Doris Lessing :-(

Ken · Nov 17, 2013

... was 94.
Winner of the Nobel Prize !
Rather remarkable bio as well:

When she left for Britain at 30, escaping the scene of an unhappy childhood and two failed marriages, she had in her suitcase the manuscript of a novel that broke new ground with its depiction of an inter-racial relationship in her white-ruled homeland. "The Grass Is Singing" was an immediate bestseller in Britain, Europe and America.

Leaving school at 13 to spite her mother, she educated herself by immersing herself in Dickens, D.H. Lawrence, Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy, when she was not running off into the bush.

RIP to a great writer !

source: http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/11/17/britain-lessing-idINL5N0J20TT20131117

OJCade · Nov 17, 2013

Just saw this a few minutes ago. What a shame - she was a wonderful writer.

I haven't managed to work my way through all her books yet, but the ones I have read have been well worth it. I particularly enjoyed The Cleft.

Roxxsmom · Nov 17, 2013

She was an exceptional writer who lived a defiant and productive life.

Thanks, Ms. Lessing, for touching so many with your work.

Lady MacBeth · Nov 17, 2013

Old Hack · Nov 17, 2013

Doris Lessing was THAT writer for me. The one who made me catch glimpses of what was possible, the one who made me realise I might not be the only person like me out there, the one who made me realise that writers could come from anywhere and be anyone.

She will be much missed.

gothicangel · Nov 18, 2013

I've never read any of her books, but knew of her by reputation. Any recommendations for a first-timer?

jaksen · Nov 18, 2013

Great writer but I have immense difficulty in reading her. From my experience, she is NOT an easy read.

So anyone have a recommendation for one of her 'easier' books?

Old Hack · Nov 18, 2013

I always found her books to be really easy! But then I like a good bit of angst.

The Golden Notebook is the one she's most famous for, I think; I thought her Martha Quest series was very insightful; and perhaps The Good Terrorist, which is a shorter read but somewhat gloomy, might be a good place to start.

Buffysquirrel · Nov 18, 2013

The Golden Notebook is very long for a starter book. Maybe try The Grass is Singing or Memoirs of a Survivor.

aruna · Nov 18, 2013

I started the Golden Notebook eons ago and found it was not for me; haven't read anything else by her. Would be willing to try again, though.

I did meet her at a HarperCollins summer party, where she shook my hand.

Doris Lessing :-(

Ken

OJCade

Roxxsmom

Beastly Fido

Lady MacBeth

Out, damn'd spot! out, I say.

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

gothicangel

Toughen up.

jaksen

Caped Codder

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

Buffysquirrel

aruna

On a wing and a prayer