Japhet, in Search of a Father

"Japhet, in Search of a Father" by Frederick Marryat is a 19th-century novel brimming with wit, that chronicles a young man's adventurous pursuit of his father and, ultimately, his sense of self. The story centers on Japhet, a foundling whose life unfolds through a series of comical and satirical situations as he seeks his origins after being left at a foundling hospital; with his charm and deceptive talents, he navigates various jobs and relationships, including an apprenticeship with an apothecary named Mr. Cophagus, which fuels his yearning for identity. The book's initial chapters unveil Japhet's remarkable journey from abandonment to self-discovery, establishing a lighthearted and reflective tone as he navigates the social landscape in search of belonging and family.