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Time Bites: Views and Reviews
“A generous and pleasurable collection. . . . Vibrant and illuminating, with quotable lines on every page. . . . [Lessing is] a superb lucid, wise, knowledgeable, and witty.”— Booklist In this collection of the very best of Doris Lessing’s essays we are treated to the wisdom and keen insight of a writer who has learned, over the course of a brilliant career, to read the world differently. From imagining the secret sex life of Tolstoy to the secrets of Sufism, from reviews of classic books to commentaries on world politics, these essays span an impressive range of subjects, cultures, periods, and themes, yet they are remarkably consistent in one key Lessing’s clear-eyed vision and clearly-expressed prose. But in its breadth and precision Time Bites is it is also a map of the human spirit and an intimate diagram of the mind of one of our greatest living writers.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2004
36 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Doris Lessing
465 books3,122 followersDoris Lessing was born into a colonial family. both of her parents were British: her father, who had been crippled in World War I, was a clerk in the Imperial Bank of Persia; her mother had been a nurse. In 1925, lured by the promise of getting rich through maize farming, the family moved to the British colony in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Like other women writers from southern African who did not graduate from high school (such as Olive Schreiner and Nadine Gordimer), Lessing made herself into a self-educated intellectual.
In 1937 she moved to Salisbury, where she worked as a telephone operator for a year. At nineteen, she married Frank Wisdom, and later had two children. A few years later, feeling trapped in a persona that she feared would destroy her, she left her family, remaining in Salisbury. Soon she was drawn to the like-minded members of the Left Book Club, a group of Communists "who read everything, and who did not think it remarkable to read." Gottfried Lessing was a central member of the group; shortly after she joined, they married and had a son.
During the postwar years, Lessing became increasingly disillusioned with the Communist movement, which she left altogether in 1954. By 1949, Lessing had moved to London with her young son. That year, she also published her first novel, The Grass Is Singing, and began her career as a professional writer.
In June 1995 she received an Honorary Degree from Harvard University. Also in 1995, she visited South Africa to see her daughter and grandchildren, and to promote her autobiography. It was her first visit since being forcibly removed in 1956 for her political views. Ironically, she is welcomed now as a writer acclaimed for the very topics for which she was banished 40 years ago.
In 2001 she was awarded the Prince of Asturias Prize in Literature, one of Spain's most important distinctions, for her brilliant literary works in defense of freedom and Third World causes. She also received the David Cohen British Literature Prize.
She was on the shortlist for the first Man Booker International Prize in 2005. In 2007 she was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
(Extracted from the pamphlet: A Reader's Guide to The Golden Notebook & Under My Skin, HarperPerennial, 1995. Full text available on www.dorislessing.org).
In 1937 she moved to Salisbury, where she worked as a telephone operator for a year. At nineteen, she married Frank Wisdom, and later had two children. A few years later, feeling trapped in a persona that she feared would destroy her, she left her family, remaining in Salisbury. Soon she was drawn to the like-minded members of the Left Book Club, a group of Communists "who read everything, and who did not think it remarkable to read." Gottfried Lessing was a central member of the group; shortly after she joined, they married and had a son.
During the postwar years, Lessing became increasingly disillusioned with the Communist movement, which she left altogether in 1954. By 1949, Lessing had moved to London with her young son. That year, she also published her first novel, The Grass Is Singing, and began her career as a professional writer.
In June 1995 she received an Honorary Degree from Harvard University. Also in 1995, she visited South Africa to see her daughter and grandchildren, and to promote her autobiography. It was her first visit since being forcibly removed in 1956 for her political views. Ironically, she is welcomed now as a writer acclaimed for the very topics for which she was banished 40 years ago.
In 2001 she was awarded the Prince of Asturias Prize in Literature, one of Spain's most important distinctions, for her brilliant literary works in defense of freedom and Third World causes. She also received the David Cohen British Literature Prize.
She was on the shortlist for the first Man Booker International Prize in 2005. In 2007 she was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
(Extracted from the pamphlet: A Reader's Guide to The Golden Notebook & Under My Skin, HarperPerennial, 1995. Full text available on www.dorislessing.org).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 20, 2017
As the title of this book accurately states - it contains views and reviews of varying lengths and spanning a panoply of different topics (literature, philosophy, politics ...). The essays are written in a relaxed tone, inviting the reader to think and engage with different subjects with an open mind. I found myself reaching for the google search a few times to delve deeper into a topic (Sufism for instance) or check out authors she mentions whom I've never heard of (Tarjei Vesaas).
It is an interesting and entertaining read all round and the snippets fit perfectly into a busy schedule if you are looking for a quick but intelligent read (waiting for your turn at the dentist's could be one of them).
It is an interesting and entertaining read all round and the snippets fit perfectly into a busy schedule if you are looking for a quick but intelligent read (waiting for your turn at the dentist's could be one of them).
December 6, 2012
I wondered whether it was a good idea to read a book of essays before I had read any of her novels - it was. I was already convinced I liked her from hearing her speak about various subjects and, really, her reaction to winning the Nobel prize (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuBODH...).
With essays on her own writing, politics, book reviews, cats, opera, Sufism and the role of stories in general I have finished this book with much more to read than when I started it - exactly what you want from this sort of book. Surely it won't now be too long till I read one of her novels - but will I read the sci-fi first? Oh, how I dither.
With essays on her own writing, politics, book reviews, cats, opera, Sufism and the role of stories in general I have finished this book with much more to read than when I started it - exactly what you want from this sort of book. Surely it won't now be too long till I read one of her novels - but will I read the sci-fi first? Oh, how I dither.
August 2, 2008
Lessing is an excellent essayist, and this collection is more reviews than views. Hard to believe this Nobel prize winner only had formal education to the age of fourteen. She introduced to me writers that I not only had never read, but had never even heard of, a loving attempt to draw attention back to writers now dead who are often overlooked in favour of the dreaded literary canon(s). Her love and respect for the Sufi tradition is clear and strong, and many of the essays deal with Sufism and its exemplars. Her love and respect for her native Africa is also evident, and she writes knowingly about Mugabe, apartheid and what is real history vs. acceptable (PC) history of her contintent. BUT, she can gossip too (did you know that Virgina Woolf was both an elitist snob and an anti-Semite?). Recommended, even if just for the cranium exercise.
August 19, 2023
Cerebral
I can’t say I relaxed and enjoyed this read of short bites of information but I learnt a lot about ancient and overlooked texts hence the 5/5
I can’t say I relaxed and enjoyed this read of short bites of information but I learnt a lot about ancient and overlooked texts hence the 5/5
July 13, 2025
Doris Lessing’s book, Time Bites:
I just started reading this author, and I absolutely love her. Dave told me this morning, that his mother also loved Doris Lessing because his mother, Phyllis, read her all the time.
So far, Doris Lessing has dropped hints about D. H. Lawrence: No writer has been easier to parody. I myself have shrieked as loudly with laughter as anyone, even while mentally hearing Lawrence’s ‘Canaille, canaille” and his intemperate ranting, for like many who have a talent for abusing others, he could not stand so much as a whisper of criticism. (I hope that I am not as far down the spectrum as Lawrence for “abusing others” nor as far on the ability to stand more than just a “whisper of criticism."
Lessing goes on to say that D. H. Lawrence also wrote fine poems, and that some of his short stories are as good as any in the language. In 2010, I am going to conquer “poetry.” I think I shall start with the course from the library on CD about understanding great “poetry.” Let’s see what I do I know now: I know that rhyming poetry sounds best to my ear, like Pushkin, but that rhyming is no longer cool.
Doris also wrote about Virginia Woolf. She said that she thought that the two great achievements of Woolf’s were Orlando and To the Lighthouse.
Her feelings seem to be hurt when she discusses why people often seem to be rude when they don’t like this author especially. Lessing says, “When people of equal discrimination to oneself adore, or hate, the same book, the smallest act of modesty, the minimum act of respect for the great profession of literary critic should be “I don’t like To the Lighthouse, or I don’t like Virginia Woolf. “After all, “people of the tender-est discrimination should be able to find one good word to say about an author, any author.
I just started reading this author, and I absolutely love her. Dave told me this morning, that his mother also loved Doris Lessing because his mother, Phyllis, read her all the time.
So far, Doris Lessing has dropped hints about D. H. Lawrence: No writer has been easier to parody. I myself have shrieked as loudly with laughter as anyone, even while mentally hearing Lawrence’s ‘Canaille, canaille” and his intemperate ranting, for like many who have a talent for abusing others, he could not stand so much as a whisper of criticism. (I hope that I am not as far down the spectrum as Lawrence for “abusing others” nor as far on the ability to stand more than just a “whisper of criticism."
Lessing goes on to say that D. H. Lawrence also wrote fine poems, and that some of his short stories are as good as any in the language. In 2010, I am going to conquer “poetry.” I think I shall start with the course from the library on CD about understanding great “poetry.” Let’s see what I do I know now: I know that rhyming poetry sounds best to my ear, like Pushkin, but that rhyming is no longer cool.
Doris also wrote about Virginia Woolf. She said that she thought that the two great achievements of Woolf’s were Orlando and To the Lighthouse.
Her feelings seem to be hurt when she discusses why people often seem to be rude when they don’t like this author especially. Lessing says, “When people of equal discrimination to oneself adore, or hate, the same book, the smallest act of modesty, the minimum act of respect for the great profession of literary critic should be “I don’t like To the Lighthouse, or I don’t like Virginia Woolf. “After all, “people of the tender-est discrimination should be able to find one good word to say about an author, any author.
February 24, 2020
This is a collection of essays that cover everything from cats to politics. There are number of book reviews as well as introductions which she has written for books.
Very though provoking reading. Most of the essays were interesting, though in some cases my lack of familiarity with the works she was discussing made it harder to engage with her writing. She introduced me to a number of authors with whom I wasn't familiar, and I've added a number of new books to my want to read books.
I read this on my kindle and have to say the editing wasn't always perfect. There were words jammed together and missing punctuation and in a couple of cases missing words.
Very though provoking reading. Most of the essays were interesting, though in some cases my lack of familiarity with the works she was discussing made it harder to engage with her writing. She introduced me to a number of authors with whom I wasn't familiar, and I've added a number of new books to my want to read books.
I read this on my kindle and have to say the editing wasn't always perfect. There were words jammed together and missing punctuation and in a couple of cases missing words.
September 10, 2015
"You are taken, shaken, by moments when the improbability of our lives comes over you like a fever. Everything is remarkable, people, living, events present themselves to you with the immediacy of players in some barbarous and splendid drama that it seems we are part of. You have been given new eyes."
August 8, 2023
This collection of essays, put together and published in 2004, contains material that has already been produced elsewhere since the 1970s, but mainly in various British media. Putting them together in one place allows a broader audience to view Lessing’s work, covering a broad range of topics from book reviews of the classics, essays on well known (e.g. Leo Tolstoy, Virginia Wolf and Jane Austen) and lesser known writers (e.g. Indries Shah), while making it clear whose writing she favors! She writes about her beloved cats and the birds she is fond of, about the turmoil in Rhodesia where she spent her childhood and her dim hopes for a multiracial society in the face of Robert Mugabe’s regime and later, she speaks of London, the city where she made her home. In her essays she criticizes the idea of political correctness, rages against the hedonism of the sixties, notes sadly that no one knows the bible these days and wonders why the western world continues to avoid the teachings and achievements of Islam. She throws a sharp elbow at the Americans who she says, wallowed in self-pity after the attack of 9/11, completely ignoring how other nations have suffered from terrorism.
Lessing has always had clear ideas and written in sharp incisive prose. In this collection of short pieces, her commentary gives readers a taste of her wit and intelligence. She shows how she can be tough, direct and courageous in addressing complex subjects, sharing her insights and judgements on everything from politics to DH Lawrence. Never a literary stylist, her writing is instead, clear and direct. Those who collect great quotes will find a remarkable collection in these pages, ones that communicate her social and political considerations and demonstrate her sharp critical mind.
Lessing has always championed the importance of books, which have been such an important part of her life, noting how third world nations so eagerly reach for the written word. She believes literature plays an important role in society, not just to entertain readers but to educate others on the rules of behavior, the values to hold dear and the lessons to remember from our past history.
Lessing won The Nobel Prize for Literature in 2007, one of the oldest to ever receive that honour. Among her other awards is the recognition given her in 2008 when The Times ranked her fifth on the list of “The 50 Greatest British Writers Since 19467”.
Those who already enjoy Lessing’s writing may find something new here, while others who have not read her work, may use this as a short introduction to this award winning writer.
Lessing has always had clear ideas and written in sharp incisive prose. In this collection of short pieces, her commentary gives readers a taste of her wit and intelligence. She shows how she can be tough, direct and courageous in addressing complex subjects, sharing her insights and judgements on everything from politics to DH Lawrence. Never a literary stylist, her writing is instead, clear and direct. Those who collect great quotes will find a remarkable collection in these pages, ones that communicate her social and political considerations and demonstrate her sharp critical mind.
Lessing has always championed the importance of books, which have been such an important part of her life, noting how third world nations so eagerly reach for the written word. She believes literature plays an important role in society, not just to entertain readers but to educate others on the rules of behavior, the values to hold dear and the lessons to remember from our past history.
Lessing won The Nobel Prize for Literature in 2007, one of the oldest to ever receive that honour. Among her other awards is the recognition given her in 2008 when The Times ranked her fifth on the list of “The 50 Greatest British Writers Since 19467”.
Those who already enjoy Lessing’s writing may find something new here, while others who have not read her work, may use this as a short introduction to this award winning writer.
March 24, 2019
She shines her light brightly looking back on her long and fascinating life. The Golden Notebook was embraced by young women at university in the late 60s, early 70s but we missed so much. For Lessing it was a kind of elegy for the hopes of a better world held by the young Communists in her circle, now disillusioned. How upset she was then to be called a man-hater. I love her truth telling and her
dislike of how political correctness has developed from a laudable principle to
an avoidance of reality. Mugabe was a murderous thug but the West couldn’t call him out because he was the first black prime minister of anew independent
African nation who treated his people even worse than the white rulers. And that’s saying a lot. Her devotion to truth telling and her lifelong search for the truth make her essays a fascinating read. Who knew she was a devotee of Sufism? A hard headed woman who thought for herself and didn’t suffer fools gladly.
dislike of how political correctness has developed from a laudable principle to
an avoidance of reality. Mugabe was a murderous thug but the West couldn’t call him out because he was the first black prime minister of anew independent
African nation who treated his people even worse than the white rulers. And that’s saying a lot. Her devotion to truth telling and her lifelong search for the truth make her essays a fascinating read. Who knew she was a devotee of Sufism? A hard headed woman who thought for herself and didn’t suffer fools gladly.
December 9, 2017
I own very few books now because I live in 230 sq feet. This one is of the 'keeper' variety... if nothing else as a well written reference to other authors. I had a dozen or more post it notes in it when I was done and a now have a lot more on my "for later" file at the online local library. Thanks Doris.
August 9, 2021
Only read the essays that I could understand ( ie jit about works I had never read). Some were super interesting, especially about writing and what the form of the book means. Others were meh and made me think “did you really think your opinion on this subject was worth this many words”
December 31, 2016
Wonderful book of short essays, opinions, and book reviews. Amazing revelation of what a truly educated, cultivated mind is like !
May 15, 2019
Wow and I thought I got lectured to at Uni 😒
May 27, 2022
These are wonderful, thoughtful essays and reading reflections. Some of them are really outstanding.
July 21, 2022
Chipped away at the edges of my vast ignorance.
February 22, 2023
it's such a pleasure to spend time with someone so bright, compassionate and insightful..opened my mind to more and more things to appreciate.
July 1, 2015
Even though I am a fan of the author, for some reason, I owned this book for a good year before reading it.
In this work, she writes essays about many of my favourite authors, and embarks upon countless topics with profound knowledge and sporadically some humour (not enough). One of the topics is Cats to which she has a deep affinity, like myself. Bonus!!!
Although she speaks with knowledge and clarity on all the subjects she tackles, I felt it lacked something personal. I didn't feel as though I had gained access to the author, just the surface layer. Perhaps I wanted some passion to be transferred. I look for literature to inspire me. This work seemed quite academic, dry and staid in delivery, hence the 4 stars.
Sergiu Pobereznic (author)
amazon.com/author/sergiupobereznic
In this work, she writes essays about many of my favourite authors, and embarks upon countless topics with profound knowledge and sporadically some humour (not enough). One of the topics is Cats to which she has a deep affinity, like myself. Bonus!!!
Although she speaks with knowledge and clarity on all the subjects she tackles, I felt it lacked something personal. I didn't feel as though I had gained access to the author, just the surface layer. Perhaps I wanted some passion to be transferred. I look for literature to inspire me. This work seemed quite academic, dry and staid in delivery, hence the 4 stars.
Sergiu Pobereznic (author)
amazon.com/author/sergiupobereznic
September 30, 2013
The book is a compilation of short pieces by Ms. Lessing. Although light reading, I found a few choice bites:
“Remember that it is the efforts and courage of individuals that count, in the long run.”
Alma Guillermoprieto, dancer
“No one ever asked me then , and I don’t know if I myself understood that I had a life that was not only extraordinary but real -- the kind of life that doesn’t happen by accident, but is put together slowly and with effort.” - Dancing with Cuba
What is Sufism? In every human being is an initially tiny, precious, shining thing, capable of development, which can bring her or him to fulfillment.
“Remember that it is the efforts and courage of individuals that count, in the long run.”
Alma Guillermoprieto, dancer
“No one ever asked me then , and I don’t know if I myself understood that I had a life that was not only extraordinary but real -- the kind of life that doesn’t happen by accident, but is put together slowly and with effort.” - Dancing with Cuba
What is Sufism? In every human being is an initially tiny, precious, shining thing, capable of development, which can bring her or him to fulfillment.
April 4, 2012
Bought this book as a gift for a friend, a long time ago, on a day trip to Amsterdam. Started reading it the same day on the train, finding myself in desperate need of escaping my company. I thought I'd just leaf through the articles about relatable subjects such as opera, Jane Austen, Tolstoy. Ended up reading every single essay. Not that they were all equally enthralling, but there was this congeniality to the author's voice. I read this book during lonely dinners and lazy afternoons and homework breaks for one and a half years. The other day I finally mailed it to my friend.
January 13, 2012
Doris Lessing is so wise! This collection of essays, reviews and a few scripts of speeches is as beautifully written as one would expect, and as erudite and knowledgeable, but it is also beautifully human and wise. My only quibble is that I could have done with less Sufism, but even that I didn't skim, and knew that I was gaining a lot simply by reading. A great collection.
April 30, 2010
WOW THIS BOOK IS AMAZING ALL I CAN SAY IS : " WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?" LET ME PUT IT THIS WAY, IF THE HOUSE WAS BURNING AND I COULD ONLY TAKE ONE THING WITH ME I WOULD CHOOSE THIS BOOK IN A HEART BEAT
February 8, 2014
Further erosion of my prior delusion that I was well-read by Doris Lessing's erudite collection of book reviews and (largely) literary commentary. A collection to review in years to come after serious targeted hefty reading. "How Things Were" struck a chord!
April 9, 2015
A great collection of essays on literature and politics. Doris Lessing's writings are endlessly fascinating and thought-provoking. I also enjoyed the essays about her life, childhood reminiscences of life in Africa, and much more.
January 25, 2008
If only I had the time to read all the life-affirming books she recommends...
February 15, 2008
I am not totally sure that I am smart enought to read this book...I am a little intimidated. But I will not give up!
March 22, 2008
Great informative short reads before bed. Thought provoking on subjects you never would have gone to on your own...
April 10, 2021
Read pretty much everything DL wrote in my 20s - esp her sci-fiction books - and I enjoyed this collection of articles and opinion pieces
December 4, 2014
A rather random selection of articles. There were a number about sufism - seems Lessing is a bit enamoured with the movement.
December 28, 2016
Pure pleasure! Doris Lessing is an extremely intelligent reader who makes whatever she touches a feast of reflections. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews