First published 1748
Roderick finds himself alone and broke after his father loses his inheritance and abandons Scotland. The young man completes a short medical apprenticeship, then sets out for London with little money and even less knowledge of the world. The city proves harsh territory for someone so naive. Roderick encounters one scoundrel after another, each ready to exploit his inexperience. His quick temper and readiness to fight create as many problems as they solve. Yet beneath his combative nature lies a capacity for deep loyalty and unexpected kindness toward those who earn his trust. As Roderick navigates London's dangerous streets and dubious characters, he must learn to distinguish friend from foe while holding onto the generous spirit that makes him vulnerable to exploitation in the first place.
Genres: fiction, classic-literature, adventure, british-literature, 19th-century
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, rags-to-riches
Setting: London, Scotland
Period: 19th Century
476 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books