Ben, in the World: The Sequel to the Fifth Child

I was looking forward to Ben's story and the epilogue to "The Fifth Child" by the same author. I have enjoyed this book even more than I had its predecessor. This is a book about being different. About acceptance and understanding. A book that pierces the heart. Ben Lovatt. Who was he? What was he? As vulnerable as a newborn baby, yet at times very wild, instinctive, almost... feral. May I suggest to read "The Fifth Child" first. This sequel stands on its own perfectly but I still feel that the reader would understand Ben's tale better by reading about his birth and family beforehand. Once again I have admired Ms. Lessing's writing style (just like before, no chapters in this book, just a few pauses) and her ability to convey an emotional pathos with a simplicity that captivates deeply. This book was gripping, powerful and really sad. The quote from a British newspaper on the book cover -I bought the UK book edition- summarizes my feelings "A wonderful novel, flawless as a black pearl".

i will start by saying that i truly admire doris lessing and that i thought that "the fifth child" was brilliant. from time to time i would wonder what ever happened to ben and was delighted when this sequel was published. i read this haunting novel in one sitting (not by design -- i could not put it down) and, once again, lessing has lived up to my expectations. i found her initial idea fascinating and felt a great deal of compassion for ben in the world. i see him as a fellow Frankenstein (another of my favorite novels) -- i can easily see the two of them roaming over the northern latitudes, wondering how or if they will ever find a place for themselves.

The Fifth Child was a terrific book. It brought up such concepts as separateness, lack of conscience, prejudice, etc. Ben, in the World is a worthy Sequel. In this book we get a more rounded Ben; it would have been so easy for Doris Lessing to write a book about a terrible throwback who didn't fit in anywhere. That is not what she did. Ben is very, very different, but he is human, he has feelings and, most of all, he wants to know where he "fits in" and why is everyone so different from him. Lessing took a good plot, that many pedestrian authors could handle, and made it into a great book by understanding the CHARACTER.

I loved this book. It moves along at a quick and fascinating pace. The emotions evoked by Ben are quite powerful. A very different book than The Fifth Child but, then again, we don't want the same book over and over. Doris Lessing writes wonderful books each time; unique and thought provoking.

A stunning book. Ben's plight is very moving and one can't help but be affected by the things that happen to him. A monster? Not this time. He is a genetic throw-back and doesn't understand how to live in our world. A brilliant portrayal and fascinating continuation of The Fifth Child.