Humor and romance with a slice of sarcasm. Fun stuff and a pleasurable read. Terrific narration. Clean — it’s a classic. ( )

4.5 stars for this audiobook edition, narrated by Martin Jarvis. While I still have a slight preference to hear my Wodehouse narrated by Jonathan Cecil, Jarvis did an excellent job with this 9th entry in the Blandings Castle series.

This one not only had Lord Emsworth & his pig but also Uncle Fred -- a delightful combination! ( )

Spending time with Uncle Fred is never wasted - although I think I prefer him at a distance! In this he invites himself to Blandings Castle, home of Lord Emsworth & his prize winning pig. Also, at present, home to Myra Shoemaker, Lavender Brigs and the Duke of Dunstable. Into this comes Uncle Fred, spreading sweetness and light in certain directions. The romantic couples end up with the right partners, the pig is in her alloted space and it is just the Church Lads that seem to be omitted from the spreading of sweetness and light. Its entirely frivolous, but so well crafted that you just go along with the fun. ( )

Wodehouse, P. G. Service with a Smile. 1961. Norton, 2013.
Pongo Twistleton’s Uncle Fred, the fifth earl of Ickenham, inveterate spreader of sweetness and light, makes his last appearance in Service with a Smile. He hasn’t changed a bit. He still creates mischief on his way to tweaking the pretentious and making sure each unmarried youth ends up with the proper girl—not usually the one he started out with. As Uncle Fred says, “I always strive, when I can, to spread sweetness and light. There have been several complaints.” ( )

Blandings is my favourite Wodehouse series, and Lord Emsworth my favourite Wodehouse character, but “Service with a Smile” isn’t one of my favourite Wodehouse novels.

Somehow, it lacked the charm I expected to find. Also, it felt too similar to previous books in the series. Yet again, someone plans to steal Lord Emsworth’s pig. This has been a plot element too many times now. Also, we have lovers being separated because one is rich, the other poor, which is by now unoriginal.

A few more scenes featuring Lord Emsworth would’ve made it funnier, but several new plot ideas is what this really needed. ( )