Description: A disturbing allegory, centered around a planet called Shikasta, which bears remarkable similarities to Earth. Through time, a higher planet, Canopus, has documented the progress of Shikasta and tried to distract its inhabitants from the evil influence of the planet Shammat, but the Shikastans continue to hurl themselves toward annihilation.
Review Quotes:
"An audacious and disturbing work from one of the world's great living writers." -Paul Gray, Time
"A stunning book.... Read it, read Lessing like a message of hope in dark times...read her for a winter's evening entertainment; read her to nourish your soul." -Frank Pierson, Los Angeles Times "If the subsequent novels sustain the power of Shikasta...this series may well be a masterpiece." -The Atlantic