The Life and Adventures of Guzman D'Alfarache or the Spanish Rogue vol. 1/3

The Life and Adventures of Guzman D'Alfarache or the Spanish Rogue is a classic picaresque novel by Spanish author Mateo Alemán. The novel is a seminal work in the picaresque genre which features the adventures of a roguish but appealing protagonist typically of low social class who lives by his wits in a corrupt society. The story is narrated by the protagonist Guzmán de Alfarache who recounts his life from a young age. Born in Seville to a wealthy merchant father Guzmán’s life takes a downward turn after his father is ruined by financial troubles and dies in disgrace. Left to fend for himself Guzmán quickly falls into a life of poverty and crime becoming a picaro—a rogue who survives through cunning deceit and occasional thievery. Volume 1 details Guzmán’s early years and the start of his many adventures. After his father’s death his mother unable to support him sends him out into the world. Guzmán begins his journey by traveling to Madrid where he quickly learns the harsh realities of life. He becomes involved in various schemes and tricks often finding himself in trouble with the law or at odds with society’s expectations.