The Story

George is a solid, dependable man who is head-over-heels for Mary. His life seems set on a steady course until a fishing expedition with his friends. To cover up a minor embarrassment, George tells a small, harmless lie. But like a dropped stitch in a sweater, that lie starts to unravel everything. To keep his story straight, he has to invent a whole new persona and gets involved with a boat—the Lugger of the title. Suddenly, he's living a double life, trying to be the honest George for Mary while maintaining his fictional alter-ego. The comedy comes from watching a fundamentally decent man juggle these two worlds as they inevitably crash into each other.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't just a silly farce. Hutchinson writes with such warmth and understanding that you can't help but love George, even when he's being absurd. You've been there—maybe not with a boat, but with that sinking feeling after a white lie gets away from you. The heart of the book is George's genuine love for Mary. His entire chaotic adventure is, in a twisted way, an attempt to be worthy of her. It’s a sharp, funny look at how male pride works (or doesn't) and a sweet, old-fashioned romance all rolled into one.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories where the biggest battles are fought inside a person's own conscience. If you like authors like P.G. Wodehouse for the clever predicaments but want a touch more heart and less aristocracy, you'll find a real gem here. It's a comforting, witty read that proves some human dilemmas—like loving someone so much you become an idiot—are truly timeless.