Not Quite a Marriage
After five years of self-imposed exile in West Africa, Spencer Burnett, Viscount Stiles, returns to England determined to atone for his selfish past behavior, but despite all his best efforts the wife he so thoughtlessly abandoned, refuses to be reconciled. Philadelphia wants only to provide a safe home for her beloved cousins, and after her harsh treatment at the hands of her husband and controlling father-in-law, her trust is not easily won.
The author raises many serious personal and social issues: the vulnerability and economic dependence of women in a patriarchal system, colonial exploitation, racism, slavery, guilt, bullying, and the long-lasting damage suffered by the victims. Given her experience, Delphie’s mistrust is understandable, but her obstinate refusal to accept the repeated evidence that her husband really has changed does erode sympathy. Even her cousins get annoyed. As well they might, since Delphie is trying to control their lives, ironically.
Interesting psychological as well as social insights here, but lovers of romance may grow impatient with the heroine’s inflexibility.
