📖 Overview
Aphra Behn stands as one of the most significant English writers of the Restoration period, operating as a playwright, poet, and novelist between 1664 and 1689. She achieved the distinction of being among the first English women to earn a living through writing, breaking significant cultural barriers during the reign of Charles II.
Her most enduring works include "Oroonoko," considered one of the earliest English novels, and "The Rover," a popular comedy that remained in theatrical repertoire for centuries. Initially employed as a spy in Antwerp for Charles II, Behn later turned to writing for the stage and became a prominent figure in London's literary circles.
Writing under the pseudonym Astrea, Behn produced numerous plays, poems, and prose works that often challenged contemporary social and political norms. Her work explored themes of gender, power, and sexuality, while maintaining connections to influential figures including John Wilmot, Lord Rochester.
Behn's legacy extends beyond her literary output to her role as a pioneer for professional women writers in England. Her works, which span multiple genres and styles, have experienced renewed scholarly interest in recent decades for their exploration of colonialism, gender roles, and political power.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Behn's frank discussions of gender and power dynamics, with many pointing to her sharp wit and bold treatment of sexuality. On Goodreads, multiple reviews highlight her ahead-of-her-time feminist perspectives and unflinching social commentary. One reader notes: "Her voice comes through centuries later still feeling fresh and rebellious."
The most common praise focuses on her prose style in "Oroonoko" and the humor in "The Rover." Readers value her historical significance as an early professional female writer.
Common criticisms include dense language that modern readers find difficult to parse. Several reviewers mention struggling with the period-specific references and vocabulary. Some find her plotting meandering, particularly in longer works.
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- Oroonoko: 3.4/5 (18,000+ ratings)
- The Rover: 3.5/5 (2,000+ ratings)
- Selected Works: 3.7/5 (400+ ratings)
Amazon:
- Oroonoko: 4.1/5 (90+ reviews)
- The Rover: 4.3/5 (30+ reviews)
📚 Books by Aphra Behn
Oroonoko
A tragic tale of an enslaved African prince in Surinam, exploring themes of nobility, love, and the brutality of colonialism.
The Fair Jilt A novella set in Antwerp following Miranda, a manipulative woman who falsely accuses a priest of assault and arranges her sister's murder.
The Rover A comedic play about exiled English cavaliers in Naples during carnival season, centered on love intrigues and mistaken identities.
The Forced Marriage@ A tragicomedy examining the consequences of arranged marriages and the struggles between duty and desire.
The City Heiress@ A political comedy satirizing Whig politics through the story of a wealthy heiress and her multiple suitors.
Love Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister An epistolary novel based on a real scandal, depicting a forbidden love affair through exchanged letters.
The Emperor of the Moon@ A farcical play about a doctor obsessed with lunar inhabitants, blending science fiction with Italian commedia dell'arte.
Abdelazer@ A revenge tragedy about a Moorish prince who plots against the Spanish royal family that enslaved him.
The Feigned Courtesans@ A comedy set in Rome featuring three women who pose as courtesans to pursue their own romantic interests.
The Fair Jilt A novella set in Antwerp following Miranda, a manipulative woman who falsely accuses a priest of assault and arranges her sister's murder.
The Rover A comedic play about exiled English cavaliers in Naples during carnival season, centered on love intrigues and mistaken identities.
The Forced Marriage@ A tragicomedy examining the consequences of arranged marriages and the struggles between duty and desire.
The City Heiress@ A political comedy satirizing Whig politics through the story of a wealthy heiress and her multiple suitors.
Love Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister An epistolary novel based on a real scandal, depicting a forbidden love affair through exchanged letters.
The Emperor of the Moon@ A farcical play about a doctor obsessed with lunar inhabitants, blending science fiction with Italian commedia dell'arte.
Abdelazer@ A revenge tragedy about a Moorish prince who plots against the Spanish royal family that enslaved him.
The Feigned Courtesans@ A comedy set in Rome featuring three women who pose as courtesans to pursue their own romantic interests.
👥 Similar authors
John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester
His libertine poetry and satires share Behn's frank treatment of sexuality and criticism of social hypocrisy in Restoration England. His works demonstrate similar wit and political commentary found in Behn's plays and poems.
Margaret Cavendish Like Behn, she broke barriers as a female author in the 17th century writing across multiple genres including plays, poetry, and fiction. Her work "The Blazing World" explores themes of power and gender similar to Behn's "Oroonoko."
William Wycherley His Restoration comedies deal with similar themes of marriage, sexuality, and social criticism found in Behn's theatrical works. His play "The Country Wife" shares the sharp social commentary and complex romantic plots characteristic of Behn's dramatic writing.
Eliza Haywood She followed Behn's path as a professional female writer in the early 18th century, writing novels and plays that examine gender relations and power dynamics. Her works like "Love in Excess" continue Behn's tradition of exploring female desire and agency in literature.
William Congreve His Restoration comedies employ the same wit and social satire found in Behn's theatrical works. His play "The Way of the World" demonstrates the complex plotting and sharp dialogue that characterize Behn's dramatic style.
Margaret Cavendish Like Behn, she broke barriers as a female author in the 17th century writing across multiple genres including plays, poetry, and fiction. Her work "The Blazing World" explores themes of power and gender similar to Behn's "Oroonoko."
William Wycherley His Restoration comedies deal with similar themes of marriage, sexuality, and social criticism found in Behn's theatrical works. His play "The Country Wife" shares the sharp social commentary and complex romantic plots characteristic of Behn's dramatic writing.
Eliza Haywood She followed Behn's path as a professional female writer in the early 18th century, writing novels and plays that examine gender relations and power dynamics. Her works like "Love in Excess" continue Behn's tradition of exploring female desire and agency in literature.
William Congreve His Restoration comedies employ the same wit and social satire found in Behn's theatrical works. His play "The Way of the World" demonstrates the complex plotting and sharp dialogue that characterize Behn's dramatic style.