The Fortunate Mistress  (Paperback, Daniel Defoe)

"The Fortunate Mistress" tells the story of Roxana, a beautiful and resourceful woman who rises from humble beginnings to become the mistress of a wealthy nobleman. However, when her lover abandons her, Roxana is left to fend for herself and her children, leading her into a series of tumultuous relationships and financial struggles. The novel follows Roxana's journey as she navigates the complexities of 17th-century English society, grappling with questions of morality, ambition, and self-preservation. Defoe's portrayal of Roxana as a complex and morally ambiguous character was ahead of its time and has led to continued interest in the novel among literary scholars and readers alike. "The Fortunate Mistress" remains an important work in Defoe's canon, offering a compelling exploration of human nature and the pursuit of fortune and happiness.