Retro Reads discussion

For open spoilers & final conclusions!

Finished & loved it.

Written near the start of P.G. W's career this reminds me (a lot) of one written towards the end Frozen Assets (aka Biffens Millions.

Loved the book. A couple of points -- did Billy Dore's constant affirmations that her hair was naturally blonde indicate that it was in fact dyed that brassy colour? And wasn't it fitting that she, with her love of country life and roses, should marry the lord and live happily ever after? Or was she simply a gold-digger? Also, I loved it that the secretary married Reggie in order to save him from his perceived descent into alcoholism!

Tore myself away from obsessive news-watching long enough to finish. I liked it a lot! It isn't as deft and sparkly as Wodehouse's later work but for me, that opened up space for more genuine emotion. I believed in the romance between George and Maud more than I would have thought possible, and thought they came mutually to recognize and appreciate each other's character. I was actually sad during the great renunciation scene in the barn!

As for Billie Dore, I never saw her as a gold-digger. She seemed to me like a modern girl who wanted to be old-fashioned--not at home in her life as an actress but not knowing how to escape it. Her friend who was seeing the fat Mr. Grey was intended to show what she could be if she were only looking out for the main chance. Perhaps Billie was more in love with the peaceful rural life Lord Marshmoreton inhabited than with him, but she clearly had a fondness for him and was kind to him even when there was nothing in it for her. She was so disillusioned when she thought he was going to ask her to be his mistress, and happily relieved when he asked her to be his secretary instead. How they got from there to married, we will never know!

I read the business about her hair color rather differently. My guess is that the hair color was intended as a stand-in for character--that everyone assumed she was one thing because of her profession and the way she looked, but in reality she was something different. It was a (rather ham-handed) way of saying she was genuine. She reminded me a bit of Dolly Parton's character in the movie Nine to Five.

Abigail wrote: "Tore myself away from obsessive news-watching long enough to finish. I liked it a lot! It isn't as deft and sparkly as Wodehouse's later work but for me, that opened up space for more genuine emoti..."

I agree wholeheartedly- the barn scene was very affecting in the audiobook! I thought the ending very satisfying all round - I felt the Earl and Billie shared an abiding love of gardening and would be very happy, and Maud and Bill would also be happy together. Percy and Aunt Caroline might ruin a few holidays, but you can’t have everything!

Very perceptive comments Abigail!

I also noticed that the physical description of Maud was a lot more detailed than I remember from later Wodehouses I have read. I found her a very appealing character.

Thanks, Carol! And despite his instalove, George seemed to me like a grownup. I was rooting for them! And it was clever to keep Geoffrey off-screen till the end--as an unknown quantity, it was not possible for the reader to assess whether Maud's love for him was a real thing or illusory.

Abigail wrote: "Thanks, Carol! And despite his instalove, George seemed to me like a grownup. I was rooting for them! And it was clever to keep Geoffrey off-screen till the end--as an unknown quantity, it was not ..."

good point, Abigail, I kept wanting to meet Geoffrey but it is better this way.

just finished the book last night and really enjoyed it BUT I have to say this is way more George's story than Maud. She wasn't as interesting to me as was, say, Billie.

and I would have liked details as to how they went from "be my secretary" to married!

also kind of wanted more details on how Reggie and his wife to be - we just know she was sold when she thought he was drinking too much and she needed to save him, LOL. Does she realize he is not very bright? I hope she is not in for a disappointment.

how did everyone like the staff? I started out not liking the butler Keggs and was amazed when young Albert ended up admitting Keggs knew better. Albert was humbled, didn't see that coming.

Impossibly late...
It’s only my third Wodehouse but I loved it!

I saw Billy and the hair question as Abigail did. Not a gold-digger at all, but rather a kindred spirit to the rose-loving earl. I also could see them very happy together. The same with George and Maud - they had to think they’d lost the other to find out their true feelings. The secretary and Reggie - now that one could be hilarious to witness. As for the staff, what a crazy bunch :0) Pondering now which Wodehouse to read next...

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