Nestled deep in the Austrian Alps, amongst picturesque snowy peaks, lies a small village. It’s a place where snowflakes dance relentlessly over the mountains, where the whistling of wind echoes through the valleys, and where the cold bites at your skin. But it’s also a place of warmth and hospitality, where visitors are welcomed with open arms.
Dr. Erich von Stroheim is a renowned Austrian officer who arrives in the village with his wife in tow. The two of them are incredibly discontent with each other. Erich is a self-obsessed womanizer, while his wife is a delicate and frail woman who requires his attention at all times.
Erich takes pleasure in flirting with women in front of his wife, perhaps to get her jealous or simply to prove his power. He also wants to win the hearts of those in the village and impress them with his charisma and wit.
In this village, there is a local guide, known as Beaumont, who makes a living leading groups of people into the Alps and showing them around. He has a romantic relationship with one of the local women but remains aloof and unavailable. Erich, wanting to make the most of his time in this quaint village, asks Beaumont to take him and his wife on a tour of the mountains.
It is during this tour that the interactions between the three begin to complicate. Beaumont is an experienced guide and is familiar with the treacherous paths, while Erich and his wife are threatened by the daunting conditions of the mountains. As the snow storm brews and paths get harsher, Beaumont becomes increasingly critical of Erich’s attitude towards his wife. He suggests that Erich should concentrate on his blind marriage, rather than flirting around.
Erich can’t stand being criticized, especially from a local guide. He becomes increasingly bitter and resentful and decides to pursue his self-obsessed goals. He starts belittling his wife, an unnerving act that evokes disgust from Beaumont.
Erich tries to get Beaumont on his side by appealing to his ego, by suggesting that he is not ‘man enough’ to win women over. Beaumont remains unaffected by Erich’s remarks, calling him a naive and selfish husband.
Finally, the snowstorm intensifies and the trio gets stuck in their path. Their supplies run out, and they have to spend the night in an alcove they find on the way. During this time, they air out their built-up frictions and the characters reveal their rawest emotions.
Erich’s wife comes to know about Erich’s affair with a woman on their way to the village and is hurt by it. She also reveals her health issues, and her reliance on Erich is stemming from his lack of interest.
Beaumont confesses to his commitment issues and how his mother’s death has impacted his life decisions. Erich sees this as an opportunity to assert his power, and he makes a bet with Beaumont that he can win over the local woman he’s been flirting with all along.
The following morning the storm clears, and the group leaves the mountains. In the village, everything seems to return to normal, but there is a coldness between the characters that never existed before. Erich realizes the value of his wife’s love and the impact his behavior had on their relationship. Beaumont and the local woman continue their romance, but the disconnection between them remains.
The story ends with Erich writing a letter of apology to his wife, realizing that he was the one who’s had blindfolded himself to love and commitment. The three of them are forever changed by the experience, and the power dynamics have shifted.
Blind Husbands delves into the complexities of love, power dynamics, and the true meaning of relationships in a world that values appearances over true connection. The story takes us into the heart of the Alps, where the harsh conditions of nature emphasize the emotions that are running high. The characters are torn between their ego and their true selves, continually evaluating their actions and their reasons for doing what they do.
It’s a thought-provoking story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering about the outcomes of each interaction. A perfect study of life’s complexity, Blind Husbands leaves the reader both conflicted and satisfied.
