I first got a hold of this book when I was cleaning up the bookshelves of my deceased father, who had received a copy from Mrs. Sally Price as a token of her appreciation for his help when she was collecting information for it (she autographed the inside cover). Being thoroughly familiar myself with the Surinam Bushnegroes (so I thought until then), I read a greater part of the book reviewing in particular the chapters on designs of loincloths and the cultural and religious meanings of different artifacts. It was stunningly accurate and then some. Comparing the information in the book with my own knowledge and experience I found it to be very informative and enjoyable to read. It's a pity, though, that most pictures are black & white. When examining the different designs of loincloths, a great deal of information is lost since the colors are not conveyed. Since design and color together convey a message, a black & white picture tells only half a story. Nevertheless, a reader who wants to get his feet wet in the life & times of Maroons, will have to don rubber boots when reading this book about the best preserved maroon tribes in the world; the Bushnegroes of Suriname.

Dr. Williams does a fantastic job of relating the ins and outs of Bushnegroe culture. Her detailed descriptions of the tribe's family hierarchy and political hierarchry are in depth and thorough. Her style of writing is also easy to read and comprehensible. Anyone thinking of visting the Bushnegroes, or even Suriname itself should read this book.

Man, all I have to say is Fredrick Douglas wins. Oroonoko is a conceited noble. He is oblivious to all that is really around him. He only sees what he wants to see. What a cause to die for. Let me tell ya.

This book is two great stories in one. It'd make a great movie.

Oroonoko is an African prince, in love with the beautiful Imoinda. When his elderly, impotent and slovenly uncle the king takes her into his harem, we get a nice Romeo and Juliet scenario that ends with Oroonoko thinking his lover is dead.

Later, the mighty prince is tricked by a sea captain and taken into bondage. He is sold into slavery in South America, where even his owners recognize his majesty. There he discovers his lost love, and something about the nature of bondage.

An compelling look at the nature of bondage, slavery, the human condition, European customs, love and passion, and honor. Especially intriguin because it was written in the 17th century, when slavery wasn't even a disputed practice.

The author is of note as well; Aphra Behn was the first woman to make a living as a writer. And she knows that her perspective is unique, and uses it to add to the story. How does the narrator really feel about this handsome African prince?

Pick it up. It's worthwhile.

At first glance you would believe this book to be one about racism. However, if you look deeper you will find many lessons entwined among the pages. I found this story to depict the value of education and that "book smart" is only half of the learning process. One must also obtain "street smarts." Oronooko relied on tutors ending in slavery and death. Frederick Douglass, on the other hand, was a slave with a commitment to learn to free himself. The only one to teach him was his desire to learn. And guess who wins. Read it and see what you learn!

Ideal for the author - is - dead scholarship. Whatever the ideological positon of the Royalist Restoration woman writer, one can critique the Eurocentrism of the narrator or applaud the subversive terrain of the novel as it depicts the slave rebellion. One may react with contempt at the narration of a sordid tale of slave contained or praise the novelist for having the foresight to hint at the importance of the colonial enterprise to the the mother country at a time when few other cannonized writers were doing that.

Most likely one of the worse places on Planet EARTH to invest any capital;no matter how little. The local currency is devaluating at a rate faster than the speed of light. Even purchasing the book would be considered an UNFORTUNATE investment.