Fans of PG Wodehouse, here's some good news. Immortal characters Jeeves and Bertie Wooster will come alive in a new novel to be authored by Sebastian Faulks.
A couple of years ago, Faulks, author of novels including "Birdsong", "A Week in December" and "A Possible Life", was commissioned by the Wodehouse estate to write a new book featuring Jeeves and Wooster.
"Jeeves and the Wedding Bells", the first officially sanctioned novel since Wodehouse's death, will release this month, publishers Random House said.
Evoking the sunlit days of a time gone by, "Jeeves and the Wedding Bells" is a witty story of mistaken identity, a midsummer village festival, a cricket match and love triumphant.
Wodehouse wrote more than 90 novels and about 300 short stories over 73 years. Best known for the escapades of Wooster and Jeeves, he also created the world of Blandings Castle, home to Lord Emsworth and his cherished pig, the Empress of Blandings.
His stories include gems concerning the irrepressible and disreputable Ukridge; Psmith, the elegant socialist; the ever-so-slightly unscrupulous Fifth Earl of Ickenham, better known as uncle Fred; and those related by Mr Mulliner, the charming raconteur of The Angler's Rest, and the Oldest Member at the Golf Club.
Himself a fan of Wodehouse, Faulks is delighted to be asked by the Wodehouse Estate to write the novel using the immortal characters.
"If I were to be quite honest, I suppose I would have to admit that a scene in (the Wodehouse novel) 'The Mating Season' is probably my favourite in the whole canon of English literature," he said.
Faulks also wrote James Bond novel "Devil May Care" in 2008 to celebrate the centenary of Ian Fleming's birth.
"I read my first Jeeves story when I was 12 and it is an honour to be asked by PG Wodehouse's family to work with these greatly loved characters. Wodehouse is inimitable, but I will do the very best I can, with respect and with gratitude for all the pleasure the books have given, but also with a light heart. I hope my story will ring bells with aficionados but also bring new readers to these wonderful books," he said.
