Biittner's Book Review: Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome Jerome

A little late but better than never. November's book club pick, and our last book of the 2012 Bookies season, was "Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)" by Jerome Jerome. This is another pick from the 501 Must Read Book list that One Practical Woman and I have been slowly working our way through. The title only provides a hint as to how odd this little book would be. Essentially this book describes, in ridiculous detail, a trip down the Thames by three men and their dog (Montmorency, who is by far the best character in the book). I very quickly started to feel surprise that these men are even able to get out of bed in the morning never mind plan an outing on a boat. It is almost infuriating how incompetent and self-centered they are. That said, the whole book has a very satirical tone. It can be quite witty at times, and somehow manages to not feel dated, but the dryness of the humor would not necessarily translate well for everyone. It would make a great play as it has an almost Ionesco/Theatre of the Absurd feel to it. I would recommend this book but to people I think would appreciate the humor that can be found in the mundane.

We have made most of our picks for next year; I'll post these shortly. I will also (mid-December) post my list of books read in 2012 including those books I highly recommend.