This poignant story from Doris Lessing deals with the experiences of Julie, a runaway teen in her last year of high school. ‘Accidentally’ impregnated, she runs away from home out of fear of her father’s reaction. She flees to London where Debbie, a compassionate call girl, takes her in and acts as a protector and mother figure. Unfortunately, Debbie is away when the baby comes. Julie carries out a grotesque self-birthing plan and must face the difficult choice regarding the baby’s future alone. Themes include parent-child relationships, innocence vs worldliness, choices and consequences, compassion, desperation, abandonment and regret.
Original Text / PDF (8,500 words)