Blandings: TV Tie-In by P.G. Wodehouse

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blandings is a compilation of five short stories and one novella of and about Lord Emsworth, thus set in Blandings Castle. The collection is a result of the six-part adaptation of P G Wodehouse's Bladings series by Guy Andrews. This series was aired on BBC in 2013 as Season 1. Another seven-part adaptation was aired in 2014 as Season 2. I have not watched either, and so will limit my review to the book I have just read.

A myriad of characters appear in the stories - Lord Emsworth and his prized sow the Empress of Blandings being the perpetual recurring ones. Sisters, sons, brothers, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, butlers, constables, secretaries, imposters - the compendium has them all. Wodehouse takes you through the excitement in the seemingly mundane routine of Blandings Castle. A lot has been said about Wodehouse's skill with the written word and storytelling, not to mention the side splitting sense of humour - justifiably so - and this book is yet another testimony to those attributes.

Wodehouse's stories leave me with a sense that all is well a the end, and an unconscious smile - quite literally. I thoroughly enjoyed the collection. Some of them have featured earlier in Lord Emsworth and Others. I had read Crime Wave at Blandings before but gave it a re-read neverthless, for the humour and build up. Rupert Baxter appears in this story and his set right by Lord Emsworth. Pig-hoo-o-o-oey! is a feel good story, revolving around the rotund Empress and Lord Emsworth's devotion to her. Lord Emsworth and the Girl shows us the tender and stern sides of Lord Emsworth. I had not read this before and was a sweet discovery. This is the best feel good story amongst the lot for me. Company for Gertrude spins yarn in Wodehouse's favourite fashion - laying out an imbroglio and then rearranging everything perfectly. The Go-Getter features the incorrigible Hon. Freddie Threepwood who in his efforts to touch one of his aunts for a fortune ends up in unfortunate situations himself. For once he is not getting on to his father's nerves. It was good to have Freddie in the surroundings. The novella - Galahad at Blandings - is a stand out feature of the book. A quick read and classic Wodehouse. If you know what I mean.

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Leave Psmith to Me

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

Do Butlers Burgle Banks? by P.G. Wodehouse

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Do Butlers Burgle Banks is a stand alone narrative - not being a part of any of Wodehouse's series. The style of narration is the author's typical - flawless language and inimitable humour - and is a quick read. The story unfolds in the manner of a blooming flower and unravels rapidly thereon. The characters were crafted meticulously as was the author's wont. The plot gradually lands into a hilarious imbroglio as the story reaches a crescendo, taking the reader along all the way. The style is Wodehouse's classic, the story telling is what we're used to from the author, but beats me how it still stands out. Has to be the genius. If you're a Wodehouse fan you'll love it; if you're not a Wodehouse fan, well, become one!

Not Wodehouse's best, but a pleasant read. Recommended.

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