(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.

[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.

[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.

[soul-bonnie.livejournal.com]

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

[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.

[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?

[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.