For a genius is born one among a millions. For a masterpiece is created once in ages. And a masterpiece is not a masterpiece if it is not celebrated. Yes that is my excuse for buying a new copy of Leave It to Psmith (the first one still being intact).
There are not too many books that I would read more than once let alone procure multiple copies of; primarily because of the endless 'to-read' list and the serious shortage of time these days. But I would not mind making an exception for Leave It to Psmith. It is one of my favourite Wodehouse books. I think it would tie with Ring for Jeeves. It is okay, I am not picking. I am really bad at it anyway.
So coming back to the Old Etonian Rupert Psmith, dapper, eloquent, Leftist and charmer with a flair for words. The title in question is the best amongst the ones where Psmith makes an appearance. Not a mainstream Wodehouse character, yet one you cannot help but fall in love with. Amidst the typical Wodehouse setting - millions of characters, numerous parallel stories, various schemes and plots which eventually converge neatly into one grand finale - Psmith keeps the spotlight exclusively on him all through, and justifiably so. For a character like Psmith comes straight from the house of the lord - no pun intended!
Right from why is his name spelled with a 'P' to his acute hatred for fish, there is an interesting tale in every aspect of Psmith's being. He comes with his own kitty of whims and is rather spontaneous - falling in love, taking rowing trips on the lake or hurling flower pots, he does it all! But that is not all that Psmith is about. He is this slender monocled whimsical sharp guy who I have admired since I was a teen and do not see any reason why that is ever going to change. Wodehouse has crafted Psmith with the devotion of an accomplished artiste and given the world a diamond. And like a diamond Psmith, too, will last forever.
#JustMusing
