Adventures of Roderick Random

Set in the 1730s and 1740s, the narrative follows the life of the main protagonist and narrator, Roderick “Rory” Random, from childhood to adulthood as Roderick journeys through England, France, the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America. It is partially based on Smollett's experience as a naval-surgeon’s mate in the Royal Navy, especially during the Battle of Cartagena de Indias in 1741.