De Geschiedenis Van Woutertje Pieterse, Deel 1: Uit De 'ideen' Verzameld

A novel written in the early 20th century. The plot centers around the character Woutertje Pieterse, a young boy navigating his childhood in a constricted, middle-class society while grappling with ideals of goodness, truth, and beauty amidst the dullness and hypocrisy of adult life. This narrative is likely a blend of autobiographical elements and wider social commentary. The opening of the novel introduces us to Wouter, a sensitive boy whose imagination is captured by the adventure stories he reads, particularly one called ''Glorioso.'' As Wouter's family life is depicted, we see the constraints imposed by his home and the frustrations of childhood, leading him to dream of greater things beyond the ordinary life he knows. Wouter's internal struggles are presented through his interactions with the world around him, with humor and a touch of critical observation on societal norms, while he yearns for the poetic and fantastical elements of life that his mundane environment fails to provide. The beginning sets the stage for Wouter's journey as he attempts to reconcile his dreams with the reality of his existence.