Free Women: 1 Summary

In a word, the novel "The Golden Notebook" by Doris Lessing is best described as complex. It is structured in a complex form intended to mimic the complexity of the life of the main character, Anna. Although complex, the form is actually an attempt by Anna to simplify and compartmentalize what she sees as disorder and chaos in her world. The main plot focuses on Anna's quest for wholeness but at the same time addresses difficult issues such as gender relations, love and marriage, suicide, child rearing and politics.

Friends Anna and Molly visit with each other after a year apart. Molly's former husband Richard calls to say he is coming to visit. Anna wants to leave but Molly insists she stay. While they are waiting, Molly chides Anna for not writing and then fixes them some beer. Anna tells Molly...