#52BookClub
Prompt: Written in third person
Serial: 12/52
Book: Psmith In The City
Author: P. G. Wodehouse
Pages: 160
Publication: Master Mind Books
Genre: Humour
I received this book as a gift from a friend. PGW is an eternal favourite, and I was happy to dive into this when time permitted.
Plot
Due to a financial crisis in his family, the cricket-loving Mike Jackson is forced to take up employment at a bank. His friend, Psmith, joins him. The novel follows their hilarious misadventures with their colleagues and managers.
Review
A P. G. Wodehouse book never disappoints with its trademark dry humour. Only the author can introduce his characters in a nonchalant manner, using cricket as a backdrop.
Considering what a prominent figure Mr John Bickersdyke was to be in Mike Jackson’s life, it was only appropriate that he should make a dramatic entry into it. This he did by walking behind the bowler’s arm when Mike had scored ninety-eight, causing him thereby to be clean bowled by a long-hop.
The titular character is affable. His attempts to stalk Mr B elicit chuckles from the readers, and his steadfast friendship with Mike is commendable. However, while the incidents are funny, I didn’t quite enjoy the banter as I would have had it been between Jeeves and Wooster. There is nothing to boast about in the plot. The humour is subpar for PGW standards. This is my humble opinion, and readers may differ from it.
I haven’t read the other Psmith novels; hence, I cannot comment on the character. However, I would be approaching the subsequent ones with caution. Give me good old Jeeves any day.
