The Sorrows of Satan

The action of the novel takes place in London in 1895. Satan walks among people in search of another toy with which he can amuse himself, to show God that he can corrupt anyone. He wants to find someone worthy who can resist temptation, but around reign disbelief, corruption, and depravity.

Jeffrey Tempest, a young impoverished writer, barely makes ends meet, unsuccessfully trying to sell his novel. Once again, when he reflects on his desperate situation, he notices three letters on the table. The first is from a friend in Australia who made a fortune in gold mining, informing him that he is sending a friend to help Jeffrey escape from poverty. The second is a note from a lawyer detailing that he has inherited a fortune from a deceased relative. The third is a recommendation letter from Prince Luccio Rimanez, the "deliverer from poverty," mentioned by the friend from Australia. Will Jeffrey be able to make the right choice, preserving his talent and soul?..

"The Sorrows of Satan" is a mystical decadent novel by the English writer Marie Corelli, published in 1895 and becoming the largest bestseller in the history of Victorian England.