024 - A prince among paupers

In a tragic accident at the tender age of nine, Elias Lossell loses both his sight and hearing, leaving him isolated and unable to communicate. As he grows up, Elias remains mentally stunted, yet fate unexpectedly bestows upon him the fortune of being the richest man in the bustling Dutch town of Koopstad, heir to a prosperous tea merchant dynasty. Meanwhile, his two younger twin half-brothers, Hendrik and Hubert, are left to shoulder the burden of managing the family business, stirring up resentment—especially from the ambitious Hendrik, who is driven by greed and hindered by his extravagant wife. As Hendrik plots to seize control and eliminate Elias from the equation, chaos ensues. This novel is laced with sharp satire and witty commentary that reflects on the values of wealth, social standing, and the human condition at the close of the 19th century. Originally a bestseller in 1892, this hidden gem by Dutch author Maarten Maartens (1858-1915) is a unique exploration of societal norms. (Summary by Anna Simon)