Candide

Candide is a picaresque novel that has been called one of the world's best satires. Written by Voltaire in 1759, it is a biting and hilarious account of the travels and adventures of Candide and his mentor Pangloss. While they saw many things throughout their travels that might cause them to think otherwise, the two were firm believers that this was the best of all possible worlds - until their ship was attacked by pirates who killed Candide's friends and Cunegonde and enslaved Candide himself. After much heartache, he is reunited with Cunegonde, his sweetheart.