53 pages • 1 hour read
Laurence SterneThe Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1759A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.