Doris Lessing (1919-)

Features of her writings Her many novels and short stories are set either in Southern Africa or in England, except for her most recent ones which are set in outer space. Her books are largely concerned with people involved in the social and political upheavals of the 20th century.

Features of her writings skilled in capturing the atmosphere and sights of Africa, in describing the struggles of independent women, and in measuring the gulf between old and young generations in modern times.

Features of her writings Her keenest interest is in the relationship between the black and white races in Africa, changing ways between generations, and the position of women in society.

Features of her writings Later her writing moved away from realism during the 1970’s to science fiction. Her writing style is most highly developed in her short stories of African life. She is considered as one of the best short story writers in English today.

Children of Violence (5 books, ) setting of the first four books in Africa, fifth in London) the main character Martha Quest tries to move away from the old ideas of the society, about politics and religion and the part to be played by women, live her life according to her own beliefs.

Golden Notebook (1962) a feminist novel about intellectual women in modern society: about women’s lives, beliefs, pressures, people are unfriendly; men often hurt female characters because they themselves are weak, reason for this often political. She is also considered as one of the best short story writers in English today. She was especially concerned with women’s lives, beliefs, pressures they feel in life and society.

The Grass is Singing (1959) her first novel, set in Southern Africa, explores the mind of the wife of a poor white farmer, follows the events that lead to her destruction.

A Woman on a Roof(a short story) 1.a feminist reading of the story; 2.a Marxist reading of the story; 3.a psychoanalytical reading of the story; 4.a psychological reading of the story.