1 JULY 2000, Page 25

In praise of men

From Doris Lessing Sir: In Miranda France's review of my novel Ben, in the World she said, 'the men are bad, the women good' (Books, 24 June). A major character leaves his job rather than be forced into ill-treating Ben. For a very poor man to sacrifice his job — now, that is a big thing, more than any of the women did.

Men are not allowed virtues now, not even in a novel.

Doris Lessing

London NW6