In the Wrong Paradise   By: Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

In the Wrong Paradise by Andrew Lang is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of happiness. Set in the fictional town of Eden, the story follows the lives of four individuals who are entangled in a web of desires, secrets, and illusions.

Lang's writing style is elegant and captivating, drawing readers into the lives of the characters from the very first page. The narrative is rich in detail, painting a vivid picture of the idyllic setting of Eden, a seemingly perfect paradise where everyone is content. However, as the story unfolds, the façade begins to crumble, revealing the protagonists' inner struggles and the darker side of human desires.

The characters in this novel are wonderfully complex and nuanced, each grappling with their own personal demons and yearnings. Lang masterfully explores themes of longing, betrayal, and the pursuit of happiness, creating characters that readers can empathize with and understand. Throughout the book, their motivations and actions are explored in depth, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of right and wrong.

One of the standout elements of this book is the way in which Lang tackles the concept of paradise. He challenges the idea that true happiness can be found in external circumstances, instead emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and inner growth. This philosophical exploration adds depth to the story, inviting readers to contemplate their own perceptions of happiness and contentment.

In the Wrong Paradise is a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Andrew Lang's exquisite prose and thought-provoking themes make this novel a captivating read. It serves as a reminder that paradise is not always as it seems and that the pursuit of happiness is often a deeply personal and complex journey.

First Page:

I have asked you to let me put your name here, that I might have the opportunity of saying how much pleasure I owe to your romances. They make one a boy again while one is reading them; and the student of "The Witch's Head" and of "King Solomon's Mines" is as young, in heart, as when he hunted long ago with Chingachgook and Uncas. You, who know the noble barbarian in his African retreats, appear to retain more than most men of his fresh natural imagination. We are all savages under our white skins; but you alone recall to us the delights and terrors of the world's nonage. We are hunters again, trappers, adventurers bold, while we study you, and the blithe barbarian wakens even in the weary person of letters. He forgets proof sheets and papers, and the "young lion" seeks his food from God, in the fearless ancient way, with bow or rifle. Of all modern heroes of romance, the dearest to me is your faithful Zulu, and I own I cried when he bade farewell to his English master, in "The Witch's Head... Continue reading book >>