Perfection City

by Adela E. (Adela Elizabeth Richards) Orpen

"Perfection City" by Adela E. Orpen is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a newlywed couple, Olive and Ezra Weston, as they settle into their new home in a thriving community on the Kansas prairie, named Perfection City. The narrative explores themes of communal living, social ideals, and the challenges faced by individuals when adapting to new environments. At the start of the novel, Olive and Ezra are driving through a rough and bumpy road toward their new home, where they envision a life grounded in community values. Olive's adjustment to prairie life is initially marked by her excitement and some apprehension about the unusual name of their settlement. Upon their arrival, the playful chaos of prairie living begins to take shape, illustrated through Olive's encounters with other community members, such as the humorous and well-meaning Uncle David. Through Olive's experiences and her interactions with these colorful characters, the foundation is laid for exploring the intricacies of life in a communal setting, and the challenges that arise from the ideals that govern Perfection City.