Between Spaces of Silence and Violence Re-Critiquing Doris Lessing’s Anna Wulf from the Golden Notebook

Abstract

Doris Lessing holds a place of singular distinction in the history of post war English fiction. Described as the ‘most fearless woman novelist in the world,unabashed ex-communist and uncompromising feminist. Lessing holds a unique place among twentieth century women writers for the sheer number,variety and scope of her work. Lessing is a writer in whose works the personal invariably merges with the political and the individual is seldom inseparable from the collective. Deeply rooted in the socio-political milieu of her time, Lessingwas nevertheless well ahead of her generation in many respects. ‘The Golden Note Book’thus contains two strains. Politically it is a stark portrayal of communism, racial and sexual exploitation. Equally important, as these political actions, are the innermost feelings of the characters and their actions.