"Lazarillo de Tormes" is a Spanish novel published anonymously in 1554. It is considered one of the first examples of the picaresque genre, which features a clever and resourceful protagonist, known as a picaro, who navigates a corrupt society. The story follows Lazarillo, a young boy who becomes a servant to various masters, each representing different social classes and moral failings. The novel is structured as a series of letters, detailing Lazarillo's experiences and hardships as he seeks to survive in a harsh world. Through his adventures, the book critiques the social and religious norms of 16th-century Spain, highlighting themes of poverty, deception, and the quest for identity.