Very Good, Jeeves: Vol. 2

Martin Jarvis—who has portrayed legendary valet Reginald Jeeves on stage—delivers an entertaining performance in the audio edition of these lesser-known Wodehouse stories. Jeeves, as always, is straight man to Wodehouse’s most original creation, the goofy but well-intentioned Bertie Wooster, who manages to turn the simplest social encounter into an opportunity for chaos. Although the five shorts in this collection aren’t the author’s funniest, Jarvis easily toggles between Wooster and Jeeves, while convincingly portraying a bevy of potty relatives, old friends, and unsuitable love interests. “Jeeves and the Old School Chum” is perhaps the highlight: Jeeves must bend his brilliant brain to help Bingo Little when his wife, romance novelist Rosie Banks, imposes a strict dietary regimen. Wodehouse works best when read aloud, and this is a fine introduction for newcomers. (May)