The Story

There's no traditional story here, and that's the point. Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow is a series of short, rambling essays. Jerome sits down (presumably in a comfortable chair) and lets his mind drift to whatever is bothering or amusing him that day. One chapter he's dissecting the pure agony of having a cold. In another, he's pondering the art of doing absolutely nothing and why society frowns upon it. He complains about babies, debates the point of weather, and questions his own bad habits. It's less of a narrative and more of a guided tour through the wonderfully cluttered attic of a very observant mind.

Why You Should Read It

I picked this up expecting dusty, old-fashioned humor, but Jerome's voice is shockingly modern. His complaints are our complaints. His lazy Sunday musings are the same ones we have now, just with better vocabulary and more waistcoats. The magic is in his ability to take a tiny, universal annoyance and expand it into something absurdly funny and strangely profound. You'll find yourself nodding along, thinking, "Yes! Why IS it so hard to get out of a warm bed?" It’s comforting, in a way, to know someone in 1886 felt just as baffled by everyday life as we do.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who enjoys witty, observational humor from authors like David Sedaris or Sloane Crosley, but wants a historical twist. It's ideal for short commutes or bedtime reading—you can dip in and out of any essay. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, look elsewhere. But if you want to spend time with a genuinely funny, insightful companion who makes you feel better about your own idle thoughts, this is your book.