The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing

I had never heard of Doris Lessing until she won the 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature.(Maybe I'm not as big of a nerd as I thought.) So I figured it couldn't hurt to read something she wrote, and set about choosing one.  I began to see this title on some reading lists, found it at the library, and it's 144 page length was a bonus too. I also must admit to being curious about a modern day "horror" story that involves having children (aren't I already living it?..kidding) and I wasn't sure what to expect.

Well, it wasn't what I expected. At all.

A young couple meet, get married, and buy a big house to fill with children.  They are successful at having children and constantly challenged, teased, and mocked for being baby machines by their extended family who support them while shaking their heads in disbelief.  After 4 kids in 6 years, they are happy but tired and looking forward to a bit of a break.  The unexpected 5th pregnancy throws everyone for a loop, especially Harriet (mom) for whom this pregnancy is a battle, literally. The baby is constantly kicking and fighting and raging inside her. When he is born, it becomes obvious there is something different about him, but what? This is where Ms. Lessing's craft is apparent, giving the fifth child an unknown "ailment" (disability? what exactly?) Because it doesn't really matter what is wrong, the point is that something is wrong and the effect of that on the family and the marriage is indeed scary. It is the truth here that makes it horrifying and you can't help as a reader to wonder "what would I do"?  Whether you have children already, or not, this story might freak you out a bit. But it is smartly written - 4 stars.

The End.

Comments

[trish]

I read this almost 10 years ago. It confirmed why I didn't want children at the time. :D I'm over those feelings now. Or I was until I read We Need To Talk About Kevin.

[tara]

I have a copy of this and am waiting for the right mood to strike. I also receieved People of the Book this week so will be interested to see how we compare on that.

[tara]

I have a copy of this and am waiting for the right mood to strike. I also receieved People of the Book this week so will be interested to see how we compare on that.