363. Thank You, Jeeves

Thank You, Jeeves
P.G. Wodehouse
1934
Around 230 pages

It feels a bit twisted to adore a book that uses blackface as a major plot point, even if we do try to put ourselves in the mindset of a white British guy from the 1930s. But damn, is Wodehouse charming and disarming. But it's a weird choice from the Listmakers, who could have simply chosen a different Bertie Wooster adventure. I guess they didn't want us to get too charmed.

Jeeves the valet is fed up with his boss's Bertie Wooster relentless playing of the banjo ukulele, so he leaves his service to work for Lord Chuffnell, one of Bertie's old friends. Bertie travels to one of old Chuffy's cottages in Somersetshire to practice his instrument without being bothered by people with ears. Chuffy hopes to sell his rundown manor to J.Washburn Stoker. He is also in love with Pauline, Stoker's daughter and Bertie's former fiancee. Chuffy wants Bertie's blessing to propose to Pauline. Misunderstandings ensue.

Bertie and Jeeves are fascinating characters. On the one hand, you have Bertie, who is the epitome of the man that fears marriage above all else, and hilariously lampoons the British lords we keep hearing about. On the other hand, we have Jeeves, whose influence cannot be minimized (where would we be without Ask Jeeves?). They are almost Shakespearean in their banter, and I loved it.

Wodehouse's mastery of language is clear in the way he plays with his words and puns. An excellent break from the more serious novels on the List, even if the race stuff is handled in a 1934 way.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Blackface performances were popular at the time Wodehouse was writing this novel. At the time, Al Jolson, Bing Crosby and Shirley Temple were among the many actors who performed in blackface. Ick.

UP NEXT: Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald. My favorite Fitzgerald.