Summer Lightning by P. G. Wodehouse

The Honourable Galahad Threepwood is ready to share his memoirs, much to the dismay of his sister, Lady Constance Keeble, who fears the family's reputation will be tarnished by his tales of the 1890s. Meanwhile, Lord Emsworth's prized pig has gone missing once again, and the castle is filled with imposters causing chaos. /n/n As Galahad's memoirs take shape, the plot thickens with a web of misunderstandings and impersonations that only P.G. Wodehouse could weave. With a mix of wit and charm, the story unfolds in a manner reminiscent of Shakespearean comedy, culminating in a satisfying resolution where love and justice prevail.

Reviews

R. Leigh Turner · R. Leigh Turner · 2025-11-18

excellent 4.50

The comedy excellence of the novel is due in part to the terrific characterisation, including the magnificent Lord Emsworth. The plotting is also a major strength, with all the different strings knotting together in unexpected and hilarious ways.

R. Leigh Turner highlights the terrific characterisation in the novel, particularly the magnificent Lord Emsworth, as a major strength. The reviewer also praises the plotting, which they describe as a major strength, with all the different storylines coming together in unexpected and hilarious ways. The reviewer finds the novel to be a great example of Wodehouse's comedic genius and is sure to please fans of his work. The reviewer also appreciates the way the novel balances the comfortable and familiar with the odd and zany, making for a highly enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

Part of this is down to the terrific characterisation, including the magnificent Lord Emsworth.

Part is down to plotting ... All of the different strings knot together in such unexpectedly hilarious ways.

Wodehouse is a genius at setting up comedic plots.

Biff's Sockdolager · Biff · 2020-04-15

fantastic 4.75

The novel is a must-read for anyone looking to relax and laugh with a good book. The humor is brilliant and the writing is excellent, making for a highly enjoyable read.

Biff finds the novel to be a must-read for anyone looking to relax and laugh with a good book. The reviewer praises the humor as brilliant and the writing as excellent, making for a highly enjoyable read. The reviewer also appreciates the way the novel balances the comfortable and familiar with the odd and zany, making for a highly enjoyable read. The reviewer finds the novel to be a great example of Wodehouse's comedic genius and is sure to please fans of his work. The reviewer also appreciates the way the novel is a timeless classic that never fails to delight.

Quick quotes

Wodehouse is a must read because one really needs to relax and laugh with a good book from time to time.

These are the trying times that calls for a bracing shot of Wodehouse like never before!

Toodle-pip to you, as well!

The Book Habit · 2013-08-29

great 4.00

The novel is a satirical and hilarious take on the life of the aristocracy, set at the illustrious Blandings Castle. The characters are well-drawn and the humor is sharp and witty.

The Book Habit reviewer finds the novel to be a delightful satire on the aristocracy, with a particular focus on the eccentricities of the characters at Blandings Castle. The humor is sharp and witty, and the characters are well-drawn, making for a highly enjoyable read. The reviewer appreciates the clever plotting and the way the different storylines come together in unexpected and humorous ways. The novel is a great example of Wodehouse's comedic genius and is sure to please fans of his work.

Quick quotes

The novel presents a satirical and hilarious take on the life of the aristocracy.

The characters are well-drawn and the humor is sharp and witty.

The clever plotting and the way the different storylines come together in unexpected and humorous ways.

Appears in Lists

The Best PG Wodehouse Books