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<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Gods fool</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gods-fool--6887528</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/6887528/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Fiction</category><copyright>Copyright 19th and 20th Century Fiction</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg</url><title>Gods fool</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gods-fool--6887528</link></image><lastBuildDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:26:42 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>19th and 20th Century Fiction</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker28@adfreesounds.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Fiction"/><itunes:category text="Fiction"><itunes:category text="Comedy Fiction"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Science"><itunes:category text="Social Sciences"/></itunes:category><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>f4e011ae-598c-5e2d-9d5a-4e50db249953</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Early explorations in New South Wales A collection-Richard Hind Cambage, John Price</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/early-explorations-in-new-south-wales-a-collection-richard-hind-cambage-john-price--74444311</link><description><![CDATA["Early Explorations in New South Wales" is a collection that delves into the pioneering journeys of Richard Hind Cambage and John Price as they navigate the uncharted landscapes of Australia. This audiobook captures the spirit of adventure and discovery that defined early encounters with the natural world and indigenous cultures. Listeners will appreciate the enduring themes of exploration, resilience, and the quest for knowledge that resonate throughout history. As modern audiences reflect on the significance of these early explorations, the work serves as a reminder of the courage it takes to venture into the unknown and the profound impact such journeys have on our understanding of the world today.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74444311</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:05:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74444311/early_explorations_in_new_south_wales_a_collection_richard_hind_cambage_john_price.mp3" length="58378655" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Early Explorations in New South Wales" is a collection that delves into the pioneering journeys of Richard Hind Cambage and John Price as they navigate the uncharted landscapes of Australia. This audiobook captures the spirit of adventure and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Early Explorations in New South Wales" is a collection that delves into the pioneering journeys of Richard Hind Cambage and John Price as they navigate the uncharted landscapes of Australia. This audiobook captures the spirit of adventure and discovery that defined early encounters with the natural world and indigenous cultures. Listeners will appreciate the enduring themes of exploration, resilience, and the quest for knowledge that resonate throughout history. As modern audiences reflect on the significance of these early explorations, the work serves as a reminder of the courage it takes to venture into the unknown and the profound impact such journeys have on our understanding of the world today.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>7290</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Romance of a Shop-Amy Levy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/romance-of-a-shop-amy-levy--74395674</link><description><![CDATA["Romance of a Shop" by Amy Levy explores the intricate dynamics of love and ambition within the backdrop of a bustling shop. This poignant narrative captures the essence of human relationships and the challenges of balancing personal desires with societal expectations. Its themes of romance and the pursuit of happiness continue to resonate today, reminding listeners of the timeless struggles faced in both love and life. Levy's insightful observations and rich characterizations offer a compelling glimpse into the complexities of the heart, making this audiobook a captivating experience for anyone seeking to understand the enduring nature of romance.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74395674</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:05:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74395674/romance_of_a_shop_amy_levy.mp3" length="158230710" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Romance of a Shop" by Amy Levy explores the intricate dynamics of love and ambition within the backdrop of a bustling shop. This poignant narrative captures the essence of human relationships and the challenges of balancing personal desires with...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Romance of a Shop" by Amy Levy explores the intricate dynamics of love and ambition within the backdrop of a bustling shop. This poignant narrative captures the essence of human relationships and the challenges of balancing personal desires with societal expectations. Its themes of romance and the pursuit of happiness continue to resonate today, reminding listeners of the timeless struggles faced in both love and life. Levy's insightful observations and rich characterizations offer a compelling glimpse into the complexities of the heart, making this audiobook a captivating experience for anyone seeking to understand the enduring nature of romance.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>19759</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Eddie of Jackson's Gang-Brother Ernest Ryan</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/eddie-of-jackson-s-gang-brother-ernest-ryan--74319097</link><description><![CDATA["Eddie of Jackson's Gang-Brother Ernest Ryan" invites listeners into a compelling narrative that explores the dynamics of friendship and loyalty within a close-knit community. This story resonates with timeless themes of brotherhood and the struggles faced in navigating personal relationships, making it a poignant reminder of the bonds that unite us. As listeners delve into Eddie's journey, they will find reflections on the importance of support and understanding in overcoming life's challenges. The enduring nature of these themes ensures that this audiobook remains relevant, offering insights that echo across generations and inviting contemplation on how we connect with those around us.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74319097</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:05:00 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74319097/eddie_of_jackson_s_gang_brother_ernest_ryan.mp3" length="107040230" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Eddie of Jackson's Gang-Brother Ernest Ryan" invites listeners into a compelling narrative that explores the dynamics of friendship and loyalty within a close-knit community. This story resonates with timeless themes of brotherhood and the struggles...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Eddie of Jackson's Gang-Brother Ernest Ryan" invites listeners into a compelling narrative that explores the dynamics of friendship and loyalty within a close-knit community. This story resonates with timeless themes of brotherhood and the struggles faced in navigating personal relationships, making it a poignant reminder of the bonds that unite us. As listeners delve into Eddie's journey, they will find reflections on the importance of support and understanding in overcoming life's challenges. The enduring nature of these themes ensures that this audiobook remains relevant, offering insights that echo across generations and inviting contemplation on how we connect with those around us.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>13367</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Sonnets-Christina Rossetti</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/sonnets-christina-rossetti--74272697</link><description><![CDATA["Sonnets" by Christina Rossetti is a profound exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the complexities of human emotion. Rossetti's masterful use of the sonnet form allows her to delve deep into the heart of her subjects, presenting timeless reflections that resonate with listeners today. The emotional depth and lyrical beauty of her poetry invite an intimate connection, making it a compelling experience for anyone seeking solace or understanding in their own lives. As her words echo through the ages, they remind us of the enduring nature of human feelings and the power of art to articulate our innermost thoughts.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74272697</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:06:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74272697/sonnets_christina_rossetti.mp3" length="31096264" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Sonnets" by Christina Rossetti is a profound exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the complexities of human emotion. Rossetti's masterful use of the sonnet form allows her to delve deep into the heart of her subjects, presenting timeless...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Sonnets" by Christina Rossetti is a profound exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the complexities of human emotion. Rossetti's masterful use of the sonnet form allows her to delve deep into the heart of her subjects, presenting timeless reflections that resonate with listeners today. The emotional depth and lyrical beauty of her poetry invite an intimate connection, making it a compelling experience for anyone seeking solace or understanding in their own lives. As her words echo through the ages, they remind us of the enduring nature of human feelings and the power of art to articulate our innermost thoughts.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3883</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Cricket on the Hearth-Charles Dickens</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/cricket-on-the-hearth-charles-dickens--74158451</link><description><![CDATA["Cricket on the Hearth" by Charles Dickens is a timeless tale that explores themes of family, love, and the warmth of home, all encapsulated in the metaphor of a cricket that symbolizes good fortune and joy. As the story unfolds, it highlights the importance of human connection and the simple pleasures that make life meaningful. This enduring narrative resonates even today, reminding us of the value of community and the bonds we share with those we hold dear. Dickens' masterful storytelling invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the significance of cherishing the moments that bring us together. Experience this classic work and let its heartwarming message inspire you anew.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74158451</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:06:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74158451/cricket_on_the_hearth_charles_dickens.mp3" length="97075379" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Cricket on the Hearth" by Charles Dickens is a timeless tale that explores themes of family, love, and the warmth of home, all encapsulated in the metaphor of a cricket that symbolizes good fortune and joy. As the story unfolds, it highlights the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Cricket on the Hearth" by Charles Dickens is a timeless tale that explores themes of family, love, and the warmth of home, all encapsulated in the metaphor of a cricket that symbolizes good fortune and joy. As the story unfolds, it highlights the importance of human connection and the simple pleasures that make life meaningful. This enduring narrative resonates even today, reminding us of the value of community and the bonds we share with those we hold dear. Dickens' masterful storytelling invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the significance of cherishing the moments that bring us together. Experience this classic work and let its heartwarming message inspire you anew.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>12122</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Social Life in England 1750-1850-F. J. Foakes-Jackson</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/social-life-in-england-1750-1850-f-j-foakes-jackson--74107569</link><description><![CDATA["Social Life in England 1750-1850" by F. J. Foakes-Jackson offers a detailed exploration of the social dynamics and cultural shifts in England during a pivotal century. This period, marked by significant changes in society, economy, and politics, provides a rich backdrop for understanding the complexities of social interactions and communal life. Hearing this audiobook now allows listeners to reflect on the enduring themes of community, class, and identity that continue to shape modern society. Foakes-Jackson's insights into the fabric of social life resonate with contemporary audiences, highlighting the timeless nature of human relationships and the evolution of social norms.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74107569</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:06:31 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74107569/social_life_in_england_1750_1850_f_j_foakes_jackson.mp3" length="174802162" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Social Life in England 1750-1850" by F. J. Foakes-Jackson offers a detailed exploration of the social dynamics and cultural shifts in England during a pivotal century. This period, marked by significant changes in society, economy, and politics,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Social Life in England 1750-1850" by F. J. Foakes-Jackson offers a detailed exploration of the social dynamics and cultural shifts in England during a pivotal century. This period, marked by significant changes in society, economy, and politics, provides a rich backdrop for understanding the complexities of social interactions and communal life. Hearing this audiobook now allows listeners to reflect on the enduring themes of community, class, and identity that continue to shape modern society. Foakes-Jackson's insights into the fabric of social life resonate with contemporary audiences, highlighting the timeless nature of human relationships and the evolution of social norms.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>21829</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>House of Cobwebs and Other Stories-George Gissing</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/house-of-cobwebs-and-other-stories-george-gissing--74061320</link><description><![CDATA["House of Cobwebs and Other Stories" by George Gissing presents a collection of narratives that delve into the complexities of human experience, exploring themes of social struggle, personal aspiration, and the haunting remnants of the past. Gissing's keen observations and rich characterizations resonate with timeless relevance, inviting listeners to reflect on the intricate web of societal expectations and individual desires. As the stories unfold, they reveal the enduring nature of human emotion and the relentless pursuit of meaning in an ever-evolving world.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74061320</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:07:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74061320/house_of_cobwebs_and_other_stories_george_gissing.mp3" length="278823843" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"House of Cobwebs and Other Stories" by George Gissing presents a collection of narratives that delve into the complexities of human experience, exploring themes of social struggle, personal aspiration, and the haunting remnants of the past. Gissing's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["House of Cobwebs and Other Stories" by George Gissing presents a collection of narratives that delve into the complexities of human experience, exploring themes of social struggle, personal aspiration, and the haunting remnants of the past. Gissing's keen observations and rich characterizations resonate with timeless relevance, inviting listeners to reflect on the intricate web of societal expectations and individual desires. As the stories unfold, they reveal the enduring nature of human emotion and the relentless pursuit of meaning in an ever-evolving world.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>34818</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Magnificent Ambersons (Growth Trilogy Vol 2) Version 2-Booth Tarkington</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/magnificent-ambersons-growth-trilogy-vol-2-version-2-booth-tarkington--74011276</link><description><![CDATA["Magnificent Ambersons," the second volume of Booth Tarkington's Growth Trilogy, explores the rise and fall of a once-prominent American family during the transformative era of the early 20th century. As the Ambersons grapple with changing social dynamics and the encroachment of modernity, their story reflects timeless themes of pride, nostalgia, and the inevitable passage of time. This poignant narrative invites listeners to consider the complexities of progress and the impact of wealth on personal relationships, making it a resonant tale for anyone reflecting on the balance between tradition and change.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74011276</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:07:40 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74011276/magnificent_ambersons_growth_trilogy_vol_2_version_2_booth_tarkington.mp3" length="268657128" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Magnificent Ambersons," the second volume of Booth Tarkington's Growth Trilogy, explores the rise and fall of a once-prominent American family during the transformative era of the early 20th century. As the Ambersons grapple with changing social...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Magnificent Ambersons," the second volume of Booth Tarkington's Growth Trilogy, explores the rise and fall of a once-prominent American family during the transformative era of the early 20th century. As the Ambersons grapple with changing social dynamics and the encroachment of modernity, their story reflects timeless themes of pride, nostalgia, and the inevitable passage of time. This poignant narrative invites listeners to consider the complexities of progress and the impact of wealth on personal relationships, making it a resonant tale for anyone reflecting on the balance between tradition and change.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>33549</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Cradock Nowell Vol. 1-Richard Doddridge Blackmore</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/cradock-nowell-vol-1-richard-doddridge-blackmore--73959371</link><description><![CDATA[Cradock Nowell Vol. 1 by Richard Doddridge Blackmore is a captivating tale that explores themes of adventure, identity, and the human experience. Set against a richly woven backdrop, the narrative delves into the complexities of life and the struggles faced by its characters, making it a timeless reflection on the trials of existence. This audiobook invites listeners to immerse themselves in Blackmore's eloquent prose and vivid storytelling, which continue to resonate with audiences today. The enduring nature of its themes ensures that "Cradock Nowell" remains a significant work, offering insights into the human condition that are as relevant now as they were at the time of its writing.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73959371</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:06:57 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73959371/cradock_nowell_vol_1_richard_doddridge_blackmore.mp3" length="245393650" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Cradock Nowell Vol. 1 by Richard Doddridge Blackmore is a captivating tale that explores themes of adventure, identity, and the human experience. Set against a richly woven backdrop, the narrative delves into the complexities of life and the struggles...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Cradock Nowell Vol. 1 by Richard Doddridge Blackmore is a captivating tale that explores themes of adventure, identity, and the human experience. Set against a richly woven backdrop, the narrative delves into the complexities of life and the struggles faced by its characters, making it a timeless reflection on the trials of existence. This audiobook invites listeners to immerse themselves in Blackmore's eloquent prose and vivid storytelling, which continue to resonate with audiences today. The enduring nature of its themes ensures that "Cradock Nowell" remains a significant work, offering insights into the human condition that are as relevant now as they were at the time of its writing.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>30644</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great-Henry Fielding</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/life-and-death-of-tom-thumb-the-great-henry-fielding--73905141</link><description><![CDATA["Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great" by Henry Fielding presents a satirical yet poignant tale centered around the character of Tom Thumb, a diminutive hero whose adventures reflect the absurdities of life and society. This enduring work captures the essence of human folly and the quest for significance, making it a timeless exploration of ambition and identity. Fielding's sharp wit and keen observations resonate even today, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the societal norms that shape them. With its blend of humor and insight, this audiobook invites audiences to appreciate the complexities of existence through the lens of a character who, despite his size, embodies the grand themes of human experience.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73905141</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:08:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73905141/life_and_death_of_tom_thumb_the_great_henry_fielding.mp3" length="38420409" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great" by Henry Fielding presents a satirical yet poignant tale centered around the character of Tom Thumb, a diminutive hero whose adventures reflect the absurdities of life and society. This enduring work captures...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great" by Henry Fielding presents a satirical yet poignant tale centered around the character of Tom Thumb, a diminutive hero whose adventures reflect the absurdities of life and society. This enduring work captures the essence of human folly and the quest for significance, making it a timeless exploration of ambition and identity. Fielding's sharp wit and keen observations resonate even today, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the societal norms that shape them. With its blend of humor and insight, this audiobook invites audiences to appreciate the complexities of existence through the lens of a character who, despite his size, embodies the grand themes of human experience.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4797</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Medicine-Men Of The Apache-John Gregory Bourke</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/medicine-men-of-the-apache-john-gregory-bourke--73809950</link><description><![CDATA["Medicine-Men Of The Apache" by John Gregory Bourke offers a compelling exploration of the spiritual and medicinal practices of the Apache people, focusing on the influential figures known as medicine men. This work delves into their unique understanding of healing and the interplay between tradition and the natural world, providing valuable insights into a culture that has long fascinated historians and anthropologists alike. Listening to this audiobook allows contemporary audiences to appreciate the enduring significance of indigenous knowledge and the profound connection between health, spirituality, and community.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73809950</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:04:00 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73809950/medicine_men_of_the_apache_john_gregory_bourke.mp3" length="203807344" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Medicine-Men Of The Apache" by John Gregory Bourke offers a compelling exploration of the spiritual and medicinal practices of the Apache people, focusing on the influential figures known as medicine men. This work delves into their unique...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Medicine-Men Of The Apache" by John Gregory Bourke offers a compelling exploration of the spiritual and medicinal practices of the Apache people, focusing on the influential figures known as medicine men. This work delves into their unique understanding of healing and the interplay between tradition and the natural world, providing valuable insights into a culture that has long fascinated historians and anthropologists alike. Listening to this audiobook allows contemporary audiences to appreciate the enduring significance of indigenous knowledge and the profound connection between health, spirituality, and community.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25450</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Cradock Nowell Vol. 1-Richard Doddridge Blackmore</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/cradock-nowell-vol-1-richard-doddridge-blackmore--73772901</link><description><![CDATA["Cradock Nowell Vol. 1" by Richard Doddridge Blackmore invites listeners into a richly woven narrative that captures the essence of human experience through its exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the quest for meaning. This timeless tale resonates with those seeking a deeper understanding of life's complexities, making it a compelling listen today. Blackmore's masterful storytelling and vivid characterizations offer a glimpse into a world that, while distinct, reflects universal truths about the human condition. As listeners engage with the story, they will find themselves reflecting on their own journeys, connecting past and present in a profound way.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73772901</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:03:53 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73772901/cradock_nowell_vol_1_richard_doddridge_blackmore.mp3" length="245393650" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Cradock Nowell Vol. 1" by Richard Doddridge Blackmore invites listeners into a richly woven narrative that captures the essence of human experience through its exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the quest for meaning. This...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Cradock Nowell Vol. 1" by Richard Doddridge Blackmore invites listeners into a richly woven narrative that captures the essence of human experience through its exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the quest for meaning. This timeless tale resonates with those seeking a deeper understanding of life's complexities, making it a compelling listen today. Blackmore's masterful storytelling and vivid characterizations offer a glimpse into a world that, while distinct, reflects universal truths about the human condition. As listeners engage with the story, they will find themselves reflecting on their own journeys, connecting past and present in a profound way.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>30644</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Recruiting Officer-George Farquhar</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/recruiting-officer-george-farquhar--73738918</link><description><![CDATA["Recruiting Officer" by George Farquhar delves into the themes of ambition, deception, and the complexities of love against the backdrop of military recruitment. As characters navigate the enticing yet treacherous waters of enlistment and romance, the play captures the timeless struggle between duty and desire. Its exploration of human motivations and the often humorous consequences of misguided intentions remain relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on their own aspirations and relationships. Farquhar's sharp wit and keen observations on society's follies ensure that this work continues to resonate, making it a captivating experience for modern audiences.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73738918</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:04:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73738918/recruiting_officer_george_farquhar.mp3" length="63696532" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Recruiting Officer" by George Farquhar delves into the themes of ambition, deception, and the complexities of love against the backdrop of military recruitment. As characters navigate the enticing yet treacherous waters of enlistment and romance, the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Recruiting Officer" by George Farquhar delves into the themes of ambition, deception, and the complexities of love against the backdrop of military recruitment. As characters navigate the enticing yet treacherous waters of enlistment and romance, the play captures the timeless struggle between duty and desire. Its exploration of human motivations and the often humorous consequences of misguided intentions remain relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on their own aspirations and relationships. Farquhar's sharp wit and keen observations on society's follies ensure that this work continues to resonate, making it a captivating experience for modern audiences.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>7954</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Freelands-John Galsworthy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/freelands-john-galsworthy--73712811</link><description><![CDATA[Freelands by John Galsworthy explores the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of personal freedom within the constraints of society. This thought-provoking narrative delves into the struggles individuals face when seeking their own paths amidst societal expectations and norms. Galsworthy's insightful commentary on the human condition remains relevant, prompting listeners to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make in the quest for fulfillment. The themes of individuality and the tension between personal desires and societal obligations are timeless, making this audiobook a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intricacies of life and the enduring quest for freedom.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73712811</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:04:24 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73712811/freelands_john_galsworthy.mp3" length="283794683" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Freelands by John Galsworthy explores the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of personal freedom within the constraints of society. This thought-provoking narrative delves into the struggles individuals face when seeking their own paths...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Freelands by John Galsworthy explores the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of personal freedom within the constraints of society. This thought-provoking narrative delves into the struggles individuals face when seeking their own paths amidst societal expectations and norms. Galsworthy's insightful commentary on the human condition remains relevant, prompting listeners to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make in the quest for fulfillment. The themes of individuality and the tension between personal desires and societal obligations are timeless, making this audiobook a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intricacies of life and the enduring quest for freedom.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>35439</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Imre A Memorandum-Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/imre-a-memorandum-edward-irenaeus-prime-stevenson--73691066</link><description><![CDATA["Imre A Memorandum" by Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson is a profound exploration of identity, love, and societal norms, presented through the lens of a deeply introspective narrative. This work delves into themes of self-discovery and the quest for acceptance, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone grappling with their place in the world. The emotional depth and philosophical inquiries posed within its pages encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs. As relevant today as it was upon its release, this audiobook invites audiences to engage with its enduring questions about love and individuality, ultimately celebrating the human spirit's resilience.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73691066</guid><pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:04:37 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73691066/imre_a_memorandum_edward_irenaeus_prime_stevenson.mp3" length="115463850" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Imre A Memorandum" by Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson is a profound exploration of identity, love, and societal norms, presented through the lens of a deeply introspective narrative. This work delves into themes of self-discovery and the quest for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Imre A Memorandum" by Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson is a profound exploration of identity, love, and societal norms, presented through the lens of a deeply introspective narrative. This work delves into themes of self-discovery and the quest for acceptance, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone grappling with their place in the world. The emotional depth and philosophical inquiries posed within its pages encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs. As relevant today as it was upon its release, this audiobook invites audiences to engage with its enduring questions about love and individuality, ultimately celebrating the human spirit's resilience.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>14419</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Business of Being a Woman-Ida M. Tarbell</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/business-of-being-a-woman-ida-m-tarbell--73664913</link><description><![CDATA["Business of Being a Woman" by Ida M. Tarbell explores the complexities and challenges faced by women in the workforce during her time. Tarbell's insights into the societal expectations and economic realities for women remain relevant today, as the conversation around gender equality and women's empowerment continues to evolve. Her pioneering work sheds light on the struggles women endure while striving for independence and recognition in a male-dominated world. This audiobook not only honors Tarbell's legacy as a trailblazer in journalism but also serves as a reminder of the enduring fight for women's rights and the importance of their contributions to society.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73664913</guid><pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 12:44:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73664913/business_of_being_a_woman_ida_m_tarbell.mp3" length="109013764" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Business of Being a Woman" by Ida M. Tarbell explores the complexities and challenges faced by women in the workforce during her time. Tarbell's insights into the societal expectations and economic realities for women remain relevant today, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Business of Being a Woman" by Ida M. Tarbell explores the complexities and challenges faced by women in the workforce during her time. Tarbell's insights into the societal expectations and economic realities for women remain relevant today, as the conversation around gender equality and women's empowerment continues to evolve. Her pioneering work sheds light on the struggles women endure while striving for independence and recognition in a male-dominated world. This audiobook not only honors Tarbell's legacy as a trailblazer in journalism but also serves as a reminder of the enduring fight for women's rights and the importance of their contributions to society.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>13613</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Convivio-Dante Alighieri</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/convivio-dante-alighieri--73641706</link><description><![CDATA["Convivio" by Dante Alighieri is a profound exploration of knowledge, love, and the human condition, presented through a series of philosophical dialogues. This work reflects Dante's quest for understanding and enlightenment, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone seeking deeper meaning in life. The themes of wisdom and the pursuit of truth remain relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the complexities of human relationships. Dante's eloquent prose and rich insights provide a compelling experience that encourages contemplation, making "Convivio" not only a literary treasure but also a source of inspiration for contemporary audiences.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73641706</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 23:16:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73641706/convivio_dante_alighieri.mp3" length="266936512" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Convivio" by Dante Alighieri is a profound exploration of knowledge, love, and the human condition, presented through a series of philosophical dialogues. This work reflects Dante's quest for understanding and enlightenment, making it a timeless...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Convivio" by Dante Alighieri is a profound exploration of knowledge, love, and the human condition, presented through a series of philosophical dialogues. This work reflects Dante's quest for understanding and enlightenment, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone seeking deeper meaning in life. The themes of wisdom and the pursuit of truth remain relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the complexities of human relationships. Dante's eloquent prose and rich insights provide a compelling experience that encourages contemplation, making "Convivio" not only a literary treasure but also a source of inspiration for contemporary audiences.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>33333</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Burston Rebellion-Thomas George Higdon</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/burston-rebellion-thomas-george-higdon--73601581</link><description><![CDATA["Burston Rebellion" by Thomas George Higdon delves into a pivotal moment in history, exploring themes of conflict, resistance, and the struggle for justice. This gripping narrative captures the essence of rebellion against oppression, highlighting the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. As listeners engage with this tale, they will find reflections on the timeless quest for freedom and the moral complexities that accompany it. The story resonates today, reminding us of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and the impact of collective action in shaping society. Experience this powerful account that continues to inspire and provoke thought in our contemporary world.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73601581</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 07:13:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73601581/19136_burston_rebellion_thomas_george_higdon.mp3" length="108343335" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Burston Rebellion" by Thomas George Higdon delves into a pivotal moment in history, exploring themes of conflict, resistance, and the struggle for justice. This gripping narrative captures the essence of rebellion against oppression, highlighting the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Burston Rebellion" by Thomas George Higdon delves into a pivotal moment in history, exploring themes of conflict, resistance, and the struggle for justice. This gripping narrative captures the essence of rebellion against oppression, highlighting the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. As listeners engage with this tale, they will find reflections on the timeless quest for freedom and the moral complexities that accompany it. The story resonates today, reminding us of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and the impact of collective action in shaping society. Experience this powerful account that continues to inspire and provoke thought in our contemporary world.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>13529</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Home-Maker-Dorothy Canfield Fisher</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/home-maker-dorothy-canfield-fisher--73564428</link><description><![CDATA["Home-Maker" by Dorothy Canfield Fisher explores the profound themes of domestic life and the complexities of motherhood in a way that resonates deeply even today. This poignant narrative delves into the challenges and triumphs of creating a nurturing home environment, highlighting the significance of personal fulfillment and the often-overlooked emotional labor of homemaking. Fisher's insightful observations about the balance between individual aspirations and familial responsibilities continue to be relevant, inviting listeners to reflect on their own lives and the evolving role of caregivers.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73564428</guid><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:25:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73564428/home_maker_dorothy_canfield_fisher.mp3" length="216585745" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Home-Maker" by Dorothy Canfield Fisher explores the profound themes of domestic life and the complexities of motherhood in a way that resonates deeply even today. This poignant narrative delves into the challenges and triumphs of creating a nurturing...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Home-Maker" by Dorothy Canfield Fisher explores the profound themes of domestic life and the complexities of motherhood in a way that resonates deeply even today. This poignant narrative delves into the challenges and triumphs of creating a nurturing home environment, highlighting the significance of personal fulfillment and the often-overlooked emotional labor of homemaking. Fisher's insightful observations about the balance between individual aspirations and familial responsibilities continue to be relevant, inviting listeners to reflect on their own lives and the evolving role of caregivers.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>27046</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Dramatic Reading Scene and Story Collection, Volume 005-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/dramatic-reading-scene-and-story-collection-volume-005-various--73526651</link><description><![CDATA["Dramatic Reading Scene and Story Collection, Volume 005-Various" invites listeners to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of dramatic readings that celebrate the art of storytelling. This collection showcases a variety of scenes and narratives, each thoughtfully crafted to engage the imagination and evoke deep emotions. The timeless themes of human experience, conflict, and resolution resonate powerfully, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking connection through the spoken word. As these stories unfold, they remind us of the enduring power of narrative to reflect our own lives and the universal truths that bind us together. Experience the magic of storytelling in a way that transcends time and speaks to the heart.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73526651</guid><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 01:20:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73526651/20304_dramatic_reading_scene_and_story_collection_volume_005_various.mp3" length="174099545" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Dramatic Reading Scene and Story Collection, Volume 005-Various" invites listeners to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of dramatic readings that celebrate the art of storytelling. This collection showcases a variety of scenes and narratives,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Dramatic Reading Scene and Story Collection, Volume 005-Various" invites listeners to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of dramatic readings that celebrate the art of storytelling. This collection showcases a variety of scenes and narratives, each thoughtfully crafted to engage the imagination and evoke deep emotions. The timeless themes of human experience, conflict, and resolution resonate powerfully, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking connection through the spoken word. As these stories unfold, they remind us of the enduring power of narrative to reflect our own lives and the universal truths that bind us together. Experience the magic of storytelling in a way that transcends time and speaks to the heart.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>21739</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>052 - The resurrection and the life</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/052-the-resurrection-and-the-life--70198786</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198786</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198786/052_the_resurrection_and_the_life.mp3" length="9967616" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/40cf98d6-610f-4ef3-b338-cbdd18dce3d8/40cf98d6-610f-4ef3-b338-cbdd18dce3d8.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/40cf98d6-610f-4ef3-b338-cbdd18dce3d8/40cf98d6-610f-4ef3-b338-cbdd18dce3d8.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/40cf98d6-610f-4ef3-b338-cbdd18dce3d8/40cf98d6-610f-4ef3-b338-cbdd18dce3d8.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1246</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>051 - Koopstad cackles</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/051-koopstad-cackles--70198785</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198785</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198785/051_koopstad_cackles.mp3" length="8223744" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2fc434ce-fb88-4353-b03f-6bca829cecf2/2fc434ce-fb88-4353-b03f-6bca829cecf2.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2fc434ce-fb88-4353-b03f-6bca829cecf2/2fc434ce-fb88-4353-b03f-6bca829cecf2.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/2fc434ce-fb88-4353-b03f-6bca829cecf2/2fc434ce-fb88-4353-b03f-6bca829cecf2.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1028</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>050 - Elias's guilt</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/050-elias-s-guilt--70198784</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198784</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198784/050_elias_s_guilt.mp3" length="3981824" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/b979eba0-215f-4eb2-bead-7b6f67095de6/b979eba0-215f-4eb2-bead-7b6f67095de6.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/b979eba0-215f-4eb2-bead-7b6f67095de6/b979eba0-215f-4eb2-bead-7b6f67095de6.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/b979eba0-215f-4eb2-bead-7b6f67095de6/b979eba0-215f-4eb2-bead-7b6f67095de6.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>498</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>049 - Hubert's deliverance</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/049-hubert-s-deliverance--70198783</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198783</guid><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198783/049_hubert_s_deliverance.mp3" length="2669056" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/c718b7d7-e602-4a2d-8276-a84e24b7aa06/c718b7d7-e602-4a2d-8276-a84e24b7aa06.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/c718b7d7-e602-4a2d-8276-a84e24b7aa06/c718b7d7-e602-4a2d-8276-a84e24b7aa06.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/c718b7d7-e602-4a2d-8276-a84e24b7aa06/c718b7d7-e602-4a2d-8276-a84e24b7aa06.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>334</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>048 - Shoemaker stick to thy last</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/048-shoemaker-stick-to-thy-last--70198782</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198782</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198782/048_shoemaker_stick_to_thy_last.mp3" length="6714368" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/a110cef4-cea2-4c42-a406-ad742b355f08/a110cef4-cea2-4c42-a406-ad742b355f08.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/a110cef4-cea2-4c42-a406-ad742b355f08/a110cef4-cea2-4c42-a406-ad742b355f08.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/a110cef4-cea2-4c42-a406-ad742b355f08/a110cef4-cea2-4c42-a406-ad742b355f08.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>840</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>047 - The shadow of the sword</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/047-the-shadow-of-the-sword--70198781</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198781</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:00:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198781/047_the_shadow_of_the_sword.mp3" length="6236672" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/50121e0c-fe84-449b-a568-7f8193bd0369/50121e0c-fe84-449b-a568-7f8193bd0369.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/50121e0c-fe84-449b-a568-7f8193bd0369/50121e0c-fe84-449b-a568-7f8193bd0369.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/50121e0c-fe84-449b-a568-7f8193bd0369/50121e0c-fe84-449b-a568-7f8193bd0369.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>780</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>046 - The catastrophe</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/046-the-catastrophe--70198780</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198780</guid><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:00:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198780/046_the_catastrophe.mp3" length="15288832" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/22f32d8b-797f-4814-9f66-d6fed81f7359/22f32d8b-797f-4814-9f66-d6fed81f7359.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/22f32d8b-797f-4814-9f66-d6fed81f7359/22f32d8b-797f-4814-9f66-d6fed81f7359.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/22f32d8b-797f-4814-9f66-d6fed81f7359/22f32d8b-797f-4814-9f66-d6fed81f7359.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1911</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>045 - Social science</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/045-social-science--70198778</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198778</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198778/045_social_science.mp3" length="9472000" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f5bbc8da-ac53-49aa-993d-eb8c97c51732/f5bbc8da-ac53-49aa-993d-eb8c97c51732.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f5bbc8da-ac53-49aa-993d-eb8c97c51732/f5bbc8da-ac53-49aa-993d-eb8c97c51732.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f5bbc8da-ac53-49aa-993d-eb8c97c51732/f5bbc8da-ac53-49aa-993d-eb8c97c51732.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1184</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>044 - Alas poor Hubert</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/044-alas-poor-hubert--70198777</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198777</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198777/044_alas_poor_hubert.mp3" length="12523008" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f8576223-a98d-4594-aff4-50d30270372c/f8576223-a98d-4594-aff4-50d30270372c.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f8576223-a98d-4594-aff4-50d30270372c/f8576223-a98d-4594-aff4-50d30270372c.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/f8576223-a98d-4594-aff4-50d30270372c/f8576223-a98d-4594-aff4-50d30270372c.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1566</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>043 - Doomed</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/043-doomed--70198776</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198776</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198776/043_doomed.mp3" length="11829760" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/a9c4efcc-febc-44e9-b548-8578e2bd1227/a9c4efcc-febc-44e9-b548-8578e2bd1227.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/a9c4efcc-febc-44e9-b548-8578e2bd1227/a9c4efcc-febc-44e9-b548-8578e2bd1227.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/a9c4efcc-febc-44e9-b548-8578e2bd1227/a9c4efcc-febc-44e9-b548-8578e2bd1227.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1479</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>042 - Blind justice</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/042-blind-justice--70198775</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198775</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198775/042_blind_justice.mp3" length="9084928" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/6aedc45e-c259-4450-935e-3f74fcfc2ce0/6aedc45e-c259-4450-935e-3f74fcfc2ce0.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/6aedc45e-c259-4450-935e-3f74fcfc2ce0/6aedc45e-c259-4450-935e-3f74fcfc2ce0.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/6aedc45e-c259-4450-935e-3f74fcfc2ce0/6aedc45e-c259-4450-935e-3f74fcfc2ce0.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1136</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>041 - Brothers in unity</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/041-brothers-in-unity--70198773</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198773</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198773/041_brothers_in_unity.mp3" length="12714496" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1590</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>040 - A flash of light</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/040-a-flash-of-light--70198771</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198771</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:00:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198771/040_a_flash_of_light.mp3" length="3744256" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>468</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>039 - The message of eternal spring</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/039-the-message-of-eternal-spring--70198770</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198770</guid><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:00:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198770/039_the_message_of_eternal_spring.mp3" length="6121472" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>766</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>038 - The power of attorney</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/038-the-power-of-attorney--70198769</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198769</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:00:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198769/038_the_power_of_attorney.mp3" length="10174976" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/b3498566-2176-4613-a08f-63a15377e9a1/b3498566-2176-4613-a08f-63a15377e9a1.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/b3498566-2176-4613-a08f-63a15377e9a1/b3498566-2176-4613-a08f-63a15377e9a1.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/b3498566-2176-4613-a08f-63a15377e9a1/b3498566-2176-4613-a08f-63a15377e9a1.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1272</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>037 - A strange duck in the pond</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/037-a-strange-duck-in-the-pond--70198768</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198768</guid><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198768/037_a_strange_duck_in_the_pond.mp3" length="12809728" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1602</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>036 - Two rights and no wrong</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/036-two-rights-and-no-wrong--70198767</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198767</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198767/036_two_rights_and_no_wrong.mp3" length="9643520" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/4011535b-d0b0-480e-a20f-06d64c3ce8fc/4011535b-d0b0-480e-a20f-06d64c3ce8fc.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/4011535b-d0b0-480e-a20f-06d64c3ce8fc/4011535b-d0b0-480e-a20f-06d64c3ce8fc.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/4011535b-d0b0-480e-a20f-06d64c3ce8fc/4011535b-d0b0-480e-a20f-06d64c3ce8fc.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1206</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>035 - And a wise man's deeds</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/035-and-a-wise-man-s-deeds--70198766</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198766</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:00:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198766/035_and_a_wise_man_s_deeds.mp3" length="3725824" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/302bb66c-85f6-4f30-84cb-b528224bc3e7/302bb66c-85f6-4f30-84cb-b528224bc3e7.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/302bb66c-85f6-4f30-84cb-b528224bc3e7/302bb66c-85f6-4f30-84cb-b528224bc3e7.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/302bb66c-85f6-4f30-84cb-b528224bc3e7/302bb66c-85f6-4f30-84cb-b528224bc3e7.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>466</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>034 - A fool's thoughts</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/034-a-fool-s-thoughts--70198765</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198765</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:22 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198765/034_a_fool_s_thoughts.mp3" length="3837440" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/635426eb-0962-49a6-a5ff-6c12dbe8f973/635426eb-0962-49a6-a5ff-6c12dbe8f973.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/635426eb-0962-49a6-a5ff-6c12dbe8f973/635426eb-0962-49a6-a5ff-6c12dbe8f973.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/635426eb-0962-49a6-a5ff-6c12dbe8f973/635426eb-0962-49a6-a5ff-6c12dbe8f973.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>480</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>033 - The Rubicon</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/033-the-rubicon--70198764</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198764</guid><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:00:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198764/033_the_rubicon.mp3" length="4886016" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>611</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>032 - A fool and his money</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/032-a-fool-and-his-money--70198763</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198763</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:27:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198763/032_a_fool_and_his_money.mp3" length="8067072" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/44ebe152-b523-4d16-be61-4ae3f077c32c/44ebe152-b523-4d16-be61-4ae3f077c32c.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/44ebe152-b523-4d16-be61-4ae3f077c32c/44ebe152-b523-4d16-be61-4ae3f077c32c.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/44ebe152-b523-4d16-be61-4ae3f077c32c/44ebe152-b523-4d16-be61-4ae3f077c32c.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1009</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>031 - Two brothers in misfortune</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/031-two-brothers-in-misfortune--70198762</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198762</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:27:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198762/031_two_brothers_in_misfortune.mp3" length="6332928" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>792</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>030 - Elias's eyes open upon the world</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/030-elias-s-eyes-open-upon-the-world--70198761</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198761</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:27:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198761/030_elias_s_eyes_open_upon_the_world.mp3" length="5761536" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>721</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>029 - A partnership with limited liability</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/029-a-partnership-with-limited-liability--70198760</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198760</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:27:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198760/029_a_partnership_with_limited_liability.mp3" length="7662080" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>958</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>028 - Why not</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/028-why-not--70198759</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198759</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198759/028_why_not.mp3" length="6239232" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>780</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>027 - Aigre-doux</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/027-aigre-doux--70198758</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198758</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:58 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198758/027_aigre_doux.mp3" length="7118336" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>890</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>026 - Hendrik Lossell's first step</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/026-hendrik-lossell-s-first-step--70198757</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198757</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:57 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198757/026_hendrik_lossell_s_first_step.mp3" length="9515008" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1190</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>025 - Elias slays his ten thousands</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/025-elias-slays-his-ten-thousands--70198756</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198756</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:56 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198756/025_elias_slays_his_ten_thousands.mp3" length="6146048" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>769</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>024 - A prince among paupers</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/024-a-prince-among-paupers--70198755</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198755</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:55 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198755/024_a_prince_among_paupers.mp3" length="10414592" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1302</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>023 - Music and discord</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/023-music-and-discord--70198754</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198754</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:53 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198754/023_music_and_discord.mp3" length="7546368" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>944</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>022 - Treats of religion</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/022-treats-of-religion--70198753</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198753</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:52 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198753/022_treats_of_religion.mp3" length="8544256" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1068</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>021 - The bride asks for flowers on her path</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/021-the-bride-asks-for-flowers-on-her-path--70198752</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198752</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:51 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198752/021_the_bride_asks_for_flowers_on_her_path.mp3" length="8935936" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1117</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>020 - Cousins and cozenage</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/020-cousins-and-cozenage--70198751</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198751</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:50 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198751/020_cousins_and_cozenage.mp3" length="6674432" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>835</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>019 - Blank</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/019-blank--70198750</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198750</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198750/019_blank.mp3" length="9268224" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1159</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>018 - The marriage-lottery</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/018-the-marriage-lottery--70198749</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198749</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:47 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198749/018_the_marriage_lottery.mp3" length="6547456" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>819</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>017 - A struggle-for-lifer</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/017-a-struggle-for-lifer--70198748</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198748</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198748/017_a_struggle_for_lifer.mp3" length="7968768" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>996</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>016 - Compos mentis</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/016-compos-mentis--70198747</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198747</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:45 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198747/016_compos_mentis.mp3" length="8010752" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1002</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>015 - Hendrik's temptation</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/015-hendrik-s-temptation--70198746</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198746</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:43 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198746/015_hendrik_s_temptation.mp3" length="16314880" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2040</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>014 - No thoroughfare and the way out</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/014-no-thoroughfare-and-the-way-out--70198745</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198745</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:42 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198745/014_no_thoroughfare_and_the_way_out.mp3" length="6505472" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>814</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>013 - The head of the firm</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/013-the-head-of-the-firm--70198744</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198744</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:41 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198744/013_the_head_of_the_firm.mp3" length="10809856" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1352</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>012 - Volderdoes Zonen</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/012-volderdoes-zonen--70198743</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198743</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:39 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198743/012_volderdoes_zonen.mp3" length="12451840" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1557</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>011 - Like a stream under a willow-tree</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/011-like-a-stream-under-a-willow-tree--70198741</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198741</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:37 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198741/011_like_a_stream_under_a_willow_tree.mp3" length="10526720" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1316</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>010 - Dr Pillenaar's revenge</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/010-dr-pillenaar-s-revenge--70198740</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198740</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:35 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198740/010_dr_pillenaar_s_revenge.mp3" length="8903680" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1113</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>009 - Elias hears - the thruth</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/009-elias-hears-the-thruth--70198739</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198739</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:34 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198739/009_elias_hears_the_thruth.mp3" length="4036608" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>505</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>008 - Cousin Cocoa</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/008-cousin-cocoa--70198738</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198738</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198738/008_cousin_cocoa.mp3" length="7931392" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>992</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>007 - Stepmothers</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/007-stepmothers--70198737</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198737</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:32 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198737/007_stepmothers.mp3" length="8214016" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1027</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>006 - Thunder-storms</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/006-thunder-storms--70198736</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198736</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:31 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198736/006_thunder_storms.mp3" length="8846336" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1106</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>005 - Light and shade</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/005-light-and-shade--70198735</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198735</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:29 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198735/005_light_and_shade.mp3" length="9224192" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1153</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>004 - The new life begins</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/004-the-new-life-begins--70198734</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198734</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:28 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198734/004_the_new_life_begins.mp3" length="9020928" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1128</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>003 - And also altogether comfortable</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/003-and-also-altogether-comfortable--70198733</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198733</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:27 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198733/003_and_also_altogether_comfortable.mp3" length="5172224" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>647</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>002 - Shows that the story will be a highly respectable one</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/002-shows-that-the-story-will-be-a-highly-respectable-one--70198732</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198732</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:26 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198732/002_shows_that_the_story_will_be_a_highly_respectable_one.mp3" length="7059968" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>883</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>001 - Sweeps the reader into a cloud of mist</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/001-sweeps-the-reader-into-a-cloud-of-mist--70198731</link><description><![CDATA[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)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70198731</guid><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:26:24 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70198731/001_sweeps_the_reader_into_a_cloud_of_mist.mp3" length="6341632" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Maarten Maartens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>793</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>19th-century,ambition,blindness,deafness,family,power,satirical,society,struggle,wealth</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/8aba9a84068426a37a8a20d70d9ec0e3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
