The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
SUMMER CHALLENGE 2025
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Group Reads Discussion - The Adventures of Sally
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I've read several Wodehouse books, but this is the first one that I recall having a female protagonist. Sally was definitely a product of her time, a little bit plucky, a bit of an independent streak, but also has to basically be a saint. I didn't find this one as madcap as some other Wodehouse works, although there were some parts I chuckled over.
I have read quite a few PG Wodehouse books, but mostly from the Jeeves series. This one was quite different, not least of which because it had a female protagonist. The female characters in the Jeeves books tend to either be the enemy (his aunt) or just there as love interests for various characters, so this was a little refreshing. I agree with Kai that this one wasn't quite as funny as the Jeeves books I have read, but it was a fun romp with a happy ending, and it was the perfect brain candy I needed in between some heavier reads this month.
Amy BThis was my first PG Wodehouse book and it was a pleasant surprise. Reading the notes above, it seems like I should check out the Jeeves books next. Set in the early 1920's, I was happy that the MC was an independent woman and that the basis of the drama was not really about how that was a big deal.
The only thing I didn't love is the struggle to find this book. My library didn't have hard copy, nor did it have an e-book - only audio, read by a male narrator with an English ancient. Not sure why given the book is set in the US and the main character a woman. I think it would have been a little easier to lose myself in the book if not pulled out of it by the narrator.
Thank you to whoever recommended this as group read. I really enjoyed it!
Susan Ap74 "I don't believe there is such a thing as Spanish influenza. People get colds in their heads and think they're dying. It's all a fake scare"
Humanity just repeats itself.
That was the most notable part of the book. The book was boring and I didn't find it funny. I did not care about any of the characters The narrator was not a good choice for this book.
I had only read one other Wodehouse book which was short stories with Jeeves. I was surprised to find that this one had an American as the main character. The end did not come as a surprise - I expected Sally and Ginger to get together - but I did enjoy the madcap part right before that. I also appreciated the cameos by the dogs.
Kathy KSAlthough I've enjoyed Wodehouse novels in the past, this one just didn't seem as interesting. I'm beginning it's because the other novels mostly featured Jeeves, rather than a bunch of pretentious young folks, or seemingly so, during the 1920s. Actually, Sally was pretty much the most likable of the crew; Ginger seemed to be "a nice guy," too. I fidn't find this novel that humorous, although Wodehouse does have a way of sneaking in a zinger of dry British humor once in awhile and eliciting a chuckle.
Not a bad book (remember it was first published in 1922, so attitudes may vary), but I'd recommend some of his Jeeves books instead.
I found this one to be predictable but cute. It wasn't as funny as the Jeeves books, but I still got a few chuckles out of it and I enjoyed the characters and the situations they found themselves in. Ginger reminded me a lot of Bertie, though without the financial resources, and it was fun to see Sally taking him in hand. For once I didn't do the audio (it was free on kindle so it was my bathtime book) so I didn't have to deal with the narrator problems that others had.
I had read Jeeves books but not this one. I found it delightful. I loved that Sally was such an independent "new woman". And I enjoyed the 1920's repartee. Of course, it was obvious how the story would end up, but not all the ups and downs on the way. I also thought it was fun to have some American characters instead of all British.
I've never read Wodehouse before, and I am now a fan. I loved this book. The characters weren't super deep of course, but I loved it all the same. There was a timelessness to Sally's spunk that I just loved. I loved Ginger so much, but I think a large part of that is that his physical description matches my husband exactly, and our beginning had some similarities. (He didn't propose on our second meeting, but he did unofficially after our 3rd date LOL 20 years later still happy!)Anyway, there were a few things that happened "off screen" that were a bit of a bummer. I would have loved to see the first proposal the cousin did in England, maybe with a bit of an Elizabeth Bennet/Mr Darcy feel to it, and of course, Ginger and Sally finally getting together would have been nice to see, rather than a time jump only.
As for the audiobook--I almost DNF'd because of him. Why was it a guy? (I guess maybe because the book is written by a guy?) And why was he British? Also, the way he did his female voices (only sometimes, it wasn't consistent, thankfully) was so weirdly affected, effeminate. It was distracting, and I hated this narrator. I'm glad I stuck it out, but yeesh, he is terrible. I wasn't expecting Jim Dale or anything, but this guy was just not it.
I can't wait to get my hands on some other Wodehouse books. I hear this one isn't even close to the best!
I've read quite a few other Wodehouse books, my favorites being the Blandings Castle series. Compared to the other Wodehouse books I've read, I agree with others that Sally wasn't a favorite. There was some of the expected wittiness and absurdity, though not quite enough. Wodehouse novels always seem to have a lot of characters, which sometimes are a bit challenging to keep track of, and numerous subplots. I think one just has to go with the flow and everything doesn't always make any sense. I liked Sally, but didn't care for it being set in the US. It seems to be a stand-alone, so no need to decide whether or not to read further.
This was my first book by PG Wodehouse. I thought the book was amusing with some very dry humor. I did have a little trouble keeping track of some of the characters but did well enough given the nature of the story.
Susan A wrote: "Susan Ap74 "I don't believe there is such a thing as Spanish influenza. People get colds in their heads and think they're dying. It's all a fake scare"
Humanity just repeats itself.
That was t..."
Right!? That bit stuck out to me too.
In the first half of the book, I felt the pace was a bit too slow. And the incessant fatphobia was jarring too. Then as it really got going, I started to enjoy it. It was light reading, funny and silly. And the happy ending... it isn't the most realistic resolution, but it is the best one to soothe the soul.
I was looking for something fun and light for the last few days of the challenge, and this fit the bill perfectly! I enjoy the Jeeves books, but found "plucky" (borrowing that word from Kai's post) Sally to also be an entertaining character. It did bother me that (view spoiler)Wodehouse's humo(u)r is right up my alley.
The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
My Man Jeeves (other topics)The Adventures of Sally (other topics)
The Adventures of Sally (other topics)
The requirement for task 20.10: You must participate in the book's discussion thread below with at least one post about the contents of the book or your reaction to the book after you have read the book.