Vae Victis! Romanzo

A novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to revolve around the lives of three young women—Chérie, Mirella, and Frida—who are vacationing in Belgium just as the threat of war looms over Europe. As they navigate their days by the sea, their carefree summer is abruptly interrupted by the ominous arrival of news suggesting that a larger conflict is about to unfold, drawing the reader into the tensions of pre-World War I. At the start of the narrative, we meet Chérie, who eagerly prepares to enjoy a day at the beach with her companions, Mirella and their German governess, Frida. The scene is lighthearted, showcasing the girls' playful banter and their interactions with the surrounding summer atmosphere, until the reality of their situation begins to unfold through letters and news, hinting at the onset of war. Chérie's youthful exuberance contrasts sharply with Frida's underlying anxiety, setting the stage for the impending threat that will soon disrupt their idyllic lives as tensions escalate from enjoyment and innocence to the harsh realities of conflict.