Rating: 
Summary: Quite an adventure
Review: Every once in a while, it is good to read a work of fantasy. In this novel, Mara and Dann are living in Ifrik (Africa) many, many years in the future. Some catastrophe has taken place on Planet Earth, and civilization as we know it had been obliterated. Mara and Dann belong to the civilization that rose from the devastation. They will travel from southern to northern Ifrik during some very entertaining 400 or so pages. Two things I enjoyed: first, the map of Ifrik at the very beginning of the book. It was a valuable reference. Also, I liked the modified names that pepper the story. Ifrik is Africa, Yerrup is Europe, and the best: the legends of unhappy women, like Mam Bova, Ankrena, Mam Bedfly! What I didn't like were seven-year-old Mara asking questions that were totally out of her league, the figure of Kulik (why is he so bent in chasing them?), and the final arrival to the Promised Land. There was something very anti-climactic there. But, as a whole, this is an enjoyable novel, very engaging.
Rating: 
Summary: A triumphant novel that left me wanting more.
Review: How wonderful to be able to imagine that you are running alongside Mara and Dann. This page turning book most definitely features in my top 10 favourites. The adventures experienced by this courageous brother and sister were spell binding. The images conveyed by Ms Lessing are both sobering and wonderous. For Mara and Dann to have finally reached the North and home was super but I selfishly wanted them to experience a hundred more adventures. Thank you for such a smashing read.
Rating:
Summary: Totally captivating
Review: I couldn't put this book down. The world Doris Lessing creates is captivating and I was completely caught up in the plight of Mara and Dann's journey. One of the most original and exciting books Doris Lessing has ever written.
Rating:
Summary: What did you see?
Review: I finished reading "Mara and Dann" weeks ago but still think of it daily! Doris Lessing has produced a book of many layers including the obvious almost epic adventure story. Her characters are real people with whom her readers can identify and empathize. What struck me most about this novel, however, was her exploration of who we are, when stripped of everything. Characters often experienced similar drastic events leading to near starvation and thirst but who they were as individuals came through as their values were reflected in their actions. Also the will to survive, despite all odds, was a dramatic part of the novel, culminating in an ending in which humanity is victorious. It is a great novel by a great author and should be enjoyed by many.
Rating:
Summary: What did you see?
Review: I finished reading "Mara and Dann" weeks ago but still think of it daily! Doris Lessing has produced a book of many layers including the obvious almost epic adventure story. Her characters are real people with whom her readers can identify and empathize. What struck me most about this novel, however, was her exploration of who we are, when stripped of everything. Characters often experienced similar drastic events leading to near starvation and thirst but who they were as individuals came through as their values were reflected in their actions. Also the will to survive, despite all odds, was a dramatic part of the novel, culminating in an ending in which humanity is victorious. It is a great novel by a great author and should be enjoyed by many.
Rating:
Summary: What did you see?
Review: I finished reading "Mara and Dann" weeks ago but still think of it daily! Doris Lessing has produced a book of many layers including the obvious almost epic adventure story. Her characters are real people with whom her readers can identify and empathize. What struck me most about this novel, however, was her exploration of who we are, when stripped of everything. Characters often experienced similar drastic events leading to near starvation and thirst but who they were as individuals came through as their values were reflected in their actions. Also the will to survive, despite all odds, was a dramatic part of the novel, culminating in an ending in which humanity is victorious. It is a great novel by a great author and should be enjoyed by many.
Rating:
Summary: Slow at times, but a good story
Review: I have read much of Lessing's work and and enjoy her writing a great deal. I have found some of her writing impenetrable and thankfully, this is not one of them. Briefing for a Descent into Hell was very difficult. Anyway, I liked the story in this book and felt for the 2 main characters. These 2, Mara and Dann, have many adventures and difficulties. Lessing is strongest, I think, in the way she explores complex relationships between people, particularly ones in extreme circumstances, and this book exposes these children to some of the worst. At the same time, she manages to make real the type of existence that must be true for many in the poorer areas of earth now. For that reason, it can be very sad. In general, though, the book is optimistic because of the optimism of the main characters.
Rating:
Summary: Another modern classic from Lessing
Review: It is hard to believe that an author can produce high quality literature, like Mara and Dann, for 50 years. But that is what Lessing has accomplished. Like her monumental five book series, Canopus in Argos, Lessing has moved to science fiction. But it is science fiction with a difference; the characters are believable, the plot is more literature than fantasy, the revelations are about our lives today. Lessing is almost unique in being able to write quality science fiction and quality literature and to mix the two. Mara and Dann is an adventure story set in the next Ice Age. They are pursued throughout the book, by adversaries and by climatic and geographical problems. I have rarely been as thirsty as I was in reading Mara and Dann. Perhaps the best compliment I can pay Lessing is to say that for some reason I was reminded of Lord of the Rings when reading Mara and Dann.
Rating:
Summary: Another modern classic from Lessing
Review: It is hard to believe that an author can produce high quality literature, like Mara and Dann, for 50 years. But that is what Lessing has accomplished. Like her monumental five book series, Canopus in Argos, Lessing has moved to science fiction. But it is science fiction with a difference; the characters are believable, the plot is more literature than fantasy, the revelations are about our lives today. Lessing is almost unique in being able to write quality science fiction and quality literature and to mix the two. Mara and Dann is an adventure story set in the next Ice Age. They are pursued throughout the book, by adversaries and by climatic and geographical problems. I have rarely been as thirsty as I was in reading Mara and Dann. Perhaps the best compliment I can pay Lessing is to say that for some reason I was reminded of Lord of the Rings when reading Mara and Dann.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful story
Review: The only reason I picked this book up is becuase my sister's name is Mara. It's the best job I've ever done of judging a book by its cover. In "Mara and Dann", Lessing has produced a simple, and yet utterly profound and inspiring novel. Set in Africa in the distant future, we follow the travels, and life story of Mara, and her brother Dann. The novel is a tale of great adventure and romance, but it is also a moving portrait of the bond shared by siblings. Like no other novel I have ever read, "Mara and Dann" captures the exasperation, heartache, joy and ultimately friendship that come from having a brother or sister. "Mara and Dann" is both a creative, engaging adventure, and work of amzing depth and heart. It will not disappoint.
|
