Bird of Paradise (1914) is a novel by Ada Leverson. Having established
herself as a journalist and short story writer, Leverson published her
debut novel in 1907 to moderate acclaim. Entertaining and effortlessly
witty, Leverson's prose paints a stunning portrait of the Edwardian era,
a time when hope and relative peace proved prosperous for many. Often
compared to her close friend Oscar Wilde, Leverson, a pioneering Jewish
woman, remains a unique and refreshing voice in English literature.
Madeline and Bertha share an uncommonly devoted friendship, verging on
sisterhood in the best and worst of times. Satisfactorily married to the
loyal--if a little boring--Percy Kellynch, Bertha often serves as
Madeline's matchmaker and confidante. In love with Rupert Denison, an
affectionate, aloof young man, Madeline wants nothing more than to be
swept off her feet. Much to her dismay, however, Rupert takes romance
slow, proving at times a difficult man to pin down. Disappointed by a
last-minute cancellation, Madeline laments her lovelorn woes to Bertha,
who comes up with a plan. With the help of a devoted ex-lover, she
invites Rupert and Madeline to dinner and a show, unwittingly setting in
motion a story of jealousy, hilarity, and forbidden attraction. Bird of
Paradise is a humorous tale of romance and desire from Ada Leverson, an
underappreciated novelist of the Edwardian era. With a beautifully
designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of
Ada Leverson's Bird of Paradise is a classic work of British
literature reimagined for modern readers.
