Recently Doris Lessing died at the ripe old age of 94 with more than 50 books to her name and 3 children, 2 of whom she abandoned to achieve her career dreams. So I find it interesting that she was later known for her humanitarian efforts – is it just me or is there something wrong with that picture?
Oh – she also won a Nobel Prize for Literature at the age of 88 (oldest recipient) for her life’s work.
“The Grass Is Singing” was her first publication in the 1950’s, at the time a shocking story of life in Southern Rhodesia – now Zimbabwe. That country banned her for 25 years but recently welcomed her with open arms.
I remember reading the story in the 60’s when I lived over the border, in Northern Rhodesia and being impressed with the characterizations and ‘reality’ she managed to capture and share.
And now I find out she was a poet, as well!
I was never a big fan, Sue. Found her too austere and sometimes felt she was lecturing rather than writing. Just because someone writes prolifically and lives a log time doesn’t make them nice human beings, and I agree with Julie, abandoning children for a career?
Nor was I. Always remembered that first book though – the content.
My points exactly! Thanks for reading, Rashida :o)