Why you need to read a Jeeves and Wooster

As I’ve written before, I can’t pass up a P. G. Wodehouse. The outlandish British humour just hits the spot for me. Like my murder mysteries, it’s the perfect light reading for airports, train rides and slow Sunday afternoons. I’ve certainly enjoyed Right ho, Jeeves as a little brain rest before launching into the second book of the Kristin Lavransdatter series. Right ho, Jeeves is book number five of the 24 in 2024 challenge.

Plot summary

The wealthy but ‘mentally negligible’ Bertie Wooster and his brainy valet, Jeeves, are embroiled in sundered hearts at Brinkley Court. While one friend is trying to get engaged, another is breaking one off. An aunt is in dire need of cash and a cook, while Bertie creates mayhem as he tries to fix these problems himself. Lucky for all involved, Jeeves is at hand.

Right ho, Jeeves is random, ridiculous and delightful

P. G. Wodehouse writes delightful, lighthearted prose. You could say that each book is more or less the same. The plots are slightly different, but the approach and outcome is much the same. But that’s not as dull as it sounds.

Despite a standard script, each book is random, ridiculous and good fun. There is a comfort in knowing the format, in the same way we revisit old movies and shows for comfort watching. This is definitely comfort reading. It’s easy, fun and not at all serious. It’s comedy and it’s glorious.

I like to read deep and serious books, but I also enjoy these lighter reads. It’s all about balance, right? There are times when deep reading is necessary, to broaden the mind and reflect on serious things. But we also need some recreation and Right ho, Jeeves is exactly that. Like puff pastry, it’s a delightful fluffy experience. Would you want to live on this alone? No. But you also wouldn’t want to live without at least a little of it.

I would highly recommend picking up Right ho, Jeeves, or any of the Wodehouse books. If you’re looking for something fun and restful, this is definitely it.