I’m usually not a fan of short stories, but My Man Jeeves hit the spot after my long and arduous trek through Gone with the Wind. I was first introduced to Jeeves and Wooster a few years ago when I read Jeeves and the Tie That Binds, so I knew something of what I was getting into. It turns out that I think the short story is the perfect vehicle by which to enjoy the antics of Bertie Wooster and his cadre of perpetually-in-the-soup friends and acquaintances. I have a terrible time keeping characters straight, so the reintroductions made necessary by the short story format were very helpful to me. One thing about this volume perplexed me, though–the appearance of two or three stories right in the middle with Reggie Pepper and his man, Voules, as the main characters. I didn’t expect that. This Wikipedia article sheds a little light on the subject, and for once, I wish I had read up on this volume a bit so I wouldn’t have had to pause to scratch my head in the middle of my reading. Another thing that came to me, rather forcefully this time, is how much Wodehouse’s style (particularly his way of sizing up a character in a few wry and pithy observations) reminds me of Richard Peck’s. Peck is a very prolific juvenile and YA author, and I’ve only read his historical fiction. I would dare to make an assumption here that anyone who enjoys Wodehouse would likely enjoy Peck. Of course, Peck’s works are decidedly American (and mostly about country kids), so there are many, many differences, but their styles are similar. Here are a few of Peck’s books that I’ve reviewed here at Hope Is the Word:
My favorites of his books are A Year Down Yonder and A Long Way from Chicago, both of which I read long before I started blogging.
I read My Man Jeeves for this month’s Reading to Know Bookclub. Many thanks to Carrie and this month’s hostess, Cassandra, for the push to get back to Wodehouse sooner rather than later.
I was also a little surprised when Reginald Pepper suddenly appeared in the midst of My Man Jeeves, but the fact that it was short stories made it much easier for me to adjust. I found the short stories particularly nice since I was listening on audiobook in ten minute segments as I drive around town. It’s hard enough for me to keep track of characters when I’m not doing it in short segments – adding in the audio component makes it that much harder.
I like Wodehouse, too, for a lighthearted read after spending a lot of time in non-fiction and heavier classics (Bleak House) so far this year. I thought the plots all followed a similar vein, but I do like his style.
The appearance of Reggie Pepper also surprised me. I liked the short story length, especially since I was listening to an audiobook while running. Each story was about half an hour – the perfect length! I also read Aunts Aren’t Gentlemen, the last Jeeves novel, this month. I have to admit that I had trouble keeping track of the characters, since that is all one story. Short stories seem to be just right to truly let Jeeves shine!
I can see how Jeeves & Wooster would be a nice change of pace after Gone with the Wind! Glad it hit the spot.
I rather enjoyed my Wodehouse read this month. Which I finally managed to finish! I was glad to have avoided the short stories though. I think I like Wodehouse in novel form better.
I have never read Richard Peck and I’m so glad that you shared their comparative styles. I’m totally going to check Peck out! Thanks for the tip.