The other major Sterne work. And though much shorter, I don't know if I would recommend it to read first. The complexity of this book is not immediately evident (which makes it all the more fantastic for me). I think it gains in greatness with its comparison to Tristram Shandy.

On its own, though, I think it might make an interesting read. It is largely credited for starting the sentimental fiction subgenre - which can be a bit unfair to the book, since sentimental fiction is marked by ridiculous mawkish emotion. But Sentimental Journey rarely falls into such mawkishness. Rather, Sterne does an admirable job at balancing sincere emotion and irony around his rather peculiar travelling preacher Yorick who has decided to take a trip through France and Italy. Sterne is writing in the mode of travel fiction which was all the rage at the time. Sterne's twist, though, is that he focuses on the people of the towns he visits, rather than the places there.

A fascinating aspect of this work is the apology the preacher Yorick gives for the pleasures of the world. He is an endearing human character in love with the world (or, perhaps, the women of the world).

Again, I don't know if I would recommend this without reservation. I think it earns its five stars based on reflection and in its relation to Sterne's other work and its place in eighteenth century literature. All the same, I know many readers would find some incredibly sweet and touching moments in this book.