Oroonoko (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Aphra Behn (Author), Janet Todd (Editor, Introduction)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0140439889 | ISBN-13: 978-0140439885 | Publication Date: May 25, 2004

When Prince Oroonoko’s passion for the virtuous Imoinda arouses the jealousy of his grandfather, the lovers are cast into slavery and transported from Africa to the colony of Surinam. Oroonoko’s noble bearing soon wins the respect of his English captors, but his struggle for freedom brings about his destruction. Inspired by Aphra Behn’s visit to Surinam, Oroonoko reflects the author’s romantic views of native peoples as being in “the first state of innocence, before man knew how to sin.” The novel also reveals Behn’s ambiguous attitude toward slavery: while she favored it as a means to strengthen England’s power, her powerful and moving work conveys its injustice and brutality.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Excellent copy text and really outstanding collection of contextual material - and at a remarkably low price...Congratulations!' - Peter New, University of Exeter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Aphra Behn (c. 1640–1689), born in Kent, England, claimed to have visited the British colony of Surinam, where Oroonoko is set. She wrote poetry, short stories, stage plays, and political propaganda for the Tory party, as well as her great amorous and political novel, Love Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister.

Janet Todd is Francis Hutcheson Professor of English Literature at the University of Glasgow and an honorary fellow of Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (May 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140439889
• ISBN-13: 978-0140439885
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > History > Americas > United States > African Americans

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving, December 6, 2002

By 

bixodoido (Utah, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oroonoko (Norton Critical Editions) (Paperback)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brave New World, June 8, 2004

By 

Susan L. (Birmingham, AL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oroonoko (Norton Critical Editions) (Paperback)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Oroonoko, July 24, 2011

By 

Dia - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Oroonoko (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

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!