The Enemies of Women (Los enemigos de la mujer)

"The Enemies of Women" by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez is a thought-provoking novel set during wartime that investigates the intricate relationships between men and women. The story revolves around Prince Michael Fedor Lubimoff, who voices his controversial opinion that society would prosper without women, leading to a series of debates among him and his guests—a diverse group including a colonel, gambler, professor, and pianist. Their discussions, which begin during a lavish luncheon interrupted by the sounds of a military train, touch on themes of masculinity, societal expectations, and the multifaceted roles women play in their lives. The prince's proposition to exclude women and adopt a more secluded, male-centric existence initially meets with disbelief, but it ultimately leads the group to playfully adopt the title "the enemies of women," setting the stage for an exploration of conflicting viewpoints on gender amidst the chaos of war.