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Cover of The Kingdom of the Blind

The Kingdom of the Blind

Written by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim

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About this book

"The Kingdom of the Blind" by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds primarily in a high-society setting at the Ritz Hotel, focusing on characters involved in wartime dynamics as they navigate their personal relationships and intrigue amidst the backdrop of World War I. Central to the beginning of the narrative are Lady Anselman and her guests, including her wounded nephew Captain Ronald Granet whose return from the front is a point of interest, alongside other notable personalities like Surgeon-Major Thomson. The opening of the novel introduces Lady Anselman as she eagerly awaits her nephew's arrival at a luncheon gathering. The mix of guests, ranging from an actress to a Cabinet Minister, sets a lively tone that juxtaposes with the somber reality of war, particularly highlighted by Granet’s injuries. As conversations reveal the characters’ relationships and the social protocols of the time, the tension between them grows, particularly around the guests' feelings towards the war and each other. The interaction between Granet and Thomson hints at deeper connections—suggesting potential intrigue and conflict as they navigate their complex roles. This multi-layered social dynamic establishes the groundwork for a narrative rich in character development, suspense, and exploration of trust and loyalty during tumultuous times.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Kingdom of the Blind, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • suspenseful
  • intriguing

E. Phillips Oppenheim's "The Kingdom of the Blind" is an early 20th-century novel set amidst the high-society backdrop of World War I, primarily at the opulent Ritz Hotel. The story commences with Lady Anselman hosting a luncheon for her returning, wounded nephew, Captain Ronald Granet, where a diverse group of influential guests creates a complex social dynamic. This initial gathering quickly reveals underlying tensions and differing sentiments regarding the war, setting the stage for a narrative rich in intrigue. Interactions between Granet and Surgeon-Major Thomson hint at deeper connections and potential conflicts, establishing the groundwork for a story exploring themes of trust, loyalty, and deception during a tumultuous historical period.

“Actual quotes from 'The Kingdom of the Blind' are not available in the provided summary. However, typical quotes from Oppenheim's work and this novel's likely themes would feature sharp dialogue, expressions of wartime anxiety, and veiled threats, such as:”

Key themes

War and Society
The novel explores the pervasive impact of World War I not just on the soldiers at the front, but on the home front and within high society. It examines how wartime anxieties, patriotism, and the grim realities of conflict permeate even the most insulated social circles, forcing characters to confront their roles and responsibilities. The contrast between the luxury of the Ritz and Granet's injuries highlights this theme.
Trust and Deception
A central theme, particularly given the title 'The Kingdom of the Blind,' is the fragility of trust and the prevalence of deception. In a wartime setting, where espionage and hidden agendas are rife, characters must constantly question the motives and loyalties of those around them. The novel likely delves into how personal relationships can be exploited or corrupted by larger political or military schemes.
Social Class and Duty
The novel explores how individuals from different social strata, particularly the elite, perceive and fulfill their duties during a national crisis. It examines the expectations placed upon them, the privileges they hold, and the ways in which their actions (or inactions) contribute to or detract from the war effort. The diverse guest list, from an actress to a Cabinet Minister, allows for a multifaceted examination of these roles.

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How does the novel use the opulent setting of the Ritz to highlight or contrast with the harsh realities of World War I?

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