Olla Podrida

"Olla Podrida" by Captain Frederick Marryat is a compilation of short narratives, essays, and private journal entries from the early 1800s that demonstrates Marryat's skill in writing and shares his thoughts and encounters, especially concerning social issues, government, and journeys around Europe. The book takes a funny and mocking approach to different topics, probably including personal stories and observations that draw attention to the ridiculousness and foolishness of life at the time. It starts by telling us about the narrator's unusual worry about politics, which he calls "Politicophobia." Set in England in 1835, he explains how his political obsession takes over his life, affecting everything. Desperate to feel better, he chooses to leave this political stress behind by going on a trip to another country. The narrator's amusing yet disorganized thoughts prepare us for the exciting experiences and understanding he's about to gain, mixing humor with meaningful comments about what it means to be human.