For some reason I’d always thought this was an American book and when Darren recommended it to me (by way of putting it in my Christmas stocking, always a good way to recommend books!) I was surprised to find that the boat in question, and the three men in it, are on a voyage up the Thames to Oxford.

For a book that was written 113 years ago in 1889 it’s stunningly readable today and it’s definitely well worth a read. Short episodic chapters mean that it’s the kind of book that you can keep picking up and putting down without worrying about losing track of the plot (as there isn’t really very much of a plot). There’s also only 185 pages so even if you’re right out of reading energy (like me over the last couple of weeks) this book won’t tie you up for very long.

My favourite part concerned thoughts on what will become valued antiques in the future where, among other things, Jerome was right on the money with an observation that Victorian schoolgirl’s sewing samplers will become treasured and priceless embroideries in years to come.

I have it on good authority that the sequel Three Men on the Bummel isn’t nearly as good so I’ll probably leave my aquaintanceship with Jerome K. Jerome here, but I’m glad I read this lively book.