I’d like to nominate
Oroonoko, by Aphra Behn. Behn is the first professional woman English writer and one of the first English novelists, writing during the Restoration.
Oroonoko is the story of an African slave to the king in Suriname and his love for a general’s daughter and is considered a critical work in the early history of the novel. The novel reflects Behn’s trip to Suriname; she had an interesting life, spying for Charles II and serving a stint in debtor’s prison. She was also a successful poet and playwright. And,
Oroonoko is short! for those of us, including me, who are still reading
The Conquest of the Incas.
There’s a very nice free copy at
Girlebooks.
And I'll second
The Silent Duchess. (I've read
History: A Novel.)