Thrips and roses!!. Review on Damsel In Distress, A - P.G.Wodehouse

''The proprietor of the grocery store on the corner was bidding a silent farewell to a tomato which even he, though a dauntless optimist, had been compelled to recognize as having outlived its utility.''

-description of the job profile of a grocery store owner who stays near George's hotel.

''had an attractive face, a mouth that laughed readily, rather bright golden hair (which, she was fond of insisting with perfect truth, was genuine though appearances were against it), and steady blue eyes. The latter were frequently employed by her in quelling admirers who were encouraged by the former to become too ardent.''

-George's colleague,a stage artist

Pelham Grenwile Wodehouse-One man who had an amazing grip on humour, language and described the idiosyncracies of people in such a manner that not only would keep laughing for the rest of the day,you would also want to meet the characters themselves.All his books display all three features in equal measure though its his brand of humour which attracts me towards his books whenever I find

a day dull or boring.

This book is about Belfer Castle being the happening place where all the action happens though as you read along you would get to read about adventures or shall I say misadventures of certain characters at places other than the castle.The usual goof ups,scheming conniving dominating aunts,damsel in distress and cute and helping cousins well well shall we proceed to the

Main characters :

Lord Marshmoreton :

He is the 48 yr old Earl Marshmoreton who couldn't be less interested in either his daughter's lovesickness or her sister's incessant nagging.His interest lies in maintaining his rose garden and chasing away ''thrips'' which suck on those precious roses' petals. He is one adorable character but alas never gets a chance to open his mouth courtesy the character described below.

Lady Caroline :

She personifies every irritating quality PGW associates with annoying aunts. There is very little this lady is fond of doing besides keeping a watch on her neice's moves, making efforts to get her step son and her neice together and last but not the last, giving silly talks at london's functions and by inference is jobless.

Reggie :

Lady C's step son he is one very gentle and amusing character who is head over heels with Lord M's secretary.

George :

Well the hero of this story in my opinion.One very clever and brave stage director who invites the wrath of Belfer Castle.

Lady Maud :

The damsel in distress so as to speak and thus the heroine.

There are other characters who play important roles viz.Percy,Albert,the elusive

american secretary ,Alice etc.

Each of them add various hues to this chaos at the Castle.

Plot :

No, No!

I will get brickbats from one and all if I reveal the plot in detail. Moreover,its the plot sprinkled with various characters who make a lot of effort to spoil every constructive plan which is put up to get the lovey-dovey's together with minimum hassle;that makes this book a must in every PGW fan's collection and so won't tell you anything about the story.

[I am sure fans who haven't read would have guessed the plot by now]

Plus :

Albert,that little smart kid who tries to help the couple get some moments to conspire,confide in.

Lord Marshmoreton and his rose garden.

Percy and his sense and sensibility or rather lack of both.

The plot which surprises you with most amazing twists and turns for instance when you expect the couple-George and Maud to be able to share a few private moments and this dancer runs and enters the room -makes a mess of their romance and what follows has to be read to be enjoyed.

It is fun to watch the author make his characters look like so cute and foolish at the

same time.

Minuses :

Well even the nagging aunts and brothers who keep spying on sisters seem thorough entertainers;What do I say?

Its a PGW work.can't have minuses.

Hey by the way didn't I mention something about the butler,that amazingly sharp, vindictive and perceptive entity who is named the serpent at the castle?

He is Keggs.Read about him and you are in awe.

Sincere advice :

Read this on a weekend afternoon after having had loads of sleep and laze away to

glory reading this masterpiece.

Hope you enjoyed my review.Don't forget to RRC the same.

Keerti