The Cleft
The Cleft
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Brief
Beta260
Novel • Fiction
Prehistoric World
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Cleft by Doris Lessing presents a fictional prehistory where a coastal community of women, the Clefts, live independently until the unexpected birth of male infants disrupts their society. This narrative, told through the lens of an ancient Roman historian, explores themes of gender, societal evolution, and the origins of human culture.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Challenging
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
3,673 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Doris Lessing's The Cleft offers a boldly imaginative exploration of human origins and gender dynamics. Positive insights highlight its daring premise and philosophical depth, while critiques point to its occasionally disjointed narrative and lack of character development. Lessing's unique storytelling challenges traditional gender roles, sparking thoughtful reflection.
Who Should Read The Cleft?
Readers who would enjoy The Cleft by Doris Lessing are those intrigued by feminist literature, mythic storytelling, and speculative narratives about gender origins. Comparable works that might interest them include Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness.
3,673 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
260
Novel • Fiction
Prehistoric World
2007
Adult
18+ years
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