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37 pages 1 hour read

Daniel Defoe

Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress

Daniel DefoeFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1724

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Book Brief

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Daniel Defoe

Roxana

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1724
Book Details
Pages

449

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 18th century

Publication Year

1724

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Roxana by Daniel Defoe narrates the story of a "Beautiful Lady" who transitions from a virtuous life to becoming the mistress of several wealthy men, initially moving from France to England, and eventually traveling through Europe. She amasses wealth through strategic relationships and adopts a Turkish persona, yet grapples with her moral downfall and the eventual consequences of her choices.

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.8

5,629 ratings

48%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Defoe's Roxana offers an engrossing portrayal of a woman's struggle for autonomy in a patriarchal society. The narrative is lauded for its psychological depth and realism, though some find its moral ambiguities and verbose style challenging. The novel’s exploration of social and economic themes remains impactful, making it both a rewarding and demanding read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Roxana?

A reader who would enjoy Roxana by Daniel Defoe likely appreciates early 18th-century literature, complex female protagonists, and themes of morality and society. Similar readers may enjoy Moll Flanders by Defoe and Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy for their explorations of women's choices in restrictive societies.

3.8

5,629 ratings

48%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

449

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 18th century

Publication Year

1724

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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