This morning I finished reading the first of two novels written under the pseudonym of Jane Somers by Doris Lessing 1n 1983/4 as an experiment to discover how the works from a previously unknown author would be received. All was revealed in 1985 when Penguin published the one volume edition.
Through the relationship between a successful middle-aged magazine editor and the needy nonagenarian woman whom she befriends, the author examines the lives of women from differing backgrounds, using the device of the journalist’s diary to narrate the story of which I will not give details. Compassion and empathy combat natural antipathy and disgust to forge an albeit ambivalent genuine friendship through which are explored the nature of love between varying classes and ages.
Workplace and family bonds, alliances, and disappointments are also chronicled, with failures honestly examined. How much do current relationships compensate for early aversion, or give opportunities for lack of success?
We also confront the realities of declining health and lingering death.
Lessing writes with sensitivity, wit, and insight, enabling her to present the complexity of her characters. Her fast-paced prose contains simple, straightforward, language and short sentences as appropriate for her journalistic protagonist. Dialogue is credible and she has good descriptive skills, not holding back on unsavoury detail.
An excellent review of a fascinating novel, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Anne.
I’m intrigued. I haven’t read much Doris Lessing.
Nor me, Liz. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
The book sounds like a good read, Derrick, with lessons for current times, too. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
The book sounds very intriguing, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Pat
I’m not familiar with this book. It sounds interesting. Thank you!
Much appreciated, Merril
Sounds as it it was an interesting read Derrick. Hope you are having a relaxing Sunday 🙂
Thank you very much, Sue
You have reminded me to reread Lessing. I know her as a science fiction writer, and met her briefly at a science fiction convention in 1987.
Thanks very much, Kim
That’s an excellent book review, Derrick. It has everything covered, as far as I can see.
Thank you so much, John
Sounds like an interesting read. I thought one of the best parts of retirement would be the endless days for reading, and yet somehow I never seem to have the time to pick up a book.
It is difficult, AnneMarie. Thank you very much
Sounds interesting! I love reading your book reviews. Thank you for taking the time to write them.
(((HUGS))) ❤️
Thank you for reading them, too, Carolyn X
If you haven’t read the NYT obituary for Lessing, it’s quite an entertaining read in its own way. I didn’t have any trouble getting to it even though I’m not a subscriber now, so perhaps you’ll not have paywall trouble.
Couldn’t get in, Linda. Thanks anyway.
Sounds like an interesting read. I often wonder how much the author’s name, rather than the subject, sells books.
Yes. Interestingly one or two editors said these books reminded them of Doris Lessing. Is there a famous haibun write whose name you could borrow? Thanks a lot, Quercus.
I imagine that could be quite satisfying – identifying an author like that. I fear all the famous ones died centuries ago, so I would stand out as the one still breathing. 🙂
🙂
I am yet to begin reading Doris Lessing. Your post is a reminder of sorts to me.
Thanks very much, Uma. I gather that she wrote science fiction mostly
Great review. Thank you for sharing your observations.
Much appreciated, Ginny
I like your site, too, Ginny
We don’t have this book in the local library but they have a couple of other books by Lessing. Have you read any other of her books?
Just one – The Fifth Child – a short horror story. https://derrickjknight.com/2018/04/21/the-fifth-child/ I believe she is best known for science fiction which isn’t really my genre
Ok thanks.
It sounds interesting, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Dolly
my pleasure, Derrick.
This sounds wonderful, Derrick. I shall seek it out.
You will like it, Sandra. Thank you very much
I have one Doris Lessing on my bookshelf, The summer before the dark. I thought I had a couple more. It’s such a long time since I read them I can’t remember what they were about – how awful!
Not at all. Join the club, Sue. Thanks very much
Hi Derrick, this sounds like an interesting book that I would like. I wonder how the publishing experiment went for her.
Thanks very much, Robbie
Excellent review ! Sounds like a very good read
Thank you very much, Opare
Thanks, for sharing.
And thank you for reading, Uche
Yea!
Much love to the two of you. 🙂