Blasco Ibáñez sets his story during the chaos of World War I, but in a bizarre pocket of peace. We follow a cast of wealthy international elites—Russian princes, American heiresses, Spanish nobles—who have fled to the Carlton Hotel in Nice. Their goal? To create a perfect, isolated world of gambling, flirting, and luxury, completely ignoring the brutal conflict just miles away.

The Story

The plot revolves around Prince Lubimoff and his circle. He's a jaded aristocrat who believes women are the root of all his troubles (hence the title, 'The Enemies of Women'). He tries to live a life of detached cynicism in his palace-like villa. But the story really kicks off when a beautiful and mysterious Argentinian widow, Alicia, arrives. She disrupts his carefully constructed emotional fortress. As their complicated relationship unfolds, the distant rumble of war becomes impossible to ignore, forcing everyone to confront the real world they've been desperately avoiding.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't just a period drama. It's a razor-sharp character study. Ibáñez doesn't just describe fancy parties; he shows you the anxiety and emptiness underneath. You'll be fascinated and maybe a little horrified by these characters. You see their flaws, their selfishness, but also their very human fear. The contrast between their frivolous world and the grim reality of the trenches is what makes the book so powerful and thought-provoking, even today.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love character-driven historical fiction with a strong dose of social commentary. If you enjoyed the upstairs/downstairs drama of 'Downton Abbey' or the tense atmosphere of 'The Great Gatsby,' but want a setting with the added pressure of a world war, this is your next great read. It's a brilliant, immersive novel about the cost of ignoring reality.