H. R.

In the bustling world of early‑20th‑century New York finance, Hendrik Rutgers stands out as a striking mix of ambition, stubbornness, and self‑styled individuality. A handsome, quick‑witted bank clerk who despises being reduced to a mere cog, he constantly measures his worth against the towering expectations of the institution that employs him. The novel opens with his restless demand for a raise, setting the stage for a sharp, witty examination of corporate hierarchy and the personal pride that fuels it.

Le Fèvre’s prose is laced with satire, painting the city’s relentless drive for profit as both a backdrop and a character in its own right. Through witty dialogue and keen observation, the story captures the absurdities of office politics, the yearning for upward mobility, and the clash between personal integrity and the grind of the ledger. As Hendrik navigates the thin line between anger and indignation, listeners are invited to reflect on the cost of ambition in a world that values headlines over deeper thought.