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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Final Visit from Jeeves and Bertie, July 12, 2009
This review is from: Aunts Aren't Gentlemen (Hardcover)
Aunts Aren't Gentlemen is P.G. Wodehouse's very last story about Bertie Wooster and his stoically brilliant gentleman's personal gentleman, Jeeves. In fact, when the original book, under the title "The Catnappers," was published in the USA in 1975, the cover noted that the author had very recently "died in his sleep." He was 93 and never retired from writing his non-scathing satire of the British leisure class.
This gentle book opens with a fairly jarring scene as Bertie, motoring to a Dr. Murgatroyd to have a suspicious rash diagnosed, finds himself trapped in a near-riotous demonstration -- this is the 70's, you know -- and thus begins the set-up of the complications that will ensue as Bertie makes his way to a vacation spot to cure the spots.
Things settle down, a complicated but easy to follow plot unfolds, Jeeves ties up the many loose ends, and there are laughs aplenty as comeupances come up and young (though less attractive than usual) love triumphs.
As the final appearance of Jeeves and Bertie makes this a bittersweet but historic volume, I give it 5 stars. It would otherwise have gotten 4 since characterizations are not Wodehouse strong, and a little laziness creeps into the narrative in spots.
This novel was published almost simultaneously with the terrific BBC TV series Jeeves and Wooster starring the fabulous team of Hugh Laurie (now Dr. House!) and Stephen Fry (see him in 2009's "Bones"). The book hit No. 1 in England and was popular in the US as well. It stands as a lovely memorial to an inspired fictional creation by the inspiring P.G. Wodehouse. Your Voice Is Your Business
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Typical Wodehouse Greatness, March 24, 2010
This review is from: Aunts Aren't Gentlemen (Hardcover)
This, the last Jeeves and Wooster tale, is a worthy swan song for Wodehouse's most famous characters. Also published as "The Cat-Nappers", the story revolves around Aunt Dahlia's plan to nobble a racehorse by kidnapping its feline companion. A forgetful African explorer and an unwelcome engagement further complicate Bertie's world just when his doctor urges him to adopt a more simple and relaxed lifestyle.
This is the one Jeeves story I hadn't read and I've really been looking forward to getting my hands on this book. I wasn't disappointed. While it's not an indisputable masterpiece like "The Code of the Woosters" or "Joy in the Morning", it kept me giggling all evening.
I know I say it in all my Wodehouse reviews, but if you are looking for smart humor and clever word play, look no farther than the Collectors Wodehouse series. Pelham Grenville Wodehouse is the master of English comedic literature.
4.5 stars.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Breaking the boundaries of silliness, February 9, 2010
One morning Bertie Wooster wakes up to find himself covered with pink spots. His valet Jeeves advices him to go immediately to a doctor. Not being a person that ignores good advice Bertie catches a cab and gets on his way to Doctor E. Jimpson Murgatroyd. Suddenly his car gets invaded by the notorious Orlo Porter. Luckily Porter does not immediately recognise Bertie, because if he would, the day would not turn out that well. When his doctor advises Bertie to take a break and leave for the countryside, an adventure starts where Porter and an illustrious cat will play a major role.
P.G. Wodehouse is known for his bizarre characters that are put in crazy situations. Aunts Aren't Gentlemen is certainly no exception to this. This book is the last one where Bertie Wooster and his faithful valet Jeeves play the main parts. Although the story itself almost breaks the boundaries of acceptable silliness, it gives cause to some quite entertaining confrontations. Of course Bertie gets tricked into doing things he was not intending on doing, but always seems able to make the best of it. Jeeves' actions are not that pronounced this time, although his few interventions are hilarious. And if you ever want to know why cats can make you win horse races, then this is the book to read.
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