It is the story of a boy who had to learn to survive almosts since he was born.
The novel is one of the most famous books in within the Spanish literature, mainly because it is the beginning of the picaresque satirical novel.
Lázaro is a boy born in a very poor and unfortunate family who was sent as a servant when he was still a boy. His life isn't easy and he has to develop his cunning if he wants to survive.
'... It was my wit and ability what saved me from dying. I used to cheat him and most of the time I had the best of everything. I survived thanks to the many evil tricks I played on him.'