A furiously witty response to Tobias Smollett's curmudgeonly 'Travels through France and Italy', Laurence Sterne's A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy became a hugely influential work of travel writing in its own right.
A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy by Laurence Sterne, published in 1768, is a travel narrative that blends humor, sentimentality, and philosophical reflection. The novel follows Yorick, a charming and witty English clergyman (and a partial self-portrait of Sterne himself), as he travels through France and Italy. Rather than focusing on traditional travel descriptions, the narrative emphasizes the emotional and psychological experiences of the protagonist, exploring themes of human connection, compassion, and the joys and absurdities of life.
Through Yorick's interactions with a range of colorful characters, the novel satirizes the conventions of travel writing and sentimental literature of the 18th century. Sterne's unique writing style, with its playful digressions and intimate tone, invites readers to reflect on the complexity of human emotions and the significance of empathy and personal encounters.
Published on by eBooks
Categories: Fiction Literature