Briefing for a Descent Into Hell by Doris Lessing

Briefing for a Descent Into Hell

Doris Lessing

252 pages first pub 1971 (editions)

fiction fantasy science fiction challenging informative reflective slow-paced

Description

A fascinating look inside the mind of a man who is supposedly “mad.” Professor Charles Watkins of Cambridge University is a patient at a mental hospital where the doctors try with increasing drugs to bring his mind under control. But Watkins has e...

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Community Reviews Summary of 108 reviews

Moods

challenging 100%
reflective 87%
mysterious 37%
adventurous 25%
dark 25%
emotional 25%
inspiring 12%
sad 12%
tense 12%

Pace

slow 50%
medium 37%
fast 12%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 50% | A mix: 37% | Plot: 12%

Strong character development?

It's complicated: 62% | Yes: 25% | No: 12%

Loveable characters?

It's complicated: 37% | No: 37% | Yes: 25%

Diverse cast of characters?

No: 87% | Yes: 12%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 62% | It's complicated: 37%

Average rating

3.65

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Content Warnings

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