Doris Lessing

I was sad to hear this news too MargaretX She was such a vibrant lady and seemed ageless. I saw the interview with her sitting on her front door step talking to reporters. I think it was shown on Sky news.
Her books will now find many new readers.

She lived her life didn't she, and lived with the joys and sadness that go with a long life, well lived. RIP Doris Lessing.

Martha Quest made a deep impression on me too, and opened my eyes.

Sad news but a life well lived.I also found 'The Golden Notebook'made a deep impression on me and I read many of her later books.Some for re-reading I think!

I think Martha Quest opened a lot of eyes, but I have to admit I couldn't take it at the time. I was just too young and wanted to look through rose coloured spectacles.
In her autobiography she writes that she left a child behind when she seperated from her first husband. That made hard reading but she didn't beat herself up about it. I can't remember all the details but I think she made contact with this son later on.
Her autobiography comes in 3 parts. The first till 1949 is called 'Under my Skin' and the second is 'Walking in the Shade' and covers her arrival in London.
The last 'The Sweetest Dream' is fictional because of the libel laws as many of chracters are still alive.
I have all three and looking at them now I think I will read 'Walking in the Shade' again. You forget what a cold dismal place London was in the 50s.
It was an intense period of her life.

Doris Lessing widened my knowledge and understanding of many issues, though, like you, MargaretX I was too young to take it all in. Must go back and read "The Olden Notebook". Wonder how it will resonate now?