DL/REVIEWS//SHAH I/1 - [Reviews of the work of Idries Shah: Kara Kush]

DL/REVIEWS//SHAH I/1

Sub-file

[Reviews of the work of Idries Shah: Kara Kush]

1985-1986

9 Letters (typescript and MS)

Lessing, Doris May, 1919-2013

9 items, some highlighted. Includes a draft of Lessing's review on Kara Kush (item 007).

DL/REVIEWS//SHAH I/1/001 [from Doris Lessing to Claire Tomalin, 27/12/1985]

Letter, 1 leaf, typed.
Writes that she would like to review Kara Kush, that the novel is "full of the contrasts of the country", and is "quite extraordinary". Gives some background information on Shah. Discusses Afghanistan.

DL/REVIEWS//SHAH I/1/002 [from Doris Lessing to Claire Tomalin, 29/01/1986]

Letter, 2 leaves, typed.
Discusses Idries Shah, including his popularity in other countries and his international prizes. References Sufism. Mentions Pat Williams, a contract feature writer for the Sunday Times, who is aware of the "very complicated background and history of Afghanistan. Asks Tomalin to get in touch with her to discuss Shah and Kara Kush.

DL/REVIEWS//SHAH I/1/004 [from Doris Lessing to Terry (surname unknown), 18/02/1986]

Letter, 2 leaves, typed.
Writes to propose an interview between Idries Shah and Pat Williams. Discusses the history of Afghanistan and the refugee crisis. Mentions the Soviet Union.

DL/REVIEWS//SHAH I/1/006 [from Doris Lessing to John Archer, 25/02/1986]

Letter, 1 leaf, typed.
Mentions the W.H. Smith award. Discusses Shah and Sufism.

DL/REVIEWS//SHAH I/1/007

Draft of her Kara Kush review, 4 leaves, typed.
Lessing's draft of her review on Kara Kush. Discusses the history of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Soviet Union. Gives a brief biography of Shah. Offers an analysis of his characterisation.

DL/REVIEWS//SHAH I/1/008

Short puff piece on Kara Kush and Idries Shah. Mentions feudalism and modernity. References the Soviet invasion. Writes that the novel is "full of information not available elsewhere".