A review by book_busy
Oroonoko by Aphra Behn

3.0

With the aid of an audiobook in the second half I found this book much more gripping and emotive. However, I was not really seized by the script alone and found the (though obviously symptomatic of its time) treatment of race disheartening. The fact that Behn creates a moral dichotomy between the notable (Ew racialism) aristocratic, moral and educated Oroonoko and the other Africans who are more... Homogeneous and ... Deserving of slavery?? is actually repulsive. However I think what is positive or surprising about this novel is, considering it's time, it does strive to endear the audience to Oroonoko and critique the practices of some white figures of power (though I do think Behn extends too much credit to some of the white characters for simply not being abhorrent towards Oroonoko).