The Woman of Colour: A Tale by Anonymous, edited by Lyndon J. Dominique, is an epistolary novel that follows Olivia Fairfield, a biracial heiress, who must travel from Jamaica to England to marry her cousin Augustus Merton according to her father's will. Olivia navigates societal prejudices, complex relationships, and her own identity while experiencing life's highs and lows in 19th-century England. The book includes scenes with outdated and offensive language regarding race.

The Woman of Colour, edited by Lyndon J. Dominique, garners praise for bringing to light a rare, early 19th-century novel that addresses race, gender, and class with progressive complexity. Critics commend Dominique's comprehensive introduction and annotations. However, some find the prose archaic and challenging. Overall, it's celebrated for its historical significance and scholarly contribution.

A reader who would enjoy The Woman of Colour by Ed. Lyndon J. Dominique and Anonymous is likely interested in early 19th-century literature with themes of race, gender, and colonialism. Fans of Belinda by Maria Edgeworth and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë will appreciate its exploration of societal boundaries and personal identity.

Contemplative / Mysterious / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Inspirational

- The The Woman of Colour is one of the earliest novels to feature a biracial protagonist, making it a significant piece in the study of race and literature in the early 19th century.
- This novel, originally published in 1808, was rediscovered and reprinted in 2007 by Broadview Press, edited by Lyndon J. Dominique, highlighting its importance and ongoing relevance in discussions about race and identity.
- The book uniquely blends elements of the epistolary format, with parts of the story conveyed through letters, reflecting a common narrative style of the era.

**Olivia Fairfield**  
The main character and narrator of the novel who is biracial and educated, grappling with her identity and the societal challenges she faces as she moves from Jamaica to England.

**Letitia Merton (née Manby)**  
A wealthy woman who becomes Olivia’s adversary, raised to value money and appearances, and uses manipulation to try to get what she wants.

**Augustus Merton**  
A sensitive and thoughtful younger son of the Merton family, who is kind to Olivia and struggles with expressing his emotions openly.

**Dido**  
A Black enslaved woman who accompanies Olivia to England, known for her loyalty and strong sense of duty, and who contrasts with Olivia’s experiences as a free biracial woman.

**Colonel Rolando Singleton**  
An elder in the Merton social circle, focused on appearing young and flirtatious, and who expresses unwelcome romantic interest in Olivia.

Ed. Lyndon J. Dominique

Anonymous

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The Woman of Colour Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Woman of Colour Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Letters 1-17

The Woman of Colour Letters 1-17 Summary & Analysis

Letters 18-30

The Woman of Colour Letters 18-30 Summary & Analysis

Letters 31-39

The Woman of Colour Letters 31-39 Summary & Analysis

Letters 40-48

The Woman of Colour Letters 40-48 Summary & Analysis

Letter 49-Epilogue

The Woman of Colour Letter 49-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Woman of Colour Character Analysis

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The Woman of Colour: A Tale

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