(no subject)

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

What ho all!

I just finished reading Ring for Jeeves, the Bertie-less novel Wodehouse wrote, and I'm wondering if the community would like a bit of information about it. I'm asking this because I suspect a lot of people in this community might not have looked over this book yet. I put off reading this one for the longest time, and only read it now because, as Jeeves might say, faute de mieux, or 'for want of anything better'. When you've read everything else, Ring for Jeeves seemed better than nothing.

I'll describe it very briefly.

This is the novel that is set post WW2, in which Jeeves is in the employ of Lord Rowcester. It's not really the joy to read that all the Bertie/Jeeves stories are, but it does have the odd laugh-out-loud moment.

Apart from the lack of Bertie, the big difference is that Jeeves is sort of the main character. At least, much closer to being the main character than he's ever been before. He's much more - I was going to say, 'developed', but that would imply that I don't think he's developed in the Bertie novels, and that wouldn't be true. I suppose the word is 'prominent'. His character is much more prominent. We're allowed to see what he's thinking once in a while, and Wodehouse devotes entire paragraphs to describing his mannerisms and actions as a means of demonstrating his aloof professionalism. And being more in the limelight, a lot of the novel's humour actually comes directly from Jeeves.

I suspect that, because the novel's not written in the first person, and because Wodehouse knew it was likely his last Jeeves novel, he allows himself to really show his personal love of the character. The description of Jeeves's first appearance is almost adulatory. In a way, I'd say he gets a bit carried away, and portrays Jeeves as being a bit more perfect than he really is, i.e. how he is in the Bertie stories. Jeeves is more selfless in his anxiety to serve, and he is also more colourful in expressing himself, less reserved. He is virtually the partner of his employer, barely subservient at all.

I'd recommend this novel for anyone wanting to see Jeeves in sharper focus than he can be seen through the Bertie stories. He might appear just a touch out of character, but I imagine those fic writers in the community would find it rather inspirational. Jeeves is a hard character to write!

Bertie Wooster is not present in the novel, but he is mentioned more than once - more than twice, in fact. These few mentions are somewhat slashy, I have to say, or at any rate, rather sweet. If anyone likes, I would be happy to transcribe the mentions of Bertie for the benefit of this community. Would that be welcome/appropriate? Let me know.

Comments

[blackletter]

Well, I'd be interested in the Bertie references.

[lawnnun.livejournal.com]

Hells yeah. I live for this kind of shit.

[sunsetsinthewes.livejournal.com]

My feelings exactly.

[ironicbees.livejournal.com]

I'd be interested in reading them. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind sharing some of the descriptions of Jeeves, too? I'd love to know what the book says about him, especially his mannerisms & appearance.

[ayamemishi.livejournal.com]

I've never really had a desire to read Ring For Jeeves before, because part of the reason the Jeeves books are so wonderful is Bertie , but it sounds like a good book to read for a bit more insight into Jeeves. I've always wanted to write from a Jeeves POV and always failed. Miserably.

You should definitely post the slashy quotes, though. Indeedsir can never get enough slashy quotes.

Jeeves POV

[gremilym.livejournal.com]

Wodehouse actually wrote one short from Jeeves's perspective, which is the last chapter in the "Carry On, Jeeves" collection. I think it's entitled "Bertie changes his mind". It's very sweet, and has a totally slashy moment, where Jeeves is about to have Bertie publically humiliated, and sees how dumbly despairing Bertie is and the narrative reads "I admit I came very near to melting as I looked at his face".

On the main topic, I've just finished Ring for Jeeves as well, and enjoyed the focus on Jeeves, but missed Bertie! There's one sweet reference to him near the end that leads us to think that Jeeves is a bit... frustrated with Bertie. I won't go into further detail if it's going to be transcribed!

Re: Jeeves POV

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

Yes, I know that one. It is sweet, though it does rather make you glad that he stuck to the first-person Bertie narrative for the rest of them. I think it was a story Wodehouse just had to write, and though it lacks the sparkle of Bertie's POV, it really is a must-read because it puts a better perspective of Jeeves for the rest of the stories/novels.

Re: Jeeves POV

[ayamemishi.livejournal.com]

I actually own Carry On Jeeves, and have read that story before. It's one of my favorites. :) But it's so short that, for me, it's still hard to get into Jeeves' head in 20 pages.

[hazeltea.livejournal.com]

I've been itching to write fic about this book for ages lol. The Bertie parts are sweet, aren't they?

[pipariperho.livejournal.com]

Hell, the only version of that book in library is in *Swedish* and that's where I suck more than reading stuff in English.

So, yeah, bring all the good bits you like, I wanna see the cuteness and all.

[charie-caphine.livejournal.com]

Meta, essays and quotations are never inappropriate.

[castalianspring.livejournal.com]

I have to admit, this was one Wodehouse story that didn't quite hit the mark for me when I read it. Possibly that's just the lack of Bertie, but I agree, it was interesting to see Jeeves a bit more fleshed out, as it were. And sure, quotes help spur discussion, so post away!

[feanix.livejournal.com]

Might have to go and hunt myself down a copy...After I'm done with the omnibus.

[random-nexus.livejournal.com]

Oh, my, ditto to everyone here so far. Share all that you wish/are able to of Bertie's mentions, Jeeves' mannerisms--anything! Thank you so much for thinking of the community! *Happy hugs of appreciation*

Edit: And ditto to having to read that one now.

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

Okay, all - I will be working on it today. Thanks for your enthusiasm!

[gremilym.livejournal.com]

If you get bored (what? it could happen...) then I've got some spare time to help out!

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

Phew! I've done about all the Bertie references, and the passage when Jeeves first enters the story. Now my energy is beginning to wane so I think I'm going to post what I've got. There are a lot of good bits featuring Jeeves that are worth transcribing, though. That whole 'spider sequence' scene HAS to be read by this community, because it's hilarious. Care to take over?

(I'll get to it later, if no-one else does it first!)

[soul-bonnie.livejournal.com]

*watery eyes* You mean...he LEFT Bertie???!! :'(

[tourmaline1973.livejournal.com]

Relax! He hasn't left Bertie, it's all part of a grand plan.

I've not read this story either, for the same reasons many people probably avoid it - Jeeves without Bertie doesn't sound like fun. But it sounds like we may have pre-judged.

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

As I'm transcribing bits, I'm finding more and more chunks that are worth reading. If I was recommending a Jeeves novel to a friend, this is the last one I'd recommend, but hey, it's still Wodehouse, and it's still pretty funny. Seeing Jeeves attending another gentleman does give me rather a jealous pang, but it's still well worth a look, I'd say, when you've gobbled up all the other material that's to be had and want more!

[chaoticchaos13.livejournal.com]

No, sweetness, he hasn't left Bertie. Bertie is off at some self-sufficiency school so Jeeves is serving elsewhere for a spell. He goes back to Bertie at the end. No tears!

[soul-bonnie.livejournal.com]

^_________________________^ Bonnie happy again.

[theempress14.livejournal.com]

I'm currently reading another one of the Bertie-less, what I like to call "spin off" jeeves books, 'The Return of Jeeves' and was planning on doing a post similar to this one when I finished. It's true that When Bertie is mentioned by Jeeves in these books, there is a real slashy quality.

Though despite Bertie not being around, the current master Lord Towchester in Return reminds me very much of him. Jeeves has got a certain type I suppose.

[gremilym.livejournal.com]

He does say that he doesn't go for brainy coves!

[theempress14.livejournal.com]

Dumb and pretty! That's the way our Jeeves takes 'em!

[juliacarmen.livejournal.com]

Er, The Return of Jeeves sounds like another version of Ring for Jeeves. Lord Towchester is Lord Rowcester (pronounced Roaster) in R for J.

[chaoticchaos13.livejournal.com]

Correct. The Return of Jeeves is the American publication of Ring for Jeeves. Tiny changes are made (names, mostly) but everything is the same.

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

Damn! For a second I thought there was another novel that I didn't know about. So he had 'Lord Toaster' in one, and 'Lord Roaster' in the other, eh?

[theempress14.livejournal.com]

OOOOH! *see the light* It all makes sense!

[triedunture.livejournal.com]

I keep meaning to pick up a copy of Ring for Jeeves. I've had it on my Amazon list for over a year. (Of course, back then, I thought it meant an Actual Wedding Ring for Jeeves, lol.)

I imagine Ring for Jeeves is just as interesting as "Bertie Changes His Mind" as someone mentioned previously. I've spoken with other folks about this thing that sometimes happens in popular serials, where the author attempts to diverge from the expected narrative canon and the audience sometimes balks. Doyle did it too; one single short story is narrated from Holmes' POV, and I think one or two in 3rd person, but otherwise it's Watson all the way because it's what the audience feels most comfortable with.

Dang. I need to read this book. I don't suppose anyone has a copy that they'd be willing to lend/trade?

[toodlepipsigner.livejournal.com]

Well it's not that I *advise* legal downloads, and I *certainly* don't partake in any form of unreputable activities.
If one were to merely *Google* "Ring for Jeeves torrent" and if one were to unintentionally scroll the mouse and click the "download" button and I rather fancy you'd have Wodehouse goodness in respectable timing.
OR, if one prefers, I could perhaps venture to send the desired material via the Internet.
One need only express an interest.

[toodlepipsigner.livejournal.com]

And I do mean "Illegal" downloads. Sorry.

[triedunture.livejournal.com]

One MIGHT express an interest at having such a thing sent to triedunture at gmail.

And one MIGHT be able to provide a tiny spot of something or other in return? Ficcage perchance?

[toodlepipsigner.livejournal.com]

Well I shall send it as soon as it comes into my grasp. Tomorow would be ideal, and I shall send it forth straightaway from my yahoo mail.

Would an audiobook be satisfactory?

Such would not be necissary. Although, any ficcage would be appreciated as it always is, although I've got no clue what about.

[triedunture.livejournal.com]

Whoops! Please ignore the thing I just deleted; I was thinking about something else that I had requested elsewhere. (Man, I am a horrible person, taking free stuff all the time.)

YES and audiobook would be wonderful! Please send if you can. And there will still be a fic in thanks, of course. Thanks!

[toodlepipsigner.livejournal.com]

Very good, and provided this audiobook does not prove to be reluctant (and I say that with a fair amount of confidence) then my offer shall still stand.

And, thank you in advance for the fics.

[closetofheroes.livejournal.com]

Triedunture, I think SOMEONE ought to write a piece that would reveal just what the contents of Bertie's letter to Jeeves was. I know YOU'RE good at letter writing fics...

Go on. Please.

[toodlepipsigner.livejournal.com]

Excellent idea!

[clairevoyantk.livejournal.com]

If someone at claire.kirby at gmail wanted to read the story would that be possible?

[toodlepipsigner.livejournal.com]

Certainly, provided the audiobook fairs well in its download. Would an audiobook would be aggreeable, provided you did specify "read" in your reply?

[clairevoyantk.livejournal.com]

an audiobook would be delicious.

[thirstyrobot.livejournal.com]

*rummages through library books* Dang it, I think I took that back. I'd sort of back-burnered it because I wasn't terribly entertained by the play. I think there's going to be a whole slew of people reading this all of a sudden.

[umpteenth-gail.livejournal.com]

I didn't like this book, as it came across as a fake substitute for a Jeeves and Bertie book. To me it was a sunken souffle. It wasn't just the lack of Bertie, though that was bad enough. However, there were some funny moments, PG after all.

"Shall I kiss you, Jeeves?"

"No, miss."

LOL.