Aphra Behn’s ‘The Rover’ is a play marketed as a proto-feminist comedy, and I would argue it doesn’t match either of these genres. It just comes across as sexist, which was surprising given Behn was one of the most successful female writers of her time. It is the story of a Spanish girl called Florinda who loves the English cavalier Belville, though is denied the marriage as her brother Don Pedro has arranged marriage to a much older rich man called Don Vincentino. In the lovers turmoils to unite despite Pedro’s refusal, Florinda finds herself chased by men, abused and raped and in the end there is no consequence for the mistreatment of the female characters and all ends happily, with sudden shifts in characters attitudes to the romance and towards women in the final act with no explanation why. ‘The Rover’ was far from witty and charming as it tries to be, and just sexist, uncomfortable to read at times and extremely disappointing.

I found this book a very challenging read. Hard to follow the plot, confusing character names and some very upsetting content matter. Not sure what the central message Behn was trying to convey, but didn't really enjoy the play.