Indiscretions of Archie
P. G. Wodehouse
Read by Mark Nelson
It wasn't Archie's fault really. It's true he went to America and fell in love with Lucille, the daughter of a millionaire hotel proprietor and if he did marry her--well, what else was there to do?
From his point of view, the whole thing was a thoroughly good egg; but Mr. Brewster, his father-in-law, thought differently, Archie had neither money nor occupation, which was distasteful in the eyes of the industrious Mr. Brewster; but the real bar was the fact that he had once adversely criticised one of his hotels.
Archie does his best to heal the breach; but, being something of an ass, genus priceless, he finds it almost beyond his powers to placate "the man-eating fish" whom Providence has given him as a father-in-law. (Summary from the Gutenberg text) (9 hr 8 min)
Chapters
Reviews
great book, great reader
A LibriVox Listener
who better to read my favorite comedic writer than favorite comedic reader. Mark is a STITCH! even makes the standard "this is a Librivox recording. .." statement entertaining. Such a silly guy. The book is P.G. WODEHOUSE. There isn't more to say. The man is hilarious!
Brilliant!
Ancient Aunt
P.G. Wodehouse is a perennial favorite of mine and this one kept me chortling throughout. The innocent misadventures Archie has on his own are entertaining enough, but in the chapters where he's paired with his father-in-law, or even just trying to do something on his behalf, that's where the brilliance truly shines through. Some of Wodehouse's writing in this book represent some of his best talent -- particularly chapter 22 ("Washy Steps Into The Hall Of Fame") which I played several times. A highly entertaining yarn throughout the entire book. Librivox volunteer reader, Mark Nelson, did a very good job reading this book :)
Not nearly as clever as the Jeeves books.
Alan H.
I loved Wodehouse's Jeeves books and I love listening to Mark Nelson, but I only made it about 1/4th of the way thru. The incidents seem moronic and dialog (internal & external) isn't cleverly funny like in Jeeves, which prompted me to try this one. I haven't laughed once. Man agrees to house stolen snake in his hotel room & snake escapes, etc. Perhaps this book invented it, don't know, but it's been so over done that I find it unfunny, even painful. If I return to finish this book, I'll revise as warranted.
Well done, occasional odd southern accent
A LibriVox Listener
Mark Nelson is a terrific reader and in a different league than your average LibriVox volunteer. I listened to this one after hearing his excellent rendition of Right Ho, Jeeves. In this one, however, Mr. Nelson's attempt at a British accent for Archie usually sounds more like some type of upper-class southern American dialect. That aside, it's well done. The story itself is a good one, even if it lacks the pluck and caliber of a Jeeves and Wooster tale.
Magnificent and all that rot
April H.
Count on P.G. Wodehouse to deliver a hilarious entertaining tale! Although on the longer side I never once became bored; both Wodehouse and the narrator kept me thoroughly engrossed. Speaking of the narrator, he did a perfect job! He instills life and humor while retaining clarity in all points of the book. Also, he must have challenged himself to say "This is a Librivox recording etc." in as many tones as possible. It quite tickled me pink, don't you know?
A delight.
A LibriVox Listener
Both text and reading were delightful. I first read Wodehouse as a teenager visiting family friends and left to my own devices to help myself to hosts bookshelves for amusement. I was enchanted with Jeeves and Wooster. I still am. Now in my 80s, with failing eyesight leading me away from the written page to audio, I chanced across this and my youthful enthusiasm of Wodehouse is reinvigorated. His characters, descriptions, and the predicaments Archie gets into and out of are utterly delightful. It leaves me smiling and occasionally giggling. The reader is excellent, could not ask for better. Seems he is a fan of Wodehouse too. I found a You Tube interview with the reader, and now will be listening next to the Wodehouse Chicken book he mentioned as his personal favorite. Thank you for the joy audio books bring, and for treating the authors work so kindly.
Jolly good ! Frightfully spiffing
Sripradha Iyengar
has so many laugh out loud moments. some of the neighbours stared at me while I laughed out aloud while taking a walk on the terrace, where I always also listen to audio books. I've read or listened to almost all of PG wodehouses' books, and I am compelled at say that this is by far the best. (I did not come to this conclusion lightly and I'm quite fond of the Blandings castle series too, that would rank second in my list!) Just LOVE how Mark Nelson reads out and manages to personify characters with his wonderful voice. It has been an absolute pleasure, getting to listen to this book. Life couldn't get any better.
Such a Hilarious Book
A LibriVox Listener
This is a GREAT book, WONDERFUL narrating and keeps you entertained for hours. I definately recommend you listen or read this book. It is not as great as PG Wodehouse's Jeeves books but it is still worth your time. I read a chapter to my family every night and it keeps them rolling. The narrator of this book, Mark Nelson, does a great job reading. He has a great voice and makes the characters real for you. His ability to express emotion is really a work of art and every character has personality when he reads it. If we were rating these 1-10, I would give it a ten.