37 pages • 1 hour read
Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress
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Book Brief
449
Novel • Fiction
England • 18th century
1724
Adult
18+ years
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
5,629 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
5,629 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
449
Novel • Fiction
England • 18th century
1724
Adult
18+ years
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