Customer Reviews

Oroonoko (Norton Critical Editions)

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This is a classic story about the horrors of slavery. I've heard this compared to "Uncle Tom's Cabin," but I don't think that's an accurate comparison. The story is about Orookono, an African prince who is deprived of his true love by his grandfather, the king. He is betrayed and sold into slavery, and happens to encounter his lost love in the New World, in the British colony of Suriname. The valiant prince (now called 'Caesar' by his overseers) tries to gain freedom for his wife and family, but in vain. If there is a story that does justice to the horrors of slavery, this is it.

I don't think this is the typical slave narrative because Orookono is a prince. Even the overlords treat him that way, and he seems more a victim of cruel fate than of slavery. Still, this valiant, brave-hearted soul is subjected and finally overcome by the cruel actions of the English colonists.

This story was written at the time the novel was first coming into being in England. It is revolutionary, and becomes even more so when considered that it came from the pen of a woman. Aphra Behn was one of the first major female English writers, and is arguably the best of her time. This is is great (short) novel, definitely well-worth your time.

This book was required reading for my American Literature course. Why read a story about an African prince in Surinam in an American Lit class? Voyage to a brave new world! That was the theme of the class. It encompassed the whole colonial experience in all of the "Americas". I am glad my professor went that route or I probably would never have read OROONOKO. This is a wonderful read. It is more a love story to me than a slave story. This book was written centuries ago but it is a very easy read. The footnotes in this version are a great help but the context of the story is enough for most readers to not get lost in archaic language. Add this one to your library. It is definitely worth it.

I bought this book for a class and was dreading the read. In the end, I was surprised to find that I like it. The book shipped fast, and I read it even faster. Give it a try!

While I enjoyed the story, I must admit that I enjoyed reading the introduction and footnotes even more. They were very interesting and enlightening, and the introduction creates an awe inspiring portrait of Aphra Behn, and what a diamond in the rough she was during the Restoration period of English history.

I had a large order, and this came first. It shipped freaky fast, in good condition. I recommend this seller!

THIS BOOK IS WONDERFUL IF YOU REALLY WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SLAVERY.