The Fifth Child

In Doris Lessing's contemporary gothic horror tale, Harriet and David Lovatt attempt to maintain a peaceful domestic life amid the chaos of late 1960s England. Their tranquility is shattered with the birth of their fifth child, Ben, who appears grotesque and violent, challenging their parental instincts and their perception of the world. As the Lovatt family grapples with their fear and rejection of Ben, they confront the unsettling realities of love, acceptance, and the brutality inherent in society.