The Story

Gethryn is the ideal Beckford student: a prefect, a cricket captain, and generally respected. His life runs on order and achievement. Then his much younger uncle, Farnie, arrives at the school. Farnie isn't interested in rules or reputation. He's here for a good time, and his idea of fun usually means trouble.

The book follows Gethryn's struggle as he's torn between his duty as a relative and his position as a prefect. He has to bail Farnie out of scrapes, cover for his mischief, and watch his own spotless record threatened by his uncle's antics. From failed pranks to cricket match dramas, Farnie's presence is a constant, comedic thorn in Gethryn's side.

Why You Should Read It

This is early Wodehouse, and you can see the genius starting to spark. The humor isn't as polished as his later Jeeves stories, but it's full of energy and that wonderful, silly irony he's famous for. The heart of the book is the role reversal. The adult figure (the uncle) is the irresponsible child, and the teenager (the nephew) has to be the responsible one. It's a funny twist on family and school dynamics.

Gethryn is so wonderfully earnest, and his frustration is completely relatable. You root for him even as you chuckle at his predicament. The school setting feels authentic, and the cricket scenes are written with a clarity that even non-sports fans can enjoy. It's a light, quick read that leaves you smiling.

Final Verdict

This is a great pick if you're new to Wodehouse and want to see where he started. It's also perfect for anyone who loves stories about school life, awkward family ties, and gentle, character-driven comedy. Don't expect the intricate plots of his later work—expect a charming, funny snapshot of chaos in a world that takes itself too seriously. Think of it as a warm-up act for the master of humor, and a very enjoyable one at that.