Set in both England and colonial India, The Woman in the Bazaar
follows Captain George Coventry as he wrestles with guilt and the
consequences of his actions. Rigid even by old fashioned standards,
George Coventry holds misogynistic beliefs regarding the role women fill
in a marriage, and in society. When he meets a beautiful woman named
Rafella, they marry quickly after dating for a short period of time.
Despite this rush and George's misogyny, they are a happy couple for a
while, until Rafella starts making friends. After she befriends the
handsome Mr. Kennister, George assumes that Rafella is cheating on him.
Absolutely irate and sick with jealousy, George terrorizes Rafella with
a possessive rage until she runs away, never to be seen again. Years
later, George falls in love again, but is unable to enjoy his second
chance as he is haunted by rumors of a woman in the bazaar, an
Englishwoman who had been sold into slavery. As George becomes engrossed
in this rumor, he is forced to wonder if Rafella could have suffered the
same fate. Finally taking accountability of and reflecting on his
actions, George realizes that he first must resolve his past with
Rafella before entering a new marriage.
With its feminist themes, complex characters and unique setting, The
Woman in the Bazaar keeps audiences engaged and constrained. Originally
published in 1917, Alice Perrin's The Woman in the Bazaar colorfully
depicts a setting uncommon in literature while featuring a marriage
riddled with jealousy. With the vivid portrayal of colonial India as
well as the many sides to relationships, The Woman in the Bazaar is a
compelling narrative of an aspect of marriage not often explored.
Following George's pre-existing polarizing beliefs, Perrin explores
their fruition and the effect it has on Rafella and George's
relationship. This rare portrayal of marital problems caters to an
unfortunately common consequence of matrimony and still resonates with
contemporary audiences.
Now featuring a brand new, eye-catching cover design and a readable
font, this edition of The Woman in the Bazaar, written by the
celebrated author, Alice Perrin, is perfect for a modern audience.
