De erfenis eener moeder by P. J. Andriessen is a didactic juvenile novel written in the late 19th century. It follows an Amsterdam family that falls from comfort into straitened circumstances, focusing on the steadfast daughter Helène, her cheerful brother Rudolf, and the moral contrast with his principled schoolfriend Ernst; the “inheritance” of the title is less money than the mother’s values of duty, prudence, and kindness. The opening of the novel
sets its moral tone with a preface calling it a simple family story for youth. We first see Rudolf at boarding school beside the honorable Ernst, who refuses to borrow for a rowing excursion, while Rudolf enjoys a lively outing and, later, a glittering dance at his uncle’s house where their delicate mother’s frailty is noted. The family’s fortunes abruptly collapse: Mr. Nederhorst loses his wealth, friends fall away, and plans are made—Rudolf remains at school, Leonie goes to an uncle, while Helène stays with her ailing mother to help. Their loyal old servant Trui insists on serving without wages, and the family leaves Amsterdam for modest lodgings in Weesp, where Helène assumes household duties and tends the younger children. In this new setting she meets the kindly widower Dr. Faminga, who offers sympathy and measured support, visits her mother, and quietly marks Helène’s sixteenth birthday with a thoughtful gift—hinting at benevolence and the strengthening of character that will guide the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
