Doris May Lessing

Born:

October 22, 1919, Kermanshah, Persia (now Iran)

Died:

November 17, 2013, London, England

Nationality:

British

Profession(s):

Novelist, Poet, Playwright, Short Story Writer, Essayist

Early Life and Education

• Born to British parents in Persia (Iran).
• Moved to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1924.
• Received formal education at a Catholic convent school in Salisbury (Harare) and later at a Girls' High School.
• Left school at age 14 and was largely self-educated.

Career and Major Achievements

• Moved to London in 1949.
• Published her first novel, The Grass Is Singing, in 1950, achieving immediate success.
• Became known for her explorations of themes such as feminism, colonialism, racism, and the individual versus society.
• Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007.

Notable Works

• The Grass Is Singing (1950)
• The Golden Notebook (1962)
• Children of Violence series (1952-1969)
• Memoirs of a Survivor (1974)
• The Good Terrorist (1985)

Legacy and Impact

Doris Lessing's literary works significantly impacted 20th and 21st-century literature by addressing complex social and political issues with unflinching honesty. This "doris lessing biography summary of 10" attempts to capture her lasting influence. Her writing continues to provoke thought and inspire readers worldwide.

Awards and Recognition

Related links