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159 pages • first pub 1988 (editions)
ISBN/UID: 9780586089033
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Publication date: Not specified
Description
A classic tale from Doris Lessing, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, of a family torn apart by the arrival of Ben, their feral fifth child.‘Listening to the laughter, the sounds of children playing, Harriet and David would reach for each o...
Community Reviews Summary of 1,775 reviews
Moods
tense 58%
sad 41%
emotional 38%
mysterious 38%
reflective 37%
challenging 28%
adventurous 1%
hopeful 1%
informative 1%
inspiring 1%
Pace
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
Content Warnings
Submitted by users as part of their reviews
Graphic
Ableism, Child abuse, ConfinementModerate
Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy, SexismMinor
Excrement, Animal cruelty, Classism
159 pages • first pub 1988 (editions)
ISBN/UID: 9780586089033
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Publication date: Not specified
Description
A classic tale from Doris Lessing, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, of a family torn apart by the arrival of Ben, their feral fifth child.‘Listening to the laughter, the sounds of children playing, Harriet and David would reach for each o...
Community Reviews Summary of 1,775 reviews
Moods
tense 58%
sad 41%
emotional 38%
mysterious 38%
reflective 37%
challenging 28%
adventurous 1%
hopeful 1%
informative 1%
inspiring 1%
Pace
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
Content Warnings
Submitted by users as part of their reviews
Graphic
Ableism, Child abuse, ConfinementModerate
Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy, SexismMinor
Excrement, Animal cruelty, Classism