Emilia Pardo Bazán's 'La prueba' is a compact, powerful story that feels like it could happen today, despite being written in the 1800s. The author was a trailblazer—a woman writing frankly about society in a time when few women had that voice.

The Story

Don Juan Manuel Montenegro is rich, well-connected, and respected. On a whim, or perhaps out of deep-seated curiosity, he spreads the rumor that he has lost his entire fortune. He then sits back and watches the show. Friends who once flocked to him suddenly have pressing engagements elsewhere. A romantic interest cools dramatically. Family members begin to treat him with pity or thinly veiled annoyance. The novella follows him through this social experiment, exposing the greed and superficiality hiding beneath the polished surface of his world.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't just a period piece. It's a psychological gut-punch. Pardo Bazán writes with a clear, unflinching eye. She doesn't need long descriptions or complex plots; the simple premise does all the work. You'll find yourself asking what you would do in Montenegro's place, or worse, recognizing the behavior of the fair-weather friends. It’s a story about the value we place on people versus possessions, and it’s as relevant now as it was then.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories or sharp social commentary. If you enjoyed the bite of Jane Austen or the moral examinations in a Guy de Maupassant short story, you'll find a kindred spirit in Pardo Bazán. It's a quick read that leaves a long-lasting impression about the fragile foundations of so-called high society.