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Book Review By Miranda SMITH
The Good Terrorist by Doris Lessing

This novel is about a group of unemployed, idealistic left-wing political activists who share a communal house in London. They are a bunch of misfits who blame society for their misfortunes, and are drawn into increasingly violent political/terrorist action.
The main character, a woman of 36, has an unsatisfactory relationship with a younger man who is basically homosexual. She is emotionally dependant upon him, though apparently strong in other areas of her life.
As the book progresses, the lives of the main characters begin to disintegrate, as they become involved with hard-edged terrorist organisations. Events which take place illustrate their inadequacies, and their lack of self-awareness.
The climax of the story is violent - a pointless act of terrorism, which finally shows how the characters are, despite their concern for humanity, devoid of compassion.


Plot & Themes
Tone of book? - thoughtful
Time/era of story - 1980's-1999
Political/social activism Yes
Plotlet:
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
War/Revolt/Disaster on civilians Yes
Conflict:

Main Character
Gender - Female
Profession/status:
Age: - 20's-30's
Ethnicity/Nationality

Main Adversary
Identity: - society

Setting
How much descriptions of surroundings? - 3 ()
Europe Yes
European country: - England/UK

Writing Style
Sex in book? Yes
What kind of sex: - vague references only - lesbians!
Amount of dialog - significantly more descript than dialog
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