Let's be clear: you don't 'follow the plot' of a Sterne collection like you would a modern novel. This sixth volume gathers his later writings, most notably the fragment of a book called A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy. It follows a charming, easily distracted parson named Yorick (yes, named after Hamlet's jester) as he travels. But the journey is less about the places he goes and more about the tiny, emotional moments he experiences along the way. A shared glance with a lady, the plight of a caged bird, a beggar's story—these are the events that matter. The narrative constantly swerves, gets interrupted by the author's own thoughts, and celebrates digression as an art form.

Why You Should Read It

I picked this up expecting a historical curiosity and found a shockingly modern voice. Sterne is obsessed with how we communicate—and how often we fail. His characters are constantly misunderstanding each other, their gestures and sighs carrying more weight than their words. In an age of social media where we perform our feelings, reading Sterne feels like a revelation. He argues for sincerity and emotional honesty, all while winking at you for taking him too seriously. The humor is sly and often physical (think noses, misplaced snuffboxes, and awkward encounters), which keeps it from feeling sentimental in a sappy way. It’s sentimental with a sly grin.

Final Verdict

This is not for the reader who needs a straightforward, plot-driven story. It’s a book for the curious, the patient, and anyone who enjoys a writer playing with the very idea of what a book can be. Perfect for fans of postmodern fiction who want to see where it all began, or for classic literature lovers tired of the same old 19th-century style. It’s a chatty, intimate, and genuinely funny experience. Just be ready to go along for the ride, wherever Sterne’s brilliant, scrambling mind decides to take you next.