Berenice

"Berenice" by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the character Berenice, an actress whose performance captivates the attention of a critic named John Matravers. While initially unimpressed by the environment of the play and its quality, Matravers experiences a profound shift in his perception of Berenice as she demonstrates her artistic talent, which leads him to take a vested interest in her career and personal life. The opening of the novel sets the stage at a dreary theater where Matravers, attending as a reluctant critic, is introduced to Berenice’s character through the lens of her initial underwhelming performance. However, during the second act, she transforms into a brilliant force on stage, captivating both the audience and Matravers himself. Their subsequent interactions reveal a growing attraction and the complexities of Berenice’s life as an actress embroiled in the theatrical world. This opening portion hints at a deeper exploration of themes such as artistic integrity, societal perceptions of women, and the emotional currents that complicate their relationship. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward Phillips Oppenheim was an English novelist, a prolific writer of best-selling genre fiction, featuring glamorous characters, international intrigue and fast action. Notably easy to read, they were viewed as popular entertainments. He was featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1927.