The Diairies of Jane Somers by Doris Lessing: II. If The Old Could.....

I wasn't sure if I would read this second novel, but it only took a few pages of reading for me to be thoroughly immersed in it.  Jane meets Richard just by chance one afternoon, and the two take an instant liking to each other, and embark on a quite intriguing relationship. At the same time, another niece, Kate, sister of Jill, asks to come and live with Jane, and she turns out to be an absolute slug. No one, including Jane herself, understands why Jane continues to put up with this nineteen-year-old who spends her days on the couch in Jane's pristine apartment, eating crisps and Mars Bars, forgetting to bathe and actually destroying furniture.

Jane has also continued to visit Annie, another old, sick, angry, poor woman who regards Jane almost as a daughter. Once more, we are treated to wonderfully rich illustrations of Annie's condition and the pattern of her days, as well as those who come to help, especially Maureen, who is stealing what little money Annie has.

Jane and Richard are a usually followed about when they meet by Richard's daughter Kathleen, who could be a shadow for Kate, back in Jane's apartment. Kathleen just.....follows them, that's all, a dark brooding presence. 

It was a real revelation for me to read these two novels, and I'm so glad this volume was the one I chose to read!