
A restless childhood, marked by constant movement and a lack of rootedness, shapes the narrator’s sense of self. He recalls fleeting sensations—a ship’s launch, the clang of cannons, the soft nightingales—while the details of his early years remain hazy. This wandering foundation fuels both his freedom and his yearning for stability.
When formal schooling finally intrudes, the boy confronts a world where learning is no longer a private indulgence but a communal expectation. His initial resistance to reading gives way to a surprising talent for spelling, hinting at an instinctive grasp of language that sets him apart from his peers. The experience forces him to reconcile his inner defiance with the external demands of society.
Through vivid recollections and candid self‑examination, the narrative explores how early adversity can ignite a deeper curiosity about life’s larger questions. It invites listeners to consider how the absence of a fixed home might become a catalyst for a uniquely personal spiritual journey.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (318K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Delphine Lettau, Ross Cooling and the Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net
Release date
2012-02-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1865–1945
A leading voice of the 1890s literary world, this Welsh-born poet and critic helped introduce English readers to French Symbolism. His writing captures the shimmer of city nights, modern moods, and the restless spirit of the fin de siècle.
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