Although the wildly prolific P.G. Wodehouse turned out almost a hundred novels in his lifetime, the world can always make room for another story in his marvelously droll, light-as-a-feather comic voice. Ames’ latest novel is a loving parody of Wodehouse’s most famous creations, Jeeves and Wooster, seen through the eyes of Alan Blair, a would-be writer and heavy drinker who has somehow acquired an imaginary valet named (of course) Jeeves. Their relationship is like a benign version of Jack Nicholson and his butler in The Shining—no murders, but lots of witty repartee. Blair’s Jewish self-identity and deep-set neuroses make him as akin to Woody Allen as Bertie Wooster, and his hapless distension from reality gives Wake Up a vibe that’s akin to A Confederacy of Dunces, as well as any of Wodehouse’s artfully constructed farces. Ask your valet to pick up a copy for you. (Available July 13)
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