After learning how to fight at a young age, Oroonoko, an African prince, fights alongside his army against invading forces. When a celebrated general saves Oroonoko’s life, trading his own to take an arrow for Oroonoko, the young prince feels indebted to the man and decides to go pay his respects to the late general’s family. There, he meets Imoinda, the daughter of the general. Oroonoko and Imoinda quickly fall in love and become betrothed, but the King, Oroonoko’s father, hears of Imoinda’s beauty and decides to take her as one of his wives. When Oroonoko and Imoinda rebel against this, the King sells Imoinda into slavery. Heartbroken, Oroonoko goes back to war, only to be tricked and captured by a British general. After the British general sells Oroonoko into slavery, he is reunited with Imoinda, as they are sold to work on the same plantation. This joy is short lived, as the horrors of slavery take its toll. When Imoinda becomes pregnant, the couple decide to do whatever it takes to ensure the best life for their child. They beg to be emancipated, but the plantation owner hardly considers their request, forcing Oroonoko to take his freedom back by force. With a lifetime of training, the love of his life at his side, and a dedication to regain his freedom, Oroonoko must lead a slave rebellion, risking everything he has for what he and his family should have: freedom.

Oroonoko: or, The Royal Slave has earned acclaim from both literary critics and historians. When it was originally published in 1688, less than a year before author Aphra Behn died, Oroonoko: or, The Royal Slave did not receive immediate attention. However, Behn’s work did gain popularity after a stage version of the novel was released in 1695. While the accuracy of the novel’s plot has been questioned and debated by historians, Oroonoko: or The Royal Slave has earned cultural and historical significance by being claimed as one of the first novels written in English. Along with its prolific and innovative writer, the novel has earned significance that is still admirable today.

Now redesigned with an eye-catching cover and reprinted in a modern font, Oroonoko: or The Royal Slave by Aphra Behn is accessible for a modern audience.

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