But there is no doubt that to attempt a novel of ideas is to give oneself a handicap: the parochialism of our culture is intense. For instance, decade after decade bright young men and women emerge from their universities able to say proudly: 'Of course I know nothing about German literature.' It is the mode. The Victorians knew everything about German literature, but were able with a clear conscience not to know much about the French.
Doris LessingNovels give you the matrix of emotions, give you the flavour of a time in a way formal history cannot.
Doris LessingWriters, and particularly female writers, have to fight for the conditions they need to work.
Doris Lessing