Cheap Jack Zita

by S. (Sabine) Baring-Gould

"Cheap Jack Zita" by S. Baring-Gould is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a traveling vendor known as Cheap Jack and his daughter, Zita, who navigate the challenges and absurdities of life in the Fens of England. Their adventures begin during Tawdry Fair in Ely, where they face the strange dynamics of trade, community, and personal relationships. The opening portion introduces readers to the chaotic scene outside the Ely Cathedral, where Cheap Jack sets up his van to sell goods, much to the shock of the local gentry and clergymen. Amidst this marketplace chaos, Zita emerges as a strong character, assisting her father and engaging with both customers and spectators, while also dealing with unwanted attention from local youths. The chapter not only showcases the bustling atmosphere of the fair but also hints at deeper themes of class struggle, the nature of commerce, and familial love, particularly through the relationship between Zita and her father, whose health is declining.