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I have always hugely admired Doris Lessing, the Zimbabwean-British writer who won the Nobel prize for Literature in 2007. Over the years I’ve read quite a few of her books. I remember reading “The Good Terrorist” whilst doing my degree and pretending that I understood it completely (along with Sartre).
Then here is what I wrote about “The Golden Notebook” in a post about a year ago:-
“I have been reading “The Golden Notebook” sporadically for about a month. I have got about a quarter of the way through. It occurred to me today that I have absolutely no idea what is going on and who anybody is. I have decided to start again. This time I will try and concentrate and take notes if necessary. I am quite sure she has a huge amount to say on the human condition (whatever that is) and some interesting thoughts on politics in Africa during the 1950’s. I need to try harder. The problem is she is far too clever for me. The type is also dauntingly small. There are also no pictures”.
She is 89 now. Born in Persia, raised in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and now living in London.
Recently I acquired a copy of a letter she had sent to my father in response to his inquiry. My Grandmother had always talked about Doris Lessing being at the dinner where my Grandfather died under suspicious circumstances and how they had discussed it subsequently. However, although it was very kind of her to bother to reply, her response was a little disappointing (I have removed her address and his name):-
This summer, my father and I are going back to Africa to find my Grandfather’s grave and to try and uncover some of the mystery that still remains. The most extraordinary thing about this quest is that one of the people now helping my father gather some information prior to our arrival is via a contact found through my African blog friends.
Funny old world.
ps: sorry about the tiny type – hope you’ve all got perfect vision x
Kristin
June 2, 2009Sounds like a fascinating journey. I wish you luck in finding more information.
Fat, frumpy and fifty...
June 2, 2009whoa, l love these family mysteries, and the folklore they evoke…maybe this is that…interesting and riveting nonetheless..
Barbara
June 2, 2009How intriguing! You’ll have to let us know what your trip turns up. Glad to find you through Karen’s awards!
Janelle
June 3, 2009i loved The Grass Is Singing by Lessing. haunting book. will try my bestest to get to luangwa in july…dates again??? lots lots love lulu darlin' xxx j
Phidelm
June 3, 2009One of my favourite authors: like Janelle, I also love TGiS (and just about everything DL's written since, save the sci-fi novels). Sorry to hear that, in this respect, she disappointed …
But the journey sounds wonderful, and I wish you all the best for that and for your research.