Because we were away over New Year and I didn’t want to add the weight of a bound volume to the already rather over-full suitcase, the first book in the 2017 project had to be something that was already on my Kindle. And as the Sebastian Faulks’s Jeeves book was bought on the Kindle when it first was published I decided finally to give it a try.
Jeeves and the Wedding Bells caused quite a furore when first published as many Wodehouse fans felt that Plum’s work was well-nigh sacrosanct and any attempt to add to it by a different author would be doomed to failure at best and an insult to Wodehouse at worst. But Faulks writes in an Author’s Note at the beginning of the book that it was intended as a tribute to the great man, rather than any attempt merely to copy him. And the result is a book with the familiar characters – and a few new ones, as was usually Plum’s wont – written in the style of Wodehouse but plainly not by Wodehouse.
IMHO the book carries off the author’s stated aim with some aplomb. Plum was a superb author in the mode that he employed; his prose, his lightness of touch and his humour were unsurpassed until the advent of Pratchett. But I think that Faulks is a better writer overall and it shows in this book. There are emotional touches and human insight that do not often appear in the main canon. And though the plot is perhaps overly complex I admit I loved it. It is a book that I can recommend, especially to Wodehouse fans who, like me, have not read it until now, and is one that will definitely be read again.
I read quite a lot of the Jeeves books as a teenager and really enjoyed them. Perhaps I should try this tribute book.
I’m glad you liked it John. I wasn’t among those who roared objections — I think he did a goodish sort of job, and gave it a favourable review.
I do recall your comments Honoria old girl, but still never got around to reading it. I’m glad I finally did because Faulkes really is a tremendous writer.
I understand he is considered to be a top notch writer of the modern school. I have one of his other books, but have not ventured to read it yet, but I’ll give it a try.
I’m not a huge fan of the modern school generally. It all feels very artificial to me as a reader: I don’t require a multi-sensory reading experience; I don’t mind being told as well as shown; and mostly, I resent being manipulated toward a state of manufactured mystery and tension.
I like to be treated as an intelligent reader, whether I’m deserving of that honour or not. Quite a few of our admired modern writers appear (at least to me) to view the reader as a wide-eyed child at the feet of a magnificent conjurer.
I don’t know enough of Faulkes to include him in this. But I liked his attempt at Wodehouse and I’ve been too nervous that reading his other stuff might spoil it for me.
I feel bucked by your comments so I’ll give him a go.
I doubt I will re-read it though.