The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

"The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman" by Laurence Sterne is a singular novel from the 1700s because of it's odd story telling, mixing comedy with deep thoughts. The story centres on Tristram Shandy as he reflects on his life and the strange parts of it, going into the lives of his odd family, especially his dad and uncle. The book starts with Tristram Shandy's thoughtful and funny way of talking as he thinks about when he was conceived and born, comically regretting that his parents weren't more careful. His dad being obsessed with winding a clock at a specific time shows how silly it is to try to control what happens to you. Through funny stories and side notes, Sterne sets up a story that looks at the ridiculous aspects of life and the details of characters, asking readers to join Tristram on a trip with lots of side roads and funny comments about his family and the world.