Three Men in a Boat is a comedic account of a two-week boating holiday on the Thames River from Kingston upon Thames to Oxford and back to Kingston. The story follows three friends and a dog who decide to take a trip to cure their hypochondriac symptoms. The journey is filled with humorous incidents, historical digressions, and comical misunderstandings. Despite their initial intentions, the trio's holiday turns into a series of misadventures, providing a light-hearted commentary on the English upper-middle class at the end of the 19th century.

The book is a coming-of-age story set in early 19th-century England, following the life of an orphaned boy who is raised on a riverboat. After the tragic death of his parents, the protagonist learns to navigate the challenges of the river and the broader world. His journey takes him through various adventures and misfortunes, from attending a charity school to serving in the Navy, where he faces both the perils of nature and the complexities of human relationships. Throughout his life, he remains resilient and true to his name, embodying the virtues of faithfulness and integrity in the face of adversity.