Peter Schlemihl

"Peter Schlemihl" by Adelbert von Chamisso is a 19th-century fiction that tells the story of Peter Schlemihl, a man who makes a strange deal with somebody not of this world, exchanging his shadow for riches. Peter's choice starts a difficult journey that explores what it means to be yourself, the importance of money, and what happens when we lose our connection to humanity. After a tough sea trip, Peter seeks help from a rich man, Mr. John, but finds himself drawn to a strange grey man. This mysterious figure offers Peter enormous wealth for his shadow, a deal he takes, not understanding the hard times that lie ahead and facing strange troubles. The author combines a light, magical feel with heavy questions about life and what's important.