P. G. Wodehouse's Damsel in Distress sometimes feels like a prototype for the Blandings Castle stories. A similar set of characters, but not as well-defined as their Blandings equivalents. So in place of Lord Emsworth, the forgetful Earl and fanatical pig-raiser, we have Lord Marshmoreton, forgetful Lord (but not as absentminded as Emsworth) and fanatical gardener (but not as single-minded as Emsworth). In place of Constance, sister and worrier over the family dignity, we have Marshmoreton's sister, but she's also not quite as funny. Instead of genial fathead Freddie Threepwood, we have amiable fathead Reggie Byng.
On the other hand, taken on its own merits, Damsel in Distress is very funny. If one hasn't already read the Blandings stories, I would send him there first; but this story is a great alternative for someone looking for a lesser-know Wodehouse.
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