If you've ever thought a quiet English boarding school would be a dull setting for a novel, P.G. Wodehouse is here to prove you gloriously wrong. 'The Little Nugget' throws that peaceful notion out the window with a plot that's more heist comedy than staid academia.

The Story

The story follows Peter Burns, a young man who takes a job as a master at Sanstead House school mostly to be near Cynthia, the woman he's desperately in love with. The school's newest pupil is Ogden Ford, the obnoxious, over-indulged son of an American millionaire. Ogden's nickname? The Little Nugget. His father's wealth makes him a walking target, and soon, a perfect storm of would-be kidnappers descends on Sanstead House. There's the smooth-talking gentleman thief, the boy's own mother (who wants custody), and even Peter's beloved Cynthia, whose motives are suspiciously unclear. Peter, caught in the middle, must navigate this minefield of absurd plots, trying to save the ungrateful Ogden and untangle his own romantic disaster.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a masterclass in comic pacing and wit. Wodehouse has this incredible gift for making you root for everyone, even the schemers, because they're all so terribly funny and human in their flawed logic. Peter is the perfect Wodehouse hero—well-meaning, slightly bumbling, and utterly at the mercy of the chaotic world and stronger-willed people around him. The dialogue crackles, and the situations spiral into the most wonderful nonsense. It's not just about the laughs, though. Underneath the froth, there's a warm heart and a sharp, affectionate poke at human vanity and the silly things we do for love and money.

Final Verdict

This book is for anyone who needs a good, solid chuckle. It's perfect for fans of clever dialogue, intricate plots that tie up neatly, and stories where the butler probably is involved in the scheme. If you're new to Wodehouse, this is a fantastic place to start—it has all his signature charm in a tight, fast-paced package. And if you're already a fan, it's like revisiting an old friend who always knows the best jokes. Clear an afternoon, make a pot of tea, and prepare to be thoroughly, delightfully entertained.