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Who would think that an eighteenth-century silver cow creamer could cause so much trouble? Uncle Tom wants it, Sir Watkyn Bassett has it, and Aunt Dahlia is blackmailing Bertie to steal it. With relations between Bertie and Sir Watkyn being far from cordial (ever since the Boat Race night, when Sir Watkyn fined the young Wooster five pounds for pinching a policeman's helmet), the situation looks tricky. Arriving at Totleigh Towers, Sir Watkyn's country seat, matters get progressively worse. The nightmare crew includes not only that fierce old magistrate but his right-hand man, the frightful Roderick Spode. Add to that Madeline Bassett, Gussie Fink-Nottle, Stiffy Byng, and Harold 'Stinker' Pinker and there's only one thing to say: 'What ho, Jeeves!'.… (more)
User reviews
Many of the old favourite characters make an appearance with Aunt Dahlia as
Roderick Spode is an interesting character as he represents almost the only instance of Wodehouse indulging in political satire. Spode is an aspiring politician and is clearly modelled on Sir Oswald Mosley, leading a far-right group called 'The Saviours of Britain' who roam the streets wearing black shorts (yes, shorts rather than shirts, because, as Gussie Fink-Nottle explains to Bertie, 'by the time Spode formed his association, there were no shirts left'. He does, however, have a dark, zealously-guarded secret which will become central to the plot. He has also worshipped Madeleine and has sworn to punish anyone who in any way mars her happiness.
There are some classic set pieces here, on a par with Gussie's speech to the Market Snodsbury school from Right Ho, Jeeves, including bertie's first encounter with Sir Watkyn Bassett and Spode in an antique shop in the Brompton Road and Constable Oates's misadventure while cycling unaware of Bartholomew's proximity.
As is always the case with Wodehouse's novels, and particularly the adventures of Bertie and Jeeves, the plot is sinuous to the point of defeating summary. Suffice it to say that it revolves around a hideous silver cow creamer! The numerous twists are deftly managed, and all of the loose ends are resolved in full.
Pure entertainment from start to finish.
*Making any criticism of Woodehouse brings to mind A.A. Milne's caution to readers of Wind in the Willows: "don't be so ridiculous as to suppose that you are sitting in judgment on my taste, or on the art of Kenneth Grahame. You are merely sitting in judgment on yourself. You may be worthy: I don't know, But it is you who are on trial." To oppose Wodehouse in any serious way is literally to oppose the right order of the heavens.
This story is a wonderfully convoluted plot in which
But as usual, there's so much more to the plot than just that. Stiffy Byngs, Aunt Dahlia, Roderick Spode, Sir Watkin Bassett, and several other great characters also have a lot to do in pursuit of matrimony, leather-covered notebooks, and silver cow creamers. Wodehouse uses each person's distinct personality and motives to press his finger firmly on the funny-bone, and the result is merciless hilarity.
Jonathan Cecil narrates this edition, and a fine job he does of it. His different voices for all the characters are excellent. He switches between them so effortlessly in the quick dialogue. His voice is smooth, his accent is perfect, and he has a great feel for comic timing and delivery.
I listened to this while driving home from work for the past two weeks, and it was a rare day that did not find me laughing aloud as I drove. I'm sure it looked a bit odd to my fellow motorists, but when Wodehouse is really tightening the vise you have no choice. Laughter will out. This is highly recommended!
If someone told me how hilarious The Code of the Woosters was I wouldn’t have believed them with a bat of an eyelash. As someone who doesn’t laugh very easily I’m surprised by the countless of guffaws and snorts I let out as I made my way through this charming
Bertram Wooster and Jeeves are able to solve every problem that comes their way and problems come their way non-stop. I couldn't help but think of Fawlty Towers and Basil Fawlty. I'm pretty sure John Cleese must have read a bunch of Wodehouse. In fact I'd bet something of no value to me that Cleese was a huge Wodehouse fan... something of no value to me not because I don't feel strongly about the Cleese/Wodehouse connection but because I'm a lousy gambler.
It's a story about a cow-creamer, police hats, the formation and break-ups and reformations of marriages, and the enjoyment of a good brandy.
I l. until I c., inside my head that is.
My first Wodehouse. It will not be my last.
Childe
A steady reading diet of Wodehouse, I imagine, would be like working through five pounds of boxed chocolates. Wonderful in the beginning but sick making by the second tier.
As expected, Bertie Wooster is drawn into mishaps and mayhem by friends and an aunt. Luckily, Jeeves is around to suggest ways out of one amusing (for the reader) scrape after another.
Of the entertaining cast of characters, Madeline Basset is my favourite.
A rather good read, dash it.
I don't ever remember watching Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry as these
If you enjoy inventive similes, this will raise your spirits.