Once again we find ourselves at that idyllic country seat, Blandings. This time it's debonair charmer, Frederick Altamont Cornwallis Twistleton, fifth Earl of Ickenham (known to most as 'Uncle Fred') who has been lured to the castle by affable Lord Emsworth.
His lordship requires an expert in human behaviour to prevent the egg-throwing Duke of Dunstable from stealing Emsworth's treasured pig, Empress of Blandings. The plot's eccentricities naturally include love and romance and, crucially, three imposters. Add to the cocktail some 'Mickey Finn's', a brace of financially embarrassed nephews and a private investigator, 'Mustard Pott'.
As the mixture boils there are shot guns in the night time - plus redoubtable Lady Constance, Emsworth's sister, who could halt a cavalry charge merely with her voice. A happy and appropriate ending is of course on the cards.
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"Before reading "Leave it to Psmith," I had an irrational aversion to non-Jeeves and Wooster Wodehouses. The character of Psmith completely overcame my aversion--he was some sort of unbelievable mongrel of J&W, simultaneously smart + stupid and sensible + debauched, as well as being the most hyper-articulate Wodehouse character I've come across so far. Now having read "Uncle Fred," I can happily report that it isn't just great characters that you can find in non-J&Ws, it's great plots as well. This probably has the most ridiculously fun plot I've come across so far, as well as the richest variety of characters. Additionally, he character of Uncle Fred may well be the most likeable Wodehouse character yet. It's no surprise that Wodehouse himself liked this book so much. Thanks for the recommendation, P. G. W.!" — Zedder (5 out of 5 stars)
"Before reading "Leave it to Psmith," I had an irrational aversion to non-Jeeves and Wooster Wodehouses. The character of Psmith completely overcame my aversion--he was some sort of unbelievable mongrel of J&W, simultaneously smart + stupid and sensible + debauched, as well as being the most hyper-articulate Wodehouse character I've come across so far. Now having read "Uncle Fred," I can happily report that it isn't just great characters that you can find in non-J&Ws, it's great plots as well. This probably has the most ridiculously fun plot I've come across so far, as well as the richest variety of characters. Additionally, he character of Uncle Fred may well be the most likeable Wodehouse character yet. It's no surprise that Wodehouse himself liked this book so much. Thanks for the recommendation, P. G. W.!"
" The BES BEST BEST of P.G. Wodehouse's books. Which is saying a lot! "
" A tale of Uncle Elmsworth, the Efficient Baxter and Uncle Fred. It was brilliant in its execution, but not as funny as the Bertie and Jeeves chemistry. Also, the incredibly complex plot strained even the Wodehousian limit of credulity: a man is convinced he is crazy because three of his friends pretend not to know him (and he accepts their flat denial of their identity). But not to be analytical of this type of writing: I enjoyed it. "
" This, I think, is one of Wodehouse's best. Especially good is Uncle Fred's narrative near the end, which doesn't need any of Wodehouse's metaphors to make it brilliant. "
" Was a gift from Suparna around 7-8 years back. Misplaced it and found it only recently. Had finished 40% of it at the time and found the humour quite appealing to my tastes. Want to pick it back again soon. "
" The classic dry humor of PG Wodhouse is good stuff. What Uncle Fred can do in the springtime, as he puts it himself, truly is amazing. "
" nearly choked last night :D "
" Still one of the all-time best novels. Pongo Twistleton, the Earl of Ickenham and Blandings castle. Greatness. "
" Good stuff. Also read again in October 2009. Just a lot of fun. "
" I love these adorable little Overlook reissues! "
" : - D "
" My first Wodehouse - introduction to comedic genius - life changing. My favorite! **Please note that Kaiser Wilhelm II retired from political view (following his disasterous decline) after WW1 to read Wodehouse.** "
" u can depend on wodehouse to make u smile or laugh. enjoyed reading this book. "
" Wodehouse... as good as ever! "
" Totally terrific. Each sentence was pure gold. "
" I have a new favourite character! Uncle Fred is simply superb! "
" Can you really review Wodehouse? Hilarious. "
" Wodehouse is, once again, a genius at plot twists (Agatha Christie of comedy really), but unfortunately the ending did not quite add up as it usually does in his books. Still a phenomenal read though. "
" So hysterical! "
" Up there with the best, I should think. One of PGW's notable creations along with J&W and the Empress of Blandings. "
" The first book-length appearance of Pongo Twistleton's Uncle Fred - the Earl who can't resist pretending to be someone else. Brilliant light humor, in accordance with the conventions of classical New Comedy. "
" The Duke of Dunstable is staying indefinitely at Blandings Castle, bipping gardeners with eggs at every chance he gets. When he informs Lord Emsworth that Empress the pig needs a diet and exercise, the action really begins. "
" In a pantheon of characters that contains Jeeves, Psmith, and Mr. Mulliner, the most brilliant of them all might be Uncle Fred, Lord Ickenham. The usual Wodehouse zaniness, dialed up a notch -- one of his best. "
" A perfect example of why I like Wodehouse. "
" This may be my favorite Wodehouse so far--yes, I think I like the irrepressible Uncle Fred even more than Jeeves and Wooster! "
" fun, but not his best. "
Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse (1881–1975) was an English humorist who wrote novels, short stories, plays, poems, song lyrics, and numerous pieces of journalism. He was highly popular throughout a career that lasted more than seventy years, and his many writings continue to be widely read. He is best known for his novels and short stories of Bertie Wooster and his manservant Jeeves and for his settings of English upper-class society of the pre– and post–World War I era. He lived in several countries before settling in the United States after World War II. During the 1920s, he collaborated with Broadway legends like Cole Porter and George Gershwin on musicals and, in the 1930s, expanded his repertoire by writing for motion pictures. He was honored with a knighthood in 1975.
Martin Jarvis, OBE, has recorded more than 150 Just William stories for the BBC. These have become international audio bestsellers. He won the Theatre World Award for his starring role on Broadway in By Jeeves; his West End appearances include works by Ayckbourn, Frayn, Pinter, and Wilde. Screen successes include everything from Stargate Atlantis, Doctor Who, and Numb3rs to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the Oscar-winning Titanic.
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