144 pages • first pub 1988 (editions)
ISBN/UID: 9780679721826
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Publisher: Vintage International
Publication date: 14 May 1989
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...
Community Reviews Summary of 1,221 reviews
Moods
tense 62%
sad 42%
emotional 38%
mysterious 34%
reflective 32%
challenging 28%
adventurous 2%
funny 1%
hopeful 1%
informative 1%
Pace
fast 32%
slow 18%
Plot- or character-driven?
Character: 66% | A mix: 26% | Plot: 5% | N/A: 1%Strong character development?
Yes: 36% | It's complicated: 35% | No: 27%Loveable characters?
No: 63% | It's complicated: 32% | Yes: 4%Diverse cast of characters?
No: 74% | It's complicated: 14% | Yes: 10% | N/A: 1%Flaws of characters a main focus?
Yes: 79% | It's complicated: 17% | No: 2%Average rating
Content Warnings
Submitted by users as part of their reviews
Graphic
Ableism, Child abuse, ConfinementModerate
Drug use, Misogyny, SexismMinor
Animal cruelty, Forced institutionalization, Excrement
144 pages • first pub 1988 (editions)
ISBN/UID: 9780679721826
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Publisher: Vintage International
Publication date: 14 May 1989
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...
Community Reviews Summary of 1,221 reviews
Moods
tense 62%
sad 42%
emotional 38%
mysterious 34%
reflective 32%
challenging 28%
adventurous 2%
funny 1%
hopeful 1%
informative 1%
Pace
fast 32%
slow 18%
Plot- or character-driven?
Character: 66% | A mix: 26% | Plot: 5% | N/A: 1%Strong character development?
Yes: 36% | It's complicated: 35% | No: 27%Loveable characters?
No: 63% | It's complicated: 32% | Yes: 4%Diverse cast of characters?
No: 74% | It's complicated: 14% | Yes: 10% | N/A: 1%Flaws of characters a main focus?
Yes: 79% | It's complicated: 17% | No: 2%Average rating
Content Warnings
Submitted by users as part of their reviews
Graphic
Ableism, Child abuse, ConfinementModerate
Drug use, Misogyny, SexismMinor
Animal cruelty, Forced institutionalization, Excrement