Tri lopova (Moj stric milijarder): Roman premodernih običaja

The Italian writer, journalist and publisher Umberto Notari (1878–1950) published this satirical novel in 1908, and its Croatian translation appeared ten years later and quickly became popular among readers.

The Three Thieves is a witty and sharp satire on social norms, hypocrisy and capitalist morality. Through the story of three thieves of different profiles — from a small, likable thief who steals to survive, to a professional pickpocket, to a reputable thief in gloves who steals millions through stock market speculation and financial machinations — Notari shows how in society everyone steals, only the bigger thieves do it more legally and respectably.

The book has two subtitles: My Billionaire Uncle and A Novel of Premodern Customs – for Hermaphrodites of All Countries, which clearly indicates the author's ironic and provocative tone. Notari humorously and sarcastically takes on bourgeois society, its double standards, and the moneyed elite that enriches itself at the expense of others, while at the same time presenting itself as a pillar of society.

The style is lively, fast, and fluid, full of irony and witty observations. The novel is easy to read, but it carries sharp social criticism, which was a characteristic of Notari's works (he is also known for the scandalous novel Quelle signore).

In Croatia and Yugoslavia, this title was quite in demand in the interwar period because it perfectly suited the spirit of the times — a period of economic crisis, speculation, and growing dissatisfaction with the rich.

Today, The Three Thieves is an interesting testimony to Italian literature between the two wars and an excellent choice for fans of satirical prose, social criticism, and light but clever fiction.