandings Castle and disrupt the peace of Lord Emsworth.
This book falls short of the comic genius of the later novels, but the bones of Wodehouse's style can be observed. It reads like Gosford Park or Downton Abbey played as a farce.
When the absent-minded Lord Emsworth pockets the valuable Egyptian scarab belonging to the future father-in-law of his son, the Hon. Freddie Threepwood, elaborate schemes are set in motion to recover the precious item. A dyspeptic butler, a nosy secretary, two desperately poor writers, and a shady acquaintance who is not averse to using blackmail all converge on Blandings Castle and disrupt the peace of Lord Emsworth.
This book falls short of the comic genius of the later novels, but the bones of Wodehouse's style can be observed. It reads like Gosford Park or Downton Abbey played as a farce.