I adore this book. There is simply no other way to say it. It is exceptionally saucy, especially for the time it was written in. It’s all drama and action, and it’s just fun. It’s a look into the criminal life of a woman, a look at the usage of “womanly wiles,” and attempts at redemption. The book used to come bound in red rope, to warn people of its X-rated content, which I find endlessly entertaining.

Defoe’s personal beliefs that the status of women should be elevated are evident in the character of Moll. Even when she is acting her most despicable, he never fails to show her desperation and fear, giving the impression that she had no other way out. Certainly there was much to learn, and a lot of great quotes, in this scandalous adventure.

Plus the book gets my personal award for best title ever: “The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders, &c. Who was Born in Newgate, and during a Life of continu'd Variety for Threescore Years, besides her Childhood, was Twelve Year a Whore, five times a Wife (whereof once to her own Brother), Twelve Year a Thief, Eight Year a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, liv'd Honest, and died a Penitent. Written from her own Memorandums.”
They just don’t title things like they used to. Pity.

This audiobook is provided for free on librivox.org