The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing

The Fifth Child

The Fifth Child #1

Doris Lessing

133 pages • first pub 1988 (editions)

fiction classics horror dark reflective slow-paced
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Description

Doris Lessing's contemporary gothic horror story—centered on the birth of a baby who seems less than human—probes society's unwillingness to recognize its own brutality.Harriet and David Lovatt, parents of four children, have created an idyll of d...

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Community Reviews Summary of 1,767 reviews

Moods

dark 92%
tense 58%
sad 41%
emotional 38%
mysterious 38%
reflective 37%
challenging 28%
adventurous 1%
hopeful 1%
informative 1%
inspiring 1%

Pace

medium 47%
fast 37%
slow 15%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 62% | A mix: 26% | Plot: 8% | N/A: 2%

Strong character development?

It's complicated: 37% | Yes: 34% | No: 26% | N/A: 1%

Loveable characters?

No: 62% | It's complicated: 32% | Yes: 3%

Diverse cast of characters?

No: 68% | It's complicated: 17% | Yes: 10% | N/A: 3%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 85% | It's complicated: 11% | No: 1% | N/A: 1%

Average rating

3.51

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Content Warnings

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