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booklooker's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting- the construction of this historical myth doesn’t work out in the end since the terms used seem to oscillate between individuals and groups.
However, the book is still intriguing and makes you think about how history is written - using individuals /group terminology. Or st least it got me thinking about that!
However, the book is still intriguing and makes you think about how history is written - using individuals /group terminology. Or st least it got me thinking about that!
katredmond's review against another edition
1.0
I read this entire book and have no clue what it is about. It wasn't the worst but I think this is has sealed the deal that me and Doris Lessing are not compatible.
rianlion's review against another edition
3.0
An alternative, anthropologically-driven narrative of human origins. I could have done without the Roman narrator - both his reflections and his own story (which didn't seem to add much to the main story), though I suppose that he underscores the ancientness of the story he is telling. This book falls in line with Lessing's most recent books, which all have anthropological/fantasy premises and storylines. However, [book:The Cleft] doesn't hold a candle to [book:Mara and Dann].
sunnybopeep's review
3.0
Interesting speculative origin story of humanity where women are the progenitors. This is retold to us by a Roman historian (male) in a fairly convincing manner. It’s reminiscent of stories in the Bible. The theme is about males, females, and the differences between the genders (with a focus on misogyny and the hubris of men).
I think the book could have been shorter, and the edition i read could have used a better editor.
hnelson_2021's review against another edition
3.0
Odd but I liked it. An interesting alternative to the Adam and Eve story.