The protagonist, Lavengro, continues his wandering life across the English countryside, navigating a series of encounters with eccentric characters and social outcasts. Lavengro seeks to maintain his independence while engaging in various trades and observations of the diverse social strata of 19th-century England. He faces opposition from rigid societal norms, financial instability, and the unpredictable nature of the people he meets on the road. The narrative framework is primarily first-person, utilizing a picaresque structure that prioritizes episodic encounters over a singular, linear plot. The world is defined by the stark contrast between the freedom of the open road and the restrictive, often hypocritical, structures of Victorian society.

Readers and critics often note the unconventional pacing of the work, which favors character vignettes and philosophical digressions over traditional plot progression. Discussion frequently centers on the author's unique interest in linguistics and the specific subcultures of the era, particularly the Romany people. Many observers highlight the atmospheric quality of the prose, which captures the ruggedness of the English countryside with precision. The work is recognized for its distinct voice and its role as a sequel that expands upon the themes of identity and social observation established in the author's earlier writing. Readers who appreciate character-focused narratives with a strong sense of place often find the text engaging despite its lack of a conventional climax.