Doris Lessing's Children of Violence series, spanning five novels and nearly two decades in creation, presents a unique challenge to critics. The series defies simple classification, as it intertwines elements of a Bildungsroman, a roman fleuve, a political manifesto, social critique, and a feminist tract. Lessing herself described the series as a “hybrid,” acknowledging its complex nature. These novels, deeply personal and bordering on autobiographical, reflect many of Lessing’s political views and psychological insights. The profound commitment she invested in these narratives and the weighty themes they explore seem to have initially eluded critical recognition. According to Lessing, this oversight led critics to either misunderstand or undervalue the series’ significance.

Despite the initial struggles of early reviewers and critics to categorize and appreciate the depth of Children of Violence, the series has, over time, secured its standing as one of Lessing’s most significant and impactful works. It is often regarded as second only to her seminal novel, The Golden Notebook (1962), in its vivid portrayal of the modern human experience. This enduring legacy affirms the series' place in literary history, despite the initial critical missteps in understanding its full scope and ambition.