P. G. Wodehouse, long before he created Jeeves and Wooster, was already a genius at turning social hierarchies into playgrounds for chaos. 'A Prefect's Uncle' is a brilliant early example.

The Story

The story is set at Beckford College, a typical British boarding school. Farnie is the head prefect, a boy who loves rules, order, and his own importance. He's the kind of guy who polishes his badge and practices his stern look in the mirror. His life is perfectly arranged until his much younger uncle, Reginald, is enrolled as a student. Reginald is ten, cheeky, and completely unfazed by Farnie's position. To Farnie's horror, school tradition demands he show respect to his elder relative—even if that 'elder' is a child he's supposed to discipline. What follows is a series of hilarious episodes where Farnie's authority crumbles. He tries to give his uncle detention, only to be reminded of family duty. He attempts to appear dignified, while Reginald treats him like just another cousin to tease. The entire school watches, utterly delighted, as the mighty are brought low by a fourth-grader.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't just a funny school story. It's a sharp, joyful poke at anyone who takes themselves too seriously. Wodehouse has this magical ability to make you cringe for Farnie while rooting for little Reginald. You see the absurdity of rigid systems when a simple family connection can blow them apart. The comedy comes from the contrast: Farnie's puffed-up self-importance versus Reginald's innocent, logical confusion about why he should be scared of his nephew. The writing is light, fast, and packed with that dry, observational wit Wodehouse is famous for. It’s less about elaborate plots and more about savouring the perfect awkwardness of every situation.

Final Verdict

This book is a treat for anyone who needs a good, clever laugh. It's perfect for fans of classic British humor, for readers who enjoy stories about school days (especially the satisfying fantasy of seeing a bully humbled), and for anyone discovering Wodehouse's earlier work. It's shorter than his later novels, making it a fantastic introduction to his style. If you like your comedy served with a side of witty social observation and a perfectly delivered punchline, you'll find a friend in this little book. Just be warned: you might start looking at any overly serious person in your life and wondering what their ten-year-old uncle would do to them.