The Fifth Child

by Doris Lessing
The Fifth Child cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Gothic
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  • ID: 7705
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780679721826
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 1989-05-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In late 1960s England, Harriet and David Lovatt have built a haven of domestic bliss with their four children, defying the unrest around them. Their world is upended with the birth of their fifth child, Ben, who is grotesquely different—goblin-like, insatiably hungry, and violently strong. As Ben grows, the family struggles to accept him, torn between their parental instincts and their horror at his existence. The novel delves into themes of societal unwillingness to confront brutality and the fragility of familial bonds. /n/n Doris Lessing's contemporary gothic horror story is a profound exploration of love, acceptance, and the darker aspects of human nature. The Lovatts' idyllic life is shattered by the arrival of Ben, who challenges their beliefs and forces them to confront their own limitations. The novel's unsettling atmosphere and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling read.

Reviews
Nerd Team 30 · 2019-10-31
unsettling 3.50

This book is not your typical horror novel and may not fit neatly into that genre. It is a unique and unsettling exploration of motherhood and societal expectations.

The reviewer noted that 'The Fifth Child' is not a conventional horror novel but rather a deeply unsettling exploration of motherhood and societal expectations. They appreciated the book's unique perspective and the way it challenges traditional notions of family and motherhood. The reviewer also highlighted the book's ambiguity and open-ended nature, which they found to be both frustrating and thought-provoking. The story's exploration of societal pressures and the complexities of motherhood was particularly noted.

Quick quotes

    It's most certainly not your typical horror novel, and some may say it doesn't even fall into that genre.

    One indisputable fact is that after reading this book, you'll never look at motherhood the same way again.

    The Fifth Child is a book that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page.

I Would Rather Be Reading · 2017-03-20
thought-provoking 4.00

This book is a fascinating study into social collapse and psychiatric treatment of the time. It offers a unique perspective on family dynamics and societal expectations.

The reviewer found 'The Fifth Child' to be a compelling exploration of social and psychiatric issues. They appreciated the nuanced portrayal of family dynamics and the societal pressures that come with them. The story's ambiguity and open-ended nature were particularly noted, making it a thought-provoking read. The reviewer also highlighted the book's relevance to contemporary discussions about mental health and family structures.

Quick quotes

    I also thought this book was a fascinating study into both social collapse as well as psychiatric treatment of the time period.

    Harriet and David's journey is both heartbreaking and enlightening.

    The Fifth Child is a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

The Asylum · 2008-06-04
compelling 3.75

This book was a compelling introduction to Doris Lessing's work. The reviewer felt the story ended abruptly and was left wanting more.

The reviewer found 'The Fifth Child' to be a compelling introduction to Doris Lessing's work. They appreciated the book's exploration of family dynamics and societal expectations, but felt that the story ended abruptly and left them wanting more. The reviewer also noted the book's relevance to contemporary discussions about mental health and family structures. They highlighted the book's ambiguity and open-ended nature, which they found to be both frustrating and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The Fifth Child was my introduction to Lessing. I went on to read the sequel as like you I didn't feel the first one ended in quite the right way.

    The book's exploration of family dynamics and societal expectations is both heartbreaking and enlightening.

    The Fifth Child is a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

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