The Adventures of Roderick Random - Tobias Smollett

[Patrick]

** 1/2
Written in the middle of the 18th century, this novel follows the tribulations of Roderick Random, a young Scottish lad who tries to establish himself in life but keeps getting knocked around by misfortune and dishonest people. His adventures bring him a few times to be hired as a surgeon's mate in the navy and to travel in the "new world", mirroring to a large extent the real life adventures of Smollett.

This semi-autobiographical novel is characteristic of the picaresque genre and would have been quite popular in the latter part of the 18th century. However, seen from 21st century eyes, it is a long and somewhat tedious read and, while several passages would have been quite funny and exotic 250 years ago, they often fail to raise a smile, let alone a giggle. It definitely has a space among the classics of English literature as a representative specimen of this genre, but it will become harder in future years to feel enthusiastic about reading it (again).

[Diane]

Rating: 3 stars


I found this to be a very readable book for early 18th century literature. The theme is that seems to befrequently explored in books of this time - a main character who overcomes many obstacles andsetbacks in their life.

Perhaps very innovative in its time, the plot now feels as if I have been down this road many times before.

[Amanda]

I listened to this one on audio for my TBR this month and quite enjoyed it. It is not the most accessible book to modern readers, and yes, the degree of awe it would have instilled at the time is no longer there to the same degree (well - I think it shifted for me. Going to the Caribbean is not as impressive itself anymore, but surviving being in the navy in 18th century conditions is to me).

But, I have a soft spot for age of sail media, and really enjoy the adventure quality to it, even if it isn't especially deep literature.

The way Rod continually gets into and out of legally or life threatening scrapes had me engaged as well.

One thing that tickled me is that his uncle's name is "Tom Bowling" which later got used as a catch-all for sailors throughout the 18th and 19th century (sometimes as 'Tom bowline').

I gave it 4 stars.