The Fifth Child
Published in 1988, The Fifth Child is a ghost story and horror novel by Doris Lessing. The story is set in England and Angleterre, in the 20th century. Key subjects include Ben Lovatt, gangs, Cruelty and children with disabilities.
Open Library readers give it an average of 3.3 out of 5 from 7 ratings, and 47 more have it on their want-to-read list. It has been published in 42 editions across 10 languages.
It runs to roughly 168 pages — 3–4 hours of reading at an average pace.
About The Fifth Child
A self-satisfied couple intent on raising a happy family is shocked by the birth of an abnormal and brutal fifth child.
Quick answers
Who wrote The Fifth Child?
The Fifth Child was written by Doris Lessing and first published in 1988.
What genre is The Fifth Child?
It is usually shelved as Ghost Stories and Horror.
How long is The Fifth Child?
The median edition has 168 pages, about 3–4 hours of reading at 250 words per minute.
What books are similar to The Fifth Child?
Readers who like it often enjoy The Screaming Staircase, The Turn of the Screw and A Christmas Carol.
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