Description
Written in the 17th century, during the Restoration era that was also the period when the English novel was born, Oroonoko, or The Royal Slave by Aphra Behn is a very special piece not only because its author is one of the very first female writers in English literature and a lady who supported herself entirely from her writings, but also because it provides a uniquely vivid account of the horrors of slavery on British colonies.The title character, Oroonoko is no average slave: he is an African prince, betrayed and sold as a slave to be taken to Suriname. The novel starts with a complicated love affair. Oroonoko, the grandson of the king of the Coromantee people is in love with Imoinda, the daughter of a general. The king also happens to fall in love with the girl and forces her to join his harem. In the meantime, Oroonoko falls captive and is taken as a slave to Suriname, where he finds out that Imoinda is also a slave on the plantation, even though the prince had been told that the girl had died. The two reunite, but there are incredible horrors to come – Oroonoko will be involved in a revolt of the slaves, he will have to kill her love and he will die in the end, too, but in each of his cruel acts he proves he has a noble heart and character that will not bend.Though written centuries ago, the language of the novel is easy to read and Aphra Ben was an excellent storyteller. Most part of the novel is taken up by the love story, but the life of the slaves on the plantation, their hardships and their revolt are also described in vivid colors, making the novel truly exquisite and recommended to anyone interested in the history of the Americas.
Product ID: 9781776661657
Sku: MN-QQF1-SWWG
