I think Harold Bloom is spewing sour grapes! And just because I’m in a cranky mood too doesn’t mean I can’t also have my say…

Doris Lessing, an interesting if dated British writer was just awarded the Nobel Literature Prize and the headlines are screaming about her age (88), and that she was not waiting home to get the congratulations call (she was out shopping). Much less seems to be known about her novels and a teeny bit is coming through about her politics. (Disclosure: I’ve had her book, The Good Terrorist on my shelf for years, but it’s never been opened.)

Now, on Yahoo News, Harold Bloom is quoted, calling Lessing’s work unreadable and, “fourth-rate science fiction.” I’m sorry Mr. Bloom, but what was the last “readable” book you wrote? And how many novels have you published that dealt with racial politics on an everyday scale in Africa and elsewhere? What was the name of your book that has women as its main protagonists?

Call me cynical, but I think poor Mr. Bloom is just upset because he didn’t win. Granted, he is a brilliant mind, but a limited one if you ask me. (He’s got a page on Wikipedia). He seems to me to be one of those privileged men who prefer to see their literature reflecting only themselves. Can’t say I blame him though. If I saw myself reflected in 90% of the world’s stories then I probably wouldn’t understand the need for women, gays and lesbians, African Americans, and every other culture to try to bridge the gap between classic (and popular) literature and their own lives.

Ironically, Lessing herself never used the term Feminist as an adjective. She may have been interested in the inner secrets and desires of her female characters, but she’s been loathe to choose a label and stick it on her lapel.

I did feel a little better after reading the article in the New York Times, which quoted my writing teacher hero, Janet Burroway. This article didn’t feel the need to get rabble-rousing quotes from aging non-prize winners and instead focused on getting a few words from the writer herself.

I can’t really vouch for Doris Lessing’s novels. But I can say WooHoo to the Nobel Prize committee for choosing a woman who dared to present a feminist (yikes!) attitude from time to time. And who can not love a woman who ends an interview by saying, “Now I’m going to go in to answer my telephone,” she said. “I swear I’m going upstairs to find some suitable sentences which I will be using from now on.” (from the NYTimes article).

Have you read any of Doris Lessing’s work? Anyone agree with Mr. Bloom? Or want to argue with me (course I know that won’t happen!)