A few months ago, when a friend asked me if I wanted books by P. G. Wodehouse, I had no clue who she was talking about. She showed me the book covers, with cartoon images, and I assumed they were for kids. So, I asked her to give me the whole series (for my daughter), but then she decided that I could probably start with 3 of them at first. It proved to be a wise decision to agree with her on that.
My 8-year-old daughter took around a week to get down to reading the first book and then she decided, after a few days, that she wasn’t interested in the story. We kept them aside so I could have a look before returning them. Due to my book review submissions, I thought of skipping the read and returning the books immediately, but the curious bookworm in me did not let that happen. Finally, after a month of borrowing the books, I began reading them. Only then, I understood why my 8-year-old, though an avid reader, refused to read them and why I suddenly came across these books. God knew that I would LOVE THEM!
Now, while reading the 6th book, I totally recommend that you read books & stories written by P. G. Wodehouse aka Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse, due to the following reasons:
I love books with well-written English grammar. It was a little difficult to adjust myself to English written the old way, so, I took a while to finish the first book. But soon I got used to the language and loved it in the end. Wodehouse’s work includes old English words that you may or may not have heard during this lifetime and it is always good to learn something new. His novels are filled with short stories and creative writing. In case you have read a book that has tainted your vocabulary, do get yourself a Wodehouse book to refresh your brain. Also, trust me, if you are a grammar nerd, a P. G. Wodehouse novel is something that will surely bring sunshine into your life.
After you get through the first few pages, you will get hooked. Though you may guess what the end could be all about, you will want to know about the turn of events before that. The stories are not mysteries but more about life and its complications. And, when bad things befall the bad guys, who wouldn’t feel good about such endings?
I love the wit used in almost every book that I have read. One of the lines is below:
“He was a Frenchman, a melancholy-looking man. He had the appearance of one who has searched for the leak in life’s gas pipe with a lighted candle.” Doesn’t this line make you stop, imagine, empathize with the Frenchman and also laugh? His books are filled with such witty comparisons.
Wodehouse is loved for his impeccable sense of humour. When I read his books, I wonder what his state of mind was to so easily write comedy on every page. The plots are quite simple and silly, but his writing will give you pure joy. It gives one immense pleasure to read about the sunny side of life that he portrays. His world is quite old-fashioned with judgemental women in hats and wealthy men getting into trouble.
“Wodehouse seemed to be more effective at warding off despair than the antidepressants that I was taking” – says Jay McInerney, American novelist, screenwriter, editor, and columnist.
I quite like the references, to the Bible and the works of Shakespeare, so blatant in his stories. He has mentioned Sherlock Holmes in his book ‘Ring for Jeeves’, too. The unique locations in Wodehouse books are also quite intriguing. Some of them are Rowcester Abbey (pronounced roast-er), Tilbury house, Valley Fields, etc.
Besides an adult, I think a 12 or 13-year-old would surely enjoy his books, but a high schooler is more likely to understand and appreciate the splendid work by this amazing English author.
Tip – When you sit with a book by Wodehouse, keep the following options handy – Oxford Dictionary, dictionary.com, Wikipedia.com or just Google.com.
Have you read a book by Wodehouse? What are your views?
I’m taking my blog to the next level with
Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa.
Feature image courtesy https://www.blendspace.com/
22 Comments
Wow haven’t read his books but would love to grab my copies. With humour learning great lessons is like icing on the cake.
I have not read any of the books, but shall try one as the witty humor is hard to pen and would like to read books with humor plus positive and happy endings
Do try them, MeenalSonal. Some are on the Juggernaut App.
I haven’t read nor heard about any book by PG Wodehouse, but your review about it, especially the tadka of witty sense of humor on every page, really pushes me to grab it soon for my son and me. I am certainly going to check this out by the next month.
Let me know how you felt reading them.
I loooooove Wodehouse!! He is the most surefire way of cheering myself up when I’m feeling down. The only author to date who has had me in absolute “rolling-on-the-floor” splits of laughter!
Haven’t read any of the Wodehouse book yet. But the details and the recommendation seems quite interesting
PG Wodehouse is a class apart and I think anyone who appreciates wit and humor will love his books. I have read almost all of the books from the Jeeves and Wooster series !
Wow, Preeti, that’s wonderful.
I did not heard about pg wodehouse publication before but your reasons has made me curious enough to explore this more. I also like positive endings and witty metaphor . and yes, having a good edit and grammar is must, otherwise it gives a bad taste ( I mean not so good reader experience) in the end.
Grew up with Wodehouse and we had several reading groups as well. Once a Wodehouse fan always a fan. Agreed his books are a tad difficult to decipher but once you get the hang of it, they are fun.
I haven’t read any of Wodehouse books. But I understand what you said about the writing style. We are not used to of it anymore. But good to read something new and learn new things.
Spot on. Besides, he imparts lessons in health, well being, theology, zoology, botany, management and spirituality (to name a few). The sweetness and light he spreads is unique! Several blog posts related to him can be found under the category “What ho!’ on my blog site.
Really? Wow! I just read like a normal person! No idea bout zoology and all but when you mentioned it, I can surely recall health and well-being related lessons…
Do we need a reason? But this post is excellent for those who have not been introduced to Wodehouse yet. Your post makes me want to dig into my collection again.
Some do need a reason to read first. Hehehe!
I so agree when you said lost touch by how the old books are written. would take a bit to read them but would love to experience it.
I haven’t read any of those books, but the metaphor is tellin me to try,I will do it soon. THANKS
Can’t deny that Wodehouse’s work has a special charm to it!
Wodehouse is timeless…
Agree!
Thanks for the suggestions and I could so relate as my son reads Harry Potter books with a dictionary and Google by his side searching for meanings to words he doesn’t understand