Emelian the Fool is a novel by Thomas James Wise about a young man who is born with a mental disability. Emelian is born in a small village in Russia and is immediately ostracized by the other villagers. Despite his disability, Emelian is determined to make something of himself and sets out on a journey to find his place in the world. Along the way, he meets a variety of people who help him on his journey, including a wise old man, a kind-hearted prostitute, and a mysterious stranger. As Emelian learns more about himself and the world around him, he discovers that his disability is not a hindrance, but a strength. He learns to embrace his differences and use them to his advantage. In the end, Emelian finds acceptance and a place to call home.
By Thomas James Wise · First published 1913 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance · 2 chapters