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timevictorious's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
imyerhero's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve recently found that no one can make me laugh with such highbrow British humor like P.G. Wodehouse can. While his stories can sometimes seem (to steal a term from a fellow reviewer) formulaic, they are nevertheless entertaining each time, with characters that delight and plot twists that leave you giggling and groaning with anticipation at what zany fiascoes will pop up next. Nothing is ever quite what it appears or as easy as you hope in the Wodehouse world, and we readers are the better for it.
In this Wodehouse novel, we meet several slightly absurd characters. Firstly are the Pyles. Homer, the American businessman, and his sister Bernadette (or Barney) Clayborne. Barney has just been apprehended for shoplifting, and Homer is wondering if a nice trip to England might not be just what the society pages ordered. Meanwhile, as he has been serving jury duty in London, Jerry West has just fallen in love with the girl of his dreams. The only problem is, he doesn’t know her name and he is also engaged to someone else. Finally, we have Crispin and Willoughby Scrope. The elder of the Scropes (Crispin) is in possession of a large country house and a non-traditional butler named Chippendale, and the younger is in possession of a vast deal of money which the elder envies. Enter all of this a small and valuable miniature painting – “The Girl in Blue” – and you have yourself a story.
This, while not quite as entertaining as the two other Wodehouse novels I’ve read, is still a gem of a book and comes highly recommended for high humor from me, to you.
In this Wodehouse novel, we meet several slightly absurd characters. Firstly are the Pyles. Homer, the American businessman, and his sister Bernadette (or Barney) Clayborne. Barney has just been apprehended for shoplifting, and Homer is wondering if a nice trip to England might not be just what the society pages ordered. Meanwhile, as he has been serving jury duty in London, Jerry West has just fallen in love with the girl of his dreams. The only problem is, he doesn’t know her name and he is also engaged to someone else. Finally, we have Crispin and Willoughby Scrope. The elder of the Scropes (Crispin) is in possession of a large country house and a non-traditional butler named Chippendale, and the younger is in possession of a vast deal of money which the elder envies. Enter all of this a small and valuable miniature painting – “The Girl in Blue” – and you have yourself a story.
This, while not quite as entertaining as the two other Wodehouse novels I’ve read, is still a gem of a book and comes highly recommended for high humor from me, to you.
ralen356's review against another edition
I...don't think I can properly rate this
It was like I was in a British fever dream.
I tried my best to rein in my focus, but I could barely follow along. So sorry, Mr. Wodehouse, but I decided to get to the end as fast as I could, so I could move on, and come back to it another time. I found myself laughing hysterically periodically throughout the book, but I wished I had the context behind the jokes, rather than taking jokes out of context. Still, I had a good time, and I hope to come with a better head space.
It was like I was in a British fever dream.
I tried my best to rein in my focus, but I could barely follow along. So sorry, Mr. Wodehouse, but I decided to get to the end as fast as I could, so I could move on, and come back to it another time. I found myself laughing hysterically periodically throughout the book, but I wished I had the context behind the jokes, rather than taking jokes out of context. Still, I had a good time, and I hope to come with a better head space.
jonathanrobert's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jmballard28's review against another edition
4.0
A delightful joy to read, lots of laughs and wonderful diction. Wodehouse connects all the characters in creative ways and their personalities are well-drawn. Great comedic reading.
rakesh_pedram's review against another edition
4.0
Hilarious as ususal. Read after three decades but still fresh.
pearlkhurana's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
sharonfalduto's review against another edition
3.0
A drawing room comedy, I suppose you would call it, with many plays on words and inventive language. This one concerns a small painting, the fear that someone would steal it, designs to steal it back, and an ancient hall occupied by the poor relation of a rich lawyer brother at the middle of it all.