Doris Lessing won the Nobel Prize in Literature. That might not necessarily get us to notice her around here unless you add that she wrote science fiction. Doris Lessing primarily wrote in three distinct phases: the Communist theme (1944-1956), when she was writing radically on social issues (and returned to in The Good Terrorist (1985)), the psychological theme (1956-1969), and after that the Sufi theme, which was explored in a science fiction setting in the Canopus series.
Many critics were dismayed at her turning towards science fiction. Lessing replied: “What they didn’t realize was that in science fiction is some of the best social fiction of our time. I also admire the classic sort of science fiction, like Blood Music, by Greg Bear. He’s a great writer.” Unlike some authors primarily known for their mainstream work, she has never hesitated to admit that she writes science fiction. She was Writer Guest of Honor at the 45th World Science Fiction Convention, the 1987 World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon).
She was described by the Swedish Academy (they are the ones that dish out the Nobel Prizes) as “that epicist of the female experience, who with scepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilisation to scrutiny”. Lessing is the eleventh woman to win the prize in its 106-year history, and also the oldest person ever to win the literature award.
For more about Ms. Lessing be sure to check out her website.
