A tome of well-mannered high comedy, from the "unrivaled master of the comedy of manners" - Entertainment Weekly
In 'Aunts Aren't Gentlemen' Be...
read full description
reviews
Oct 20, 2010
Melissa
rated it: 
"If she ever turned into a werewolf, it would be one of those jolly breezy werewolves whom it is a pleasure to know."
And then my personal favorite: "Oh, that was my man Jeeves. He imitates cats."
And then my personal favorite: "Oh, that was my man Jeeves. He imitates cats."
2 comments
like
(3 people liked it)
Jun 30, 2008
Ian
rated it: 
In ‘Aunts Aren’t Gentlemen’ an out of sorts Bertie retires to We Nook in Maiden Eggesford where his Aunt Dahlia is staying with Jimmy Briscoe whilst Major Plank is staying with Pop Cook. We previously met Major Plank in the company of Uncle Fred at Ashenden Manor in ‘Uncle Dynamite’ and with Wooster and Jeeves in ‘Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves’ when he formed the impression that Bertie was international thief Alpine Joe.
Both Briscoe and Cook have horses running in the Jubilee Stakes with More...
Both Briscoe and Cook have horses running in the Jubilee Stakes with More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Feb 01, 2009
Marjorie
rated it:
Very British and very entertaining. A friend recommended these as being good for reading while nursing a baby, as they are easy to pick up and put down -- and she was very right. I thought I didn't like this type of humour (and P.G. Wodehouse certainly had some rather unfortunate views), but the books are so amazingly well written and funny that it's hard not to be amused, even reading them almost a century later. And, as promised, very easy to read in small chunks if desired.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Oct 21, 2008
Libbeth
rated it:
I will use this "review" for all the P. G. Wodehouse I have read. I read them all so long ago and enjoyed them so much that I have given them all 5 stars. As I re-read them I will adjust the stars accordingly, if necessary, and add a proper review.
When I first discovered P. G. Wodehouse I devoured every book I could find in the local library, throughout the eighties and early nineties. Alas, this means that I have read most of them and stumbling across one I have not read is a ra More...
When I first discovered P. G. Wodehouse I devoured every book I could find in the local library, throughout the eighties and early nineties. Alas, this means that I have read most of them and stumbling across one I have not read is a ra More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 27, 2009
HelenFey
rated it:
For the title alone... PG caught me at an impressionable age and shaped the foundations of what funny is, at least in my brain.
I am a hopeless lover of Wodehouse (and the BBC dramatisations- one time the screening captures the soul of the book, and has a wonderful theme song).
I am a hopeless lover of Wodehouse (and the BBC dramatisations- one time the screening captures the soul of the book, and has a wonderful theme song).
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
May 20, 2010
Trevor
rated it:
Aunts aren’t gentlemen
I think it is really important to have someone, a writer someone obviously, that you can turn to when the world is getting a bit out of hand. For me that someone is Mr Wodehouse and in particular his Jeeves and Wooster novels. It is hard to explain just how much I enjoy these stories. Look, I can understand that some people might find them over-the-top and even a bit silly, perhaps even a lot silly – but I love the worlds Wodehouse creates, the worlds he brin More...
I think it is really important to have someone, a writer someone obviously, that you can turn to when the world is getting a bit out of hand. For me that someone is Mr Wodehouse and in particular his Jeeves and Wooster novels. It is hard to explain just how much I enjoy these stories. Look, I can understand that some people might find them over-the-top and even a bit silly, perhaps even a lot silly – but I love the worlds Wodehouse creates, the worlds he brin More...
7 comments
like
(5 people liked it)
May 10, 2009
Ryan
rated it: 
I needed my Wodehouse fix recently, and this book fit the bill nicely. It's not the best in the Jeeves and Wooster series, but it's a quick, funny read.
One reason this isn't at the top of the Jeeves and Wooster canon is that Jeeves is absent for (roughly) half of the book. I can't say that I understand Wodehouse's motivation for this, but (as Wooster might say) there it is.
There are so many distinctive characteristics that set Wodehouse apart, I want to highlight just two. More...
One reason this isn't at the top of the Jeeves and Wooster canon is that Jeeves is absent for (roughly) half of the book. I can't say that I understand Wodehouse's motivation for this, but (as Wooster might say) there it is.
There are so many distinctive characteristics that set Wodehouse apart, I want to highlight just two. More...
Jan 29, 2012
Shailah
rated it: 
I'm a big fan of P.G. Wodehouse, and the only criticism I have is that his stories are unfortunately formulaic. Bertie gets engaged to a woman he dislikes. The woman is usually in love with another, and had a falling out with him, and there are angry aunts, angry fathers, and jilted ex-lovers all trying to get their grimy paws on Bertie. P.G. Wodehouse has written some extraordinary variations on this theme, but unfortunately Aunts Aren't Gentlemen wasn't one of them.
I simply felt li More...
I simply felt li More...
Oct 24, 2011
Wolf
rated it:
'Mr Wooster,' he said, 'you are a typical young man about town.'
'Oh thanks,' I responded, for it sounded like a compliment, and one always likes to say the civil thing.
With these words Bertie Wooster finds himself packed off to the country by his doctor - who has diagnosed too much fast living, too many cocktails, cigarettes and generally too much of a good time for young Bertram. As ever, in the world of Wodehouse, the quiet country retreat is nothing of the sort. Instea More...
'Oh thanks,' I responded, for it sounded like a compliment, and one always likes to say the civil thing.
With these words Bertie Wooster finds himself packed off to the country by his doctor - who has diagnosed too much fast living, too many cocktails, cigarettes and generally too much of a good time for young Bertram. As ever, in the world of Wodehouse, the quiet country retreat is nothing of the sort. Instea More...
Oct 20, 2010
Rebecca
rated it:
This was my first Jeeves & Wooster reading. I like the tv series and so was inspired to read one of the stories and this was the first one I found at the library. Wooster gets up to usual antics similar to in the show - this time involving skin spots, aunties, uncooperative women, and an unsuspecting cat (or two). I must say it was a lot of fun :)
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Feb 26, 2010
pinknantucket
rated it:
'The Code of the Woosters' is still my favourite Wodehouse, by Gad, but this one was enjoyable nonetheless. And also a welcome respite from 'Lady Chatterly's Lover', which I am finding tough going. (Nearly finished though).
A few phrases to borrow from PGW: (1) When asking someone if they are in a possession of a thing: "Is it in your bosom?" (2)
When calling someone a coward: "You sleekit cowering beastie!" (NB Probably works better if you are Scottish). (3) W More...
A few phrases to borrow from PGW: (1) When asking someone if they are in a possession of a thing: "Is it in your bosom?" (2)
When calling someone a coward: "You sleekit cowering beastie!" (NB Probably works better if you are Scottish). (3) W More...
Jan 21, 2012
Gerry
rated it:
Belly-laughs and plenty of chuckles abound in Wodehouse's 'The Cat-Nappers' (English title 'Aunts Aren't Gentlemen') when an unsuspecting kitty is kidnapped in order to keep a thoroughbred horse in peak condition for an impending important race.
Bets are placed but when the cat goes missing again and the horse loses his appetite for the race, the punters, particularly Bertie Wooster's Aunt Dahlia, begin to panic. Cat-napping takes place again but not without its problems.
J More...
Bets are placed but when the cat goes missing again and the horse loses his appetite for the race, the punters, particularly Bertie Wooster's Aunt Dahlia, begin to panic. Cat-napping takes place again but not without its problems.
J More...
Apr 02, 2010
Mike
rated it:
Another re-titled book. I read it as, "The Cat-Nappers", published by Simon & Schuster - shame on you!
Funny book has many of the plot bits and twists that brings confusion to those in Bertie's vicinity and frustration to our intrepid protagonist. All he wants to do is "get along" and have the world turn with him. But one way or another his friends, relatives, old school chums & acquaintances, and gal pals ensure that he stays off-balance and one or two steps be More...
Funny book has many of the plot bits and twists that brings confusion to those in Bertie's vicinity and frustration to our intrepid protagonist. All he wants to do is "get along" and have the world turn with him. But one way or another his friends, relatives, old school chums & acquaintances, and gal pals ensure that he stays off-balance and one or two steps be More...
Aug 14, 2011
Kathleen
rated it:
At the recommendation of his doctor, Bertie Wooster takes a trip to the country. He is supposed to be cutting back on the drinking and smoking and breathing in the country air, but instead gets caught up in a maelstrom of events involving his aged relative, a horse named Potato Chip, and a cat that gets stolen more than once. Jeeves sorts most things out with aplomb when Bertie can't think straight (which is most of the time.) With the assistance of Jeeves, Bertie averts disembowelment and a dis
More...
Jan 07, 2012
Isabel
rated it:
It was my membership of the Drones Club that now formed the basis of her observations. She didn't like the Drones Club, and made it quite clear that at the conclusion of the honeymoon I would cross its threshold only over her dead body.
So, reckoning up the final score, the Bertram Wooster who signed the charge sheet in the vestry after the wedding ceremony would be a non-smoker, a teetotaller (for I knew it would come to that) and an ex-member of the Drones, in other words a mere shadow of More...
So, reckoning up the final score, the Bertram Wooster who signed the charge sheet in the vestry after the wedding ceremony would be a non-smoker, a teetotaller (for I knew it would come to that) and an ex-member of the Drones, in other words a mere shadow of More...
Jun 01, 2011
Paula
rated it:
I enjoyed every page, every delightful phrase. Nobody writes like Wodehouse, and I haven't read one of his books in ages. The plots of his stories are always somewhat intricate, but frothy, with lots of characters and nothing even remotely approaching real life about them. While you're reading, it's like living in a musical comedy (without the music). I know there must be people who don't like Wodehouse, just like there are people who don't like musicals, but to me, well, his books just make
More...
Mar 25, 2011
Somdutta
rated it:
Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!. Wodehouse wit strikes again. This is a Jeeves and Wooster story.It starts with Bertram Wooster paying a visit to a doctor to show the spots which have appeared on his body . Following the doctor's advise Wooster along with Jeeves go to the country for peace and to live a laid back slow life along with his Aunt Dahlia, who he considers benign as compared to Aunt Agatha. Then starts a series of events, which puts Bertram in a lot of difficult situations, but all i
More...
Oct 20, 2010
Jerry
rated it:
Master of whimsey charms and amuses!
We somehow missed PG Wodehouse on our reading menu growing up, but recently discovered this little gem. Apparently last in a dozen or so books (from a bibliography of over 80 novels!) about a genteel bachelor named Bertie Wooster and his butler Jeeves (no doubt the origin of "Ask Jeeves"!), it's refreshing to occasionally indulge in a light story that manages to amuse and entertain with no sex, no violence, and few toils and troubles! The More...
We somehow missed PG Wodehouse on our reading menu growing up, but recently discovered this little gem. Apparently last in a dozen or so books (from a bibliography of over 80 novels!) about a genteel bachelor named Bertie Wooster and his butler Jeeves (no doubt the origin of "Ask Jeeves"!), it's refreshing to occasionally indulge in a light story that manages to amuse and entertain with no sex, no violence, and few toils and troubles! The More...
Sep 19, 2009
Cecily
rated it:
Not one of the best Wodehouse novels, but still an amusing romp.
This particular story is actually narrated by Bertie Wooster and the slightly modern setting is disconcerting on the rare occasions it impinges. Anyway, Bertie gets pink spots on his chest and his doctor prescribes a restful spell in the country. Of course, life in a quiet English village is anything but quiet.
It has many of the aspects of classic Wodehouse: feuding neighbours, plots to purloin/borrow/kidnap More...
This particular story is actually narrated by Bertie Wooster and the slightly modern setting is disconcerting on the rare occasions it impinges. Anyway, Bertie gets pink spots on his chest and his doctor prescribes a restful spell in the country. Of course, life in a quiet English village is anything but quiet.
It has many of the aspects of classic Wodehouse: feuding neighbours, plots to purloin/borrow/kidnap More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 17, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
A slightly odd Bertie and Jeeves book. It had a different feel from many of the others I've read. For one, Jeeves didn't really do so much in this book and Bertie seemed uncharacteristically inconsistent in his knowledge of English and literature, or lack there of. There also seemed to be some references to the wrong decades as well, but seeing this was the last book written, maybe P.G. Wodehouse was just starting to slip up. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, it was just odd
More...
Apr 11, 2011
Jodi
rated it:
Another fun Wodehouse. I must say though that I prefer his earlier writings. He seemed to hit his stride in the 1920s. This one was written in 1974 (his last finished work) and felt forced and predictable. Yet, there were still some laugh out loud moments. I especially loved all the quotes in the front of the book by other Wodehouse lovers. For example, Simon Brett wrote, "I constantly find myself drooling with admiration at the sublime way Wodehouse plays with the English language"
More...
Aug 21, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
Oh, this is just brilliant. It's not quite as ridiculous as some of the other Jeeves & Wooster books, but the lunacy is sustained throughout, paced if you will, and the plot burbles merrily along. (I have, once, encountered a Wodehouse book with a stagnant plot, and do not wish to revisit the experience.) Bertie Wooster is truly the Philip Marlowe of humor writing--Fate seems to enjoy kicking him when he least expects it, in this case to hilarious effect.
Jan 05, 2011
Marianna
rated it:
This is the first ever book I have read by Wodehouse. I remember seeing his books sitting on my grandmother's bookshelf every time I would go to her house, and I thought "Why not, my grandmummy reads it!" Plus I thought I would get a good laugh (great set of excuses I got on me, right?). I only laughed out loud once...and the rest of the time I was thinking, "This is humor, this is funny...why am I not laughing?" A little too repetitive for my liking.
Apr 10, 2011
K
rated it:
Bertie Wooster and his valet, Jeeves, join the racing set and are embroiled once again in a scheme of Bertie's Aunt Dahlia. Two racehorses, Simla and Potato Chip, are favorites in the upcoming contest at Bridmouth-on-Sea-and, of course, Aunt Dahlia is betting. Now, it seems that Potato Chip has fallen in love with a cat that sleeps in his stall and becomes quite listless if the cat is missing. Naturally, to achieve a certain result, all one has to do is abduct the cat and...
The audiobo More...
The audiobo More...
Dec 12, 2010
Rachelterry
rated it:
Bertie and Jeeves go to the countryside because Bertie has pink spots on his chest, and Dr. Murgatroyd thinks fresh air will do him good. Bertie's aunts wrap him up in a catnapping episode, and there's also a romantic entanglement with a beautiful protester. I've been in need of a Jeeves for years. Where can I find one?
"Aunts are not gentlemen."
"Aunts are not gentlemen."
Jan 15, 2012
Liana
rated it:
Bertie Wooster takes a break in a small, quiet, country village to boost his health. Of course, trouble still comes rushing towards him from all directions. Horse racing, cat-napping, crazed African explorers. Wodehouse's writing is masterful, as usual. Many lines made me laugh out loud. A pretty terrible title, though.
Dec 17, 2011
Kati
rated it:
Read by Simon Callow. Not as funny as the previous books. I don't know why. Maybe because it felt like the same scene repeated over and over again? Nonetheless, it was funny and I was glad to see a genuine care for Bertie on the part of Aunt Dahlia whom Bertie lovably calls his "aging relative" or "old flesh and bones".
Sep 18, 2011
Caroline
rated it:
What luck! Another Wodehouse! Thanks to goodreads, really, as this one had eluded me somehow until Kathleen reviewed it. It sounded rather familiar, and even when reading it it felt familiar (Bertie goes to the country, gets unintentionally engaged again), but there's no familiar voice I am fonder of.
Feb 09, 2011
jen8998
rated it:
Bertie Wooster and his butler Jeeves retire to the countryside after Bertie gets doctor's orders to relax and give up smoking, drinking and late nights. Unfortunately, the country proves anything but relaxing with jealous fiances, purloined cats and other intrigues.
Nov 08, 2010
If you like P.G. Wodehouse you'll love this tale of Bertie trying to get away for a relaxing vacation. But Wodehouse is an acquired taste - you either like the farce aspects or you hate them. I don't know many people who fall in-between love him and hate him.
