2024 Dec NF: Yours, Plum The Letters of P.G. Wodehouse

[Samantha, Creole Literary Belle]

December is our month of letters in nonfiction. British writer and humorist P.G. Wodehouse wrote many letters throughout his life, and a collection of them is found within Yours, Plum The Letters of P.G. Wodehouse.

From GR: In addition to his immense published output, P.G. Wodehouse always found time to write letters, and this volume, edited and introduced by the author of his authorised biography, Frances Donaldson, is his last great work. Selected from a vast collection, hugely funny and delightfully readable, they are full of the richest Wodehousian expressions and show a new perspective on Plum's shy, reclusive, innocent yet uniquely gifted personality. If ever letters were a joy to read, these are.

Every aspect of Wodehouse's career is covered, including his experiences during the war over the Berlin Broadcasts and his subsequent dealings with Cassandra, who so unfairly attacked him. Included are fascinating letters to his friends Bill Townend, Guy Bolton and Dennis Mackail, about his working and domestic life and his attitudes to other writers; but at the centre, and most revealing of his real nature are his remarkable letters to his stepdaughter Leonora, which have an incomparable biographical value because they were addressed to someone he loved and trusted completely. As Frances Donaldson writes, these letters 'were written by a master of English prose. Full of charm, humour and eccentricities, they are clearly a valuable addition to the published work.'

To read a piece from The New Yorker about him: https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-...

Whether you're a longstanding Wodehouse fan or curious about who the man was, check out these letters to learn more.

[Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar]

I just need to pick the book up at the library and then I'm ready to read.
I really like his novels.

[Kathy]

I've just finished the section of letters to his step-daughter Leonora, who he addresses as "Snorky." (It's explained why he calls her that). I didn't realize he wrote lyrics for theater and musicals. Wodehouse's writing is just as funny as his novels. I like his stories about his dogs.

[Kathy]

I finished this today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wodehouse had a long full life, living until age 93, working until the end. Now I want to read the Blandings books in order. Up until now I've read Wodehouse in any random order - whatever becomes available.

[Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar]

I've started the book and am enjoying it a lot.
I adore the Blandings books! You're in for a treat, Kathy!

[Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar]

I've just finished the book. It was an enjoyable read and Plum seems like he was a very nice person-and a lot of fun.

[Kathy]

Plum did seem like a nice person. He and his wife were also very well-traveled. A lot of the time they lived in New York or California!