The Golden Notebook

by Doris Lessing
The Golden Notebook cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 10464
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780553262100
  • Publisher: Bantam
  • Published: 1981-11-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Doris Lessing's 'The Golden Notebook' is a seminal work of contemporary fiction that delves into the fragmented lives of modern women. The novel is structured around a series of notebooks, each representing different aspects of the protagonist's life, and explores themes of identity, politics, and creativity. /n/n The book is not only a profound exploration of the human condition but also a critique of societal norms and the constraints placed on women. Lessing's innovative narrative style and deep psychological insight make this a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
The New York Times · The New York Times · 2021-10-21
powerful 4.50

The book is described as a coruscating literary achievement that remains relevant today. It is considered Lessing's most influential work.

The New York Times review of 'The Golden Notebook' describes it as a coruscating literary achievement that remains relevant today. They note that the book is considered Lessing's most influential work, highlighting its enduring impact on literature. The review emphasizes the book's powerful themes and its ability to resonate with readers even decades after its publication. They also mention that the book's feminist perspective is a significant aspect of its relevance.

Quick quotes

    In 1962, our reviewer described this radically feminist novel — now considered Lessing's most influential work — as 'a coruscating literary ...'

    This novel incarnates an amazing power and a vast relevance to these days.

    It is easy to forget that it was written in the ...

Chris Gregory Books · Chris Gregory · 2020-11-26
engaging 4.00

The writing is highly readable, intelligent, and insightful, offering an intimate look into the characters' lives. The book is praised for its arresting and engaging prose.

Chris Gregory's review of 'The Golden Notebook' emphasizes the book's highly readable and intelligent writing. They appreciate the intimate and insightful portrayal of the characters, noting that the book is arresting and engaging. Gregory highlights the book's ability to draw readers in with its prose and depth of character development. They also mention that the book's lack of grand drama or set-up makes it a unique and compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Lessing is instantly arresting, highly readable, intelligent, intimate and insightful.

    There's no great drama or grand set-up, mostly just ...

    The Golden Notebook is a strange one: good-strange, but strange nonetheless.

The Guardian · The Guardian Books Blog · 2019-10-22
intriguing 3.50

The book offers a unique and challenging reading experience that is both strange and troubling. It is a difficult but rewarding read.

The Guardian's review highlights the uniqueness of 'The Golden Notebook,' describing it as a strange and troubling reading experience. They note that the book's complexity and depth make it a challenging read, but one that is ultimately rewarding. The review suggests that the book's structure and themes are unlike anything else in fiction, making it a standout work. They also mention that the book's difficulty is part of its appeal, as it requires readers to engage deeply with its content.

Quick quotes

    The result still seems unique in fiction – it makes for a strange, troubling and difficult reading experience.

    Doris Lessing at home in London.

    The Golden Notebook is a strange one: good-strange, but strange nonetheless.

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