The Fifth Child
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Doris Lessing's contemporary gothic horror story—centered on the birth of a baby who seems less than human—probes society's unwillingness to recognize its own brutality.Harriet and David Lovatt, parents of four children, have created an idyll of domestic bliss in defiance of the social trends of late 1960s England. While around them crime and unrest surge, the Lovatts are certain that their old-fashioned contentment can protect them from the world outside—until the birth of their fifth baby. Gruesomely goblin-like in appearance, insatiably hungry, abnormally strong and violent, Ben has nothing innocent or infant-like about him. As he grows older and more terrifying, Harriet finds she cannot love him, David cannot bring himself to touch him, and their four older children are afraid of him. Understanding that he will never be accepted anywhere, Harriet and David are torn between their instincts as parents and their shocked reaction to this fierce and unlovable child whose existence shatters their belief in a benign world.
Customer Reviews
Not to horrifying horror story
Although it is meant to be a horror, i ended up being more sympathetic towards the "scary" character but overall i really enjoyed the novel, it kept a great pace and was quite a page turner. But if you are really looking for something that will make you second guess turning off the lights, this is not it.
The Fifth Child
I love this book from beginning to end. I will admit the first 40 pages are a little slow but it is setting the stage to what kind of family they are before the fifth pregnancy. It isn’t a horror story but it is definitely dark in theme which are my favorite kinds of books. If you enjoy dark writing similar to Edgar Allen Poe then you might enjoy this book but everyone has their preferences. It is very intriguing to me. Before you start reading I suggest answering this question: Do you protect the group or an individual? While you read keep that question in mind. Your answer might change throughout the novel
SHOULD BE CHEAPER!
All books shall be on free mode then everybody shall be winning, duh?!