Let's get one thing straight: Moll Flanders is one of the original page-turners. Published in 1722 and pretending to be a true autobiography, it follows the wild life of its heroine from cradle to... well, let's just say a complicated old age.

The Story

The book is Moll's own account of her life. Born in Newgate Prison and abandoned as a child, she's determined never to be poor. Her strategy? Marriage. We follow her through a dizzying series of husbands—a draper's son, a plantation owner, a highwayman, a banker—each union a calculated (or miscalculated) step on her social ladder. When marriage fails or fortunes collapse, she turns to crime, becoming a notoriously skilled pickpocket and thief. The plot is a rollercoaster of scams, narrow escapes, betrayals, and unexpected twists, all set against the vivid, unforgiving backdrop of London and the American colonies. It's a full, messy, and utterly compelling life story.

Why You Should Read It

You should read it because Moll is a fantastic character. She's not asking for your pity or your approval. She's telling you her story, flaws and all. Defoe doesn't sugarcoat her actions—she's manipulative and a criminal—but he makes you understand the sheer desperation and limited options that drive her. The book is less about crime and more about economics and survival. It’s also sneakily funny. Moll’s blunt assessments of the people around her and her own justifications are often hilarious. Reading it feels like getting the raw, uncensored gossip from the most interesting person in 1700s England.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves a charismatic, unreliable narrator and stories about people fighting the system, even if their methods are questionable. If you enjoyed the gritty hustle of Les Misérables or the social climbing of Vanity Fair, you'll find a fascinating ancestor here. It's also a great pick for historical fiction fans who want to feel the mud and chaos of old London, not just see the palaces. Fair warning: the writing style is from another time, so it takes a few pages to settle into the rhythm. But once you do, you won't want to leave Moll's side. She's a survivor, and her story sticks with you.