George Borrow's novel, The Lavengro, is a semi-autobiographical work that follows the life of a young man, Lavengro, as he travels through England and Wales. He meets a variety of people, from gypsies to scholars, and experiences a wide range of adventures. The novel begins with Lavengro's childhood in Norfolk, where he is raised by his father, a former soldier. He is a bright and inquisitive boy, and his father encourages him to learn about the world. Lavengro soon leaves home and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he meets a variety of people, including a gypsy woman named Signelil. She teaches him the language of the gypsies and introduces him to their culture. He also meets a scholar, who teaches him Latin and Greek. Throughout his travels, Lavengro is constantly searching for something, though he is not sure what it is. He eventually discovers that he is searching for a sense of belonging and identity. He finds this in the gypsy culture, and in the end, he is able to find a place for himself in the world.
By George Borrow · First published 1913 · Genre: Adventure, Romance, Historical Fiction