The Sorrows of Satan or, The Strange Experience of One Geoffrey Tempest, Millionaire: A Romance

"The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli is a late 19th-century novel that follows Geoffrey Tempest, a penniless writer whose life is upended when he inherits a massive fortune. The story examines the challenges of wealth, the pursuit of personal goals, and the moral questions that arise when one gains substantial social status, all seen through Geoffrey's journey as he adjusts to his new life. The novel begins with Geoffrey's reflections on his struggles as a poor writer in London, before his unexpected inheritance brings both promise and concern. An important character named Prince Lucio Rimânez is introduced, becoming a key figure in Geoffrey's life. Their first meeting begins a complicated friendship marked by philosophical arguments about money, ambition, and right and wrong. This setup highlights the story's main themes and suggests the difficulties Geoffrey will face as he moves from poverty to wealth.