Blackbirds Essential Classics 2026 Oroonoko - Aphra Behn

In Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko," Prince Oroonoko and his love, Imoinda, are enslaved and taken to Surinam, where his noble spirit earns the respect of captors but leads to his tragic downfall. Inspired by Behn's time in Surinam, the novel explores romanticized views of native peoples and critiques the brutality of slavery. This collection, edited by Janet Todd, showcases Behn's pioneering work as a poet, playwright, and novelist.