Sunday, June 16, 2013

Rashmi bookmarks “Psmith in the City”


P. G. Wodehouse continues to amuse and amaze me, this time, with a story about the life and times of cricketer Michael “Mike” Jackson and his friend Rupert Psmith at the New Asiatic Bank, as we follow our protagonists from the Postage Department to the Cash Department to the Fixed Deposits Department!

Part of the “Psmith” series of books, this story is unlike the Blandings Castle series or the Drones Club stories or the Jeeves books, in that it does not comprise solely of Lords and Earls and London’s idle rich. Yes, Psmith has the kind of wealth that lets one do a “job” as an amusing past time, but the world of this book was primarily one of routine bankers going about their mundane jobs. Into this stuffy, underground (literally) world, Psmith brings in such a fresh breath of air; it gives the bank - and the reader - a new lease on life.

Extremely wealthy, immaculately dressed, lazy and languid, permanently unruffled, and with an enormous heart, Psmith was clearly the best character of this book. Setting the stage with his whimsical spelling of an otherwise common name, Psmith challenges conventions wherever he goes.

The best part of this story was of course the revenge plan against the manager! On behalf of every one of us who has ever served a cruel and/or stupid manager, Psmith sees to fruition a carefully orchestrated plan against John Bickersdyke. From solidifying his position with manager Mr. Rossiter owing to a “common love” of Manchester United, to extending a firm “following” to socialist Mr. Waller, to an awkward encounter in a Turkish bath, Psmith’s grand plan culminates in a complete demolition of Bickersdyke, without offering him even the satisfaction of firing Mike and Psmith as they hand in their casual resignations and stroll out the doors.

Brilliant! And as always, that inimitable blend of sparkling wit and a superior command of the language.

The world is a better place because P.G. Wodehouse has lived in it.

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