Peter Schlemihl by Adalbert von Chamisso

The Man Who Sold His Shadow

The story follows a young man who, in a fateful encounter, sells his shadow to a mysterious stranger in exchange for a bottomless wallet that provides endless wealth. However, he soon discovers that living without a shadow brings social ostracism and personal despair, as society views him with suspicion and fear. As he grapples with the consequences of his decision, he embarks on a journey to reclaim his shadow, exploring themes of identity, the value of material wealth versus personal integrity, and the quest for redemption. Ultimately, the tale is a poignant reflection on the human condition and the choices that define us.

The 1336th greatest book of all time


Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
Published
1814
Nationality
German
Length
Very Short
Pages
100-150
Original Language
German
Avg User Rating
No ratings yet
Alternate Titles
None

If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here

This book is on the following 3 lists: