Super Short Summary

The Adventures of Roderick Random by Tobias Smollett, set in the 1730s and 1740s, traces the tumultuous life of Roderick “Rory” Random from his troubled childhood in Scotland to his global journeys. Orphaned and left to fend for himself, Roderick navigates various hardships through England, France, the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America, encountering diverse characters while pursuing education, naval work, and ultimately a comfortable life. The novel addresses themes of imperialism, gender relations, and social class.