The Story

We meet Sidney Trefusis right after he's pulled off the ultimate escape. He's just married the lovely Henrietta, but instead of settling into married life, he fakes his own death and disappears. His goal? To live as a common laborer and spread socialist ideas. He ends up working at a girls' school, trying to convert the students and staff to his cause, all while his abandoned wife and friends are left bewildered and searching for him. The plot follows the hilarious and often awkward collisions between his high-minded theories and the messy reality of human relationships.

Why You Should Read It

Forget dry political theory. Shaw's genius is in how human he makes these big ideas. Trefusis is a fascinating mess—you'll constantly debate whether he's a hero, a hypocrite, or just a deeply confused man. The book is packed with the kind of clever, rapid-fire conversations Shaw is famous for. It’s less about providing answers on socialism and more about asking really good, uncomfortable questions about privilege, intention, and whether we can ever truly escape our own upbringing.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories where people are brilliantly, frustratingly contradictory. If you enjoy witty social satire that doesn't take itself too seriously, you'll find a lot to love here. It’s a great pick for readers curious about classic literature but want something with bite and humor, rather than just dense prose. A truly unsocial, and unforgettable, read.