Doris Lessing's The Cleft

It starts promisingly, with a scholarly, prophetic tone from the narrator, a retired Roman senator, which I drew immense pleasure from. Ambitious work it is, to suggest that women are the first humans, the superior and more complete species. Yet, perhaps Doris Lessing has bitten off more than she can chew, as somehow, she falters rather badly towards the end. Or perhaps, she suddenly changed her mind, switching from a fable to a comical satire tinged with stereotypes, one where it reads like something from "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus". Yes, we all know how women tend to carp and men will always be boys.

The ending is disappointing but funny, though, in an awkward way. And where are the insights?

For a more positive review, see this. Maybe, the weight of expectation is just too much on me.

P.S: I think I'll just stick to classics.