The fall brings four more antic novels from comic genius, P. G. Wodehouse. In Picadilly Jim (soon to be a major motion picture), Jimmy Crocker has ...
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Feb 08, 2011
Dan
rated it: 
It all started when Uncle Fred pegged Beefy Bastable with a Brazil nut. Beefy, a prominent barrister with political aspirations, writes a scathing novel about the youth of today after Uncle Fred tells him he can't. Once completed, Beefy realizes that a man in his position can't be responsible for such a thing and convinces his shiftless nephew, Cosmo Wisdom, to take credit for it. Enter Oily Carlisle and his wife, who convince Cosmo that blackmail is the best course of action. Cosmo writes a
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Jun 30, 2009
Peter
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I often say that the plots in Wodehouse are not very diverse. However, this book was cut from a different mold.
There were the usual escapades of unrequited lovers. Couples couldn't marry because of not enough money. Others had misunderstandings getting in the way.
However, most of the plot centers around a novel, entitled Cocktail Time, about the foolishness of England's youth. The book creates a stir in the general populace after a bishop denounces it from the pulpit. More...
There were the usual escapades of unrequited lovers. Couples couldn't marry because of not enough money. Others had misunderstandings getting in the way.
However, most of the plot centers around a novel, entitled Cocktail Time, about the foolishness of England's youth. The book creates a stir in the general populace after a bishop denounces it from the pulpit. More...
Jan 18, 2011
jennifer
rated it:
Johnny Pearce can't get married because his fiancee refuses to live with Johnny's old nursemaid, Nanny Bruce. Nanny won't leave until Johnny gives her 500 pounds, which he doesn't have. Respected barrister Beefy hates the younger generation, but they love his risque novel, Cocktail Time. Once Beefy's mooching nephew finds out who wrote it, he turns to blackmail. And setting up most of these complications is Uncle Fred.
Most of my Wodehouse reads have been of Wooster and Jeeves, but I' More...
Most of my Wodehouse reads have been of Wooster and Jeeves, but I' More...
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Jan 03, 2012
Shari
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I'd been putting off reading this book until I'd had the opportunity to go to the grocery store and buy mixers for the spiced rum sitting on my counter; I'd had this vague, romantic notion that it would be extra amusing to read Cocktail Time while sipping cocktails. (What can I say, I'm just that uncool.) But after an especially trying day, I could feel a case of the mean reds coming on, and I cast about desperately for something to stave them off.
And so it came to pass that I curled u More...
And so it came to pass that I curled u More...
Mar 28, 2008
Ian
rated it:
‘Cocktail Time’ is the third Uncle Fred novel and finds him spreading sweetness and light as he had as Roderick Glossop at Blandings in ‘Uncle Fred in Springtime’ and as Major Plank at Ashenden Manor in ‘Uncle Dynamite’.
This time Uncle Fred is acting under his own name due to the hearts he needs to join including his wife’s half brother Sir Raymond Dunstable and literary agent Barbara Crowe, his godson Jonathon Twistleton Pearce and Bunny Farringdon and Phoebe Wisdom and Albert Pease More...
This time Uncle Fred is acting under his own name due to the hearts he needs to join including his wife’s half brother Sir Raymond Dunstable and literary agent Barbara Crowe, his godson Jonathon Twistleton Pearce and Bunny Farringdon and Phoebe Wisdom and Albert Pease More...
Apr 21, 2011
Wayne
rated it: 
Prickly resistant to English prose, Wodehouse won me over with this breezy skewer. Deceptively breezy. Just when Lord Ickenham bests a dozen foils and is resplendent in his meddling metier, a subtle note flavors the "sweetness and light" he has so freely dispensed and shows him culpable, an arrogant gentry puncturing others of his ilk but never scratching his own imperturbable hide. Takes nothing away from the entertainment. The book remains jolly good fun, but that last glimpse gives
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Sep 29, 2009
Rachel
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This book was so incredibly funny! Can you say British? The plot was interesting enough to keep my attention through the whole story. There was always something going on, and the characters were full of color and life. Some of the characters bring Agatha Christie to mind. I will read this again sometime, no doubt about it.
May 11, 2011
esterb
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Highly enjoyable read. The fast pace with which the novel is written, the lively characters and their choices and actions will keep you reading until you are tired laughing. Wodehouse has really hit the spot again with this Uncle Fred novel. And if you hadn’t had enough of this lovable creature that is called Uncle Fred, there is always Uncle Dynamite to read.
Sep 15, 2010
Tanya
rated it:
This is the second P.G. Wodehouse book that I've read. I enjoy the weaving of the plot, the building of humorous characters, the disarray of personal drama, and the winsome old man that manages to set everything right at the end. Ironically, he shot the slingshot that started it all. Clever.
Dec 08, 2008
Rickeclectic
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Uncle Fred at some of his best. Uncle Fred is one of the best characters in the Wodehouse bestiary and this is one of the best Uncle Fred stories. Could be a great first read for a newbie or a great find for a Wodehouse fan.
Feb 18, 2008
Melissa
rated it:
Hands down one of the greatest Wodehouse books of all time. So many people read the Wooster stories and praise Bertie for his clever language and near-escapes--and while it's true that he's a gift of a character, I think no one comes close to the utter hilarity that is Uncle Fred. Cocktail Time features the classic Wodehouse catalyst--knocking the hat off someone important--but mixes it up by giving good old Fred a slingshot and a Brazil Nut. Intrigue, best selling novels, disguises, and more th
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Jul 19, 2011
Judy
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Madcap? I should say! Funny? Certainly. Deception and deceit, an allegedly dirty book, and a well-aimed projectile combine in another Wodehouse romp.
Feb 24, 2010
Mystie
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MCL.
Classic Wodehouse. Lord Ickenham is one of his best characters. The laughter during the last chapter was good for at least 4 contractions.
Classic Wodehouse. Lord Ickenham is one of his best characters. The laughter during the last chapter was good for at least 4 contractions.
Feb 03, 2009
Andy
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P.G. Wodehouse is a great comedic author. He is fun to read if your in a bad mood or just want to laugh.
Nov 05, 2011
Marybeth
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Oh Uncle Fred, sweetness & light truly are your calling card. cards. whichever.
Sep 06, 2007
Laura
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I should have read the other Uncle Fred books before I tackled this one. I think I might have missed a bunch of the jokes. But, nevertheless, it was solidly and hilariously Wodehouse, and I'm glad I took the time on it. One day in the car.
There's not a lot to say about Wodehouse, except that he's brilliant, and that I wish I were him-- without all the getting-kidnapped-by-Nazis-and-forced-to-work-against-your-own-people stuff. That must really have sucked, being Wodehouse right then. Oh w More...
There's not a lot to say about Wodehouse, except that he's brilliant, and that I wish I were him-- without all the getting-kidnapped-by-Nazis-and-forced-to-work-against-your-own-people stuff. That must really have sucked, being Wodehouse right then. Oh w More...
Nov 20, 2011
Beth
rated it:
Lord Ickenham spreads sweetness and light among the inhabitants of Hammer Hall, and foils some dastardly plans of the Carlisle couple.
Apr 18, 2010
Maureen
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PG Wodehouse makes me laugh out loud. That's all it takes to deserve five stars from me.
Oct 06, 2009
Paul
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This wasn't my absolute favorite Wodehouse, but it did have Uncle Fred and you have to love a character who is dapper, light hearted, and knows the phrase "sublunary medulla oblongata diathesis." (taken from Uncle Fred in Springtime).
May 30, 2008
Kurt
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Wodehouse, you've done it again. Another classic book in which at the end no one has really learned anything, no one is really worse or better off, and yet everything has changed. Quite excellent and highly enjoyable.
Jan 16, 2012
John
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Pretty much more of the same as Uncle Fred continues to spread "sweetness and light" - which seems mostly involved with getting folk married off. Told with the usual deft touch but situations a little contrived
Aug 24, 2008
Ashley
rated it: 
P. G. Wodehouse is a clever writer with a very witty style. If you are looking for nonsensical fluff that is intelligent, this is the way to go.
