The poor, The rich and The idealist

by Erind Ndoj

Albania, 1943.

A farmer finds an Italian soldier collapsed in his cornfield. He carries him home.
Then a Jewish refugee arrives.
Then a wounded partisan.
Then the Germans begin knocking on doors.

Bajram is not a hero. He is a man with a small house, a patient wife, and an old sense of what is right. He asks no permission. He makes no speeches. He simply keeps the door open. Because in Albania, that is what you do.
What follows is a story of unlikely brotherhood forged in a basement. Of a nation that sheltered its enemies while the world burned. Of a liberation that did not feel like freedom.

Based on true events.
Rooted in the Albanian code of besa.
The word you give and can never take back.

267 pages, ebook

Published March 17, 2026

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly emotional and captivating book that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. What stands out beautifully throughout the story are the values of the Albanian people—above all, their hospitality, humanity, and compassion for those in need. It is a touching story that makes you reflect on the power of kindness, generosity, and solidarity. A heartfelt and memorable read that I would highly recommend.

[Kloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poor the rich and the idealist, is a quiet, powerful novella that stays with you long after you finish it. The story doesn’t try to impress, it simply shows humanity at its most honest. Bajram’s character, in particular, feels real and deeply moving, and the relationships between the characters carry a strong emotional weight without ever becoming dramatic. The ending is subtle but hits hard. A thoughtful and meaningful read about moral courage and what it really means to do the right thing.

[Fifi Longueira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very moving tale of life in the Albanian countryside during World War Two. A story of survival, acceptance and humanity. It flows well and it's easy to connect with the characters. I cried towards the end. It just so touching, the ending was not what I expected.

[Britime In · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The Poor, The Rich and The Idealist* is a powerful, moving story of courage, compassion, and humanity during World War II. With compelling historical details and meaningful themes, Erind Ndoj reminds readers of the importance of kindness, integrity, and keeping one's word. A truly memorable read!

[Nothing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very moving

[Arber Pjetri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book, “When the Mountains Awake,” felt deeply moving to me — so real that it even made me wish to see it adapted into a film 🎬.

Meanwhile, “The Poor, the Rich and the Idealist” may seem simpler at first, but it is incredibly vivid — a true reflection of every Albanian family. It portrays stories just as they really were, the kind we’ve heard time and again from our grandparents and the people around us.

If the first book pulls you in and makes you rush through every detail, the second one walks alongside you — carefully unfolding everything. And the closer you get to the end, the more captivating it becomes. For me, the icing on the cake is the ending — something only an author like Erind Ndoj could achieve in such a powerful way.

I highly recommend reading it as soon as possible to experience a piece of Albanian reality from those years.

Best of luck, Erind! 👏

[Andrew Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poor, The Rich, and The Idealist is a deeply moving historical novel that explores humanity in the face of war, ideology, and sacrifice. Set in 1940s Albania, the story follows Bajram a simple farmer whose quiet acts of kindness ripple into life-altering consequences. What stands out most is the moral complexity. The characters represent different worlds faith, survival, and ideology and their forced coexistence creates powerful tension. Bajram’s journey, in particular, is heartbreaking and unforgettable, highlighting both the cost of compassion and the cruelty of shifting political power.

Overall, this is a poignant and thought-provoking read about courage, betrayal, and the lasting impact of doing what is right.