Which of these are correct combinations of works by Doris Lessing and their themes?

1. A. The Golden Notebook – a journey to Rhodesia
2. B. The Good Terrorist – a doomed love affair
3. C. Shikasta – a planet (Earth) cut off from a benevolent advanced civilisation
4. D. Alfred and Emily – the lives of her parents
5. E. The Grass Is Singing – drawn from her African experience

1. AB, A and D only
2. BA, B and E only
3. CC, D and E only
4. DE, B and A only

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. C, D and E only

Explanation

The Golden Notebook (1962) follows the writer Anna Wulf and her four notebooks, and The Good Terrorist (1985) follows Alice among London radicals — so A and B are wrong. Shikasta (1979) is Earth cut off from Canopus; Alfred and Emily (2008) reimagines her parents; The Grass Is Singing (1950) is set in Southern Rhodesia.

Note: The source page gives no official key; the answer is derived from the statements.