A Different Story

In line with this year’s literary festival theme of ‘Difference and Desire’, Doris Lessing, one of the greatest novelists of the twentieth century will be discussing her  recent book, The Cleft.  Having written for more than fifty years in all forms; from drama, operas and poetry to science fiction and autobiography, this latest novel is a new genre for Lessing.  It is a fable, offering an alternative story to that of Adam and Eve and suggests that men came after women. 
‘I think it’s more likely that men evolved from women than the other way round,’ says Lessing.  ‘I was just playing with the idea.’  The Cleft describes a Roman Senator’s study of scrolls from pre-history; they depict a community of seal-like women who pro-created effortlessly and asexually by the phases of the moon.  They led an idyllic, incurious existence in a climate of plenty, without men or the conflicts associated with sexuality.  But then, inexplicably, a series of male babies were born. With the advent of diversity, the Cleft society changed irrevocably into one far more recognisable to that of today.  Not only did the arrival of men introduce the difference of the sexes to their culture, but as the boys were born to the youthful Clefts, it also brought the clash between the generations, that of traditional and modern. 
‘The young women challenged the views of the old women which is what we see all the time – the old ones didn’t take to the new ideas,’ says Lessing. ‘This is not a great insight on my part, it’s just what happens.’ 
Following the establishment of men in the world, the previous laid back and indolent lifestyle that the Clefts had enjoyed for generations evolved into a more exploratory and adventurous one.  Life became more interesting and exciting as it grew to be more exciting.  But with change, it also became more dangerous.
In much of her early writing, Lessing was held up as an ardent feminist and liberal thinker, but in the Cleft, women are portrayed as lazy and slothful before men arrived on the scene.  Critics argue that this is sexist but Lessing counters that she was not promoting propaganda for any cause.
‘It is not politically correct at all; I think that’s a virtue of it.’ She says.  ‘The received opinion tends to be a bit boring usually in my view.’ 
Given the academic weight of a lot of her previous work, you almost wonder if the Cleft was written as light relief.  She admits that she simply took a theme and ‘ran with it’, and given the idea was of boys and girls, certain clichés were bound to appear.  And does it matter? 
The Cleft is a legend, a myth, an amusing explanation of how men may have followed women in the story of evolution.  Just because Lessing has this iconic reputation of being an author of great literature, it doesn’t mean that she shouldn’t be able to write a decent fairytale. 

  It is an easy and enjoyable read .  

© Judith Cameron