The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a young boy living in poverty-stricken 16th century Spain. The story follows Lazarillo as he navigates the often harsh and unforgiving world around him, using his wit and cunning to survive.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the character of Lazarillo himself. Despite facing numerous hardships and betrayals, he remains resilient and resourceful, never losing his sense of humor or his ability to adapt to new circumstances. His clever schemes and quick thinking make him a compelling protagonist, one that readers will root for throughout the story.

The Markham translation does a fantastic job of capturing the spirit and humor of the original text, making it accessible to modern readers while still retaining the charm of the original work. The writing is sharp and engaging, drawing readers in from the very first page and keeping them hooked until the very end.

Overall, The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes is a timeless classic that deserves a place on the bookshelf of any lover of literature. It offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era, while also serving as a timeless reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read.

Book Description:
A whimsical collection of stories about a wandering street urchin, Lazarillo de Tormes is a classic of the Spanish Golden Age, even paid homage in Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Rendered homeless by the arrest of his father and poverty of his mother, the boy Lazarillo has no choice but to go out and find masters to serve. Unfortunately, each of his masters is worse than the one before, and in each case Lazarillo is cast upon his own wits in order to survive. Clever, hungry, and desperate, he always has a sharp eye for lessons on how to outwit the greedy and unscrupulous people who surround him. There is much of wit and humor in this little book, but the anonymous author obviously also intends to expose the brutal inequalities of society, especially toward children and women. Many of his arrows are aimed directly at the Church and its representatives, which explains why the author chose to remain anonymous, slyly publishing the book in three different cities simultaneously, and why the authorship of Lazarillo is still a mystery almost 500 years later.