53 pages 1 hour read

Laurence Sterne

The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1759

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne is a comic, metafictional narrative about Tristram Shandy's life, beginning at his conception rather than birth. The novel digresses frequently to introduce his family and friends, including his philosophical father Walter, his gentle mother Elizabeth, his war-wounded Uncle Toby, the bumbling Dr. Slop, and Parson Yorick.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Laurence Sterne's The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman is lauded for its innovative narrative and wit. Critics appreciate its playful structure and metatextual elements, offering a fresh perspective on 18th-century literature. However, some find the digressive style and lack of a cohesive plot challenging. This novel remains a polarizing yet influential classic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman?

A reader who enjoys The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne would appreciate its playful narrative style, digressive storytelling, and satirical wit. Ideal for fans of classics like Don Quixote or Gulliver's Travels, they delight in humorous, unconventional, and metafictional literature.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Satire

Humor

Period

Age of Enlightenment

Themes

Life/Time: Mortality & Death

Values/Ideas: Literature

Relationships: Fathers

Topics

History: World