En medio de la guerra de la Fronda, la guerra civil emprendida por la aristocracia francesa durante la minoría de edad de Luis XIV, dos mujeres se enfrentan con todas sus armas: en la lucha por el poder, ponen en liza su belleza, su gran capacidad para la intriga, su amor y sus celos, sin renegar del coraje ni de sus dotes militares. Una es Nanon de Lartigues, la astuta y encendida amante del duque d’Épernon; es fiel a Ana de Austria y al cardenal Mazarino, y con ellos trata de salvaguardar la corona para quien luego será el Rey Sol. La otra es la rubia y valerosa Claire de Cambes, que sostiene la rebelión de los príncipes de Condé con inteligencia y sagacidad. Estas dos mosqueteras con faldas, como se las ha llamado, se convierten en el eje de una historia llena de acción, intriga y rapidez descriptiva, donde el aspecto amoroso ocupará un lugar destacado cuando ambas heroínas se enamoren del mismo hombre.

4 stars for the story; barely 1 star for the ending. Really, Dumas? ( )

Intrigue, deception, romance, treachery, loyalty, bravery, hidden (and deliberately confused) identities -- although no book can match the totally wonderful The Count of Monte Cristo, in this novel Dumas does not disappoint the reader looking for fast-paced action and plot twists and turns (and some fascinating characters, as well).

The Women's War took place in the mid-17th century. After Louis XIII died, his widow, known as Anne of Austria for her place of birth, took over as regent for the still underage Louis XIV. Her rule was contested by the brother and cousin of Louis XIII, known collectively as the princes; they were imprisoned and the wife of the cousin, the Princesse de Condé, took over as the leader of the rebellion. Hence, the women's war. This war is historical fact, and Dumas read contemporary and historical works about it, but then, as Robin Buss details in the introduction to his new translation, published by Penguin Classics, he developed his own plot, introducing fictional characters as well as changing some of the roles of historical characters.

So there is also a women's war in the heart of the Baron de Canolles, who plays a major role in this novel (although not, apparently, in actual history), as he loves both Nanon de Lartigues, who is the mistress of one of the leaders of the Queen's cause, and Claire, who is a supporter of the princess. Another important character is the devilishly evil brother of Nanon, who chooses a variety of false identities over the course of the novel and who can be counted on (up to a crucial moment) to do the very thing that will cause the most problems.

I don't want to detail the plot because the way Dumas keeps its twists and turns going -- and the reader on the edge of her chair -- is too delightful. Suffice it to say that identity deception and confusion play major roles, as does the scheming of most of the characters. Dumas also describes vividly both the intensity of several sieges and attacks and the back-and-forth among the queen's and the princess's advisors (some of whom are historical characters). And there is a swashbuckling component as well. Although it petered out a little at the very end, this was a fun summer read!

This is my favourite Dumas book that I have read so far. It follows the standard of all his works - intrigue, romance, doom - but I found the story of Baron de Canolles captivating. It is certainly a book that I will always have in my collection, and will read and re-read. If you are a Dumas fan, you should really give it a try. ( )