P.G. Wodehouse is famous for Jeeves and Wooster, but The Adventures of Sally is a standalone gem that deserves more love. It’s a fizzy, early novel that shows his genius for tangled plots and gentle humor.

The Story

Sally Nicholas is a sensible, kind-hearted American dancer who unexpectedly inherits a fortune. Her first instinct is to share it, funding her dreamy brother’s shaky business venture and getting engaged to the seemingly perfect Gerald Foster. But Wodehouse being Wodehouse, nothing goes smoothly. Her brother loses the money, Gerald reveals himself to be a self-important bore, and Sally finds herself caught between her old, carefree life and the new, complicated one her wealth has created. It’s a story of her trying to fix everything, often making it funnier in the process.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a joy because Sally is such a refreshing heroine. She’s practical, witty, and wonderfully human—you root for her immediately. The comedy doesn’t come from silly misunderstandings, but from the clash between her good sense and the delightful absurdity of the people around her. It’s also a fascinating, lighter look at the ‘problem’ of new money and independence for a young woman in the 1920s. The dialogue crackles with Wodehouse’s signature wit, and the romantic subplot is surprisingly sweet.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who needs a literary pick-me-up. If you love classic comedies of manners, sharp but kind humor, or just a story with a heroine you’d want as a friend, pick this up. It’s a sunny, satisfying escape that proves Wodehouse’s magic extends far beyond the hallowed halls of the Drones Club.