The third in a series of novels that began with
Shikasta, The Sirian
Experiments was short-listed for the Booker Prize in
1981.
This account deals mainly with the period following the catastrophic failure of the Canopus-Rohanda Lock. The planet turned over, and after some hours righted itself. The axis of the earth tilted, and the tilt brought with it both seasons and change. Further, this affected the temperament of the people and there was a reduction in their life span.
Doris Lessing refers to the report by Ambien II as personal, psychological, historical documents; suggesting perhaps that our reading of history cannot be separated from our individuality (who we are) and our psychology (state of mind).
In Doris Lessing’s universe, there is a hidden purpose to life and people work in accordance to a higher need. We get glimpses of this purpose through the eyes of Ambien II. Why ? Why are things as they are ? Ambien II is told that the perspective of Canopus is long-term. Canopus sees the pattern behind events, perceives the balance of forces, knows that things must change with the passage of time.
Canopus and Sirius, former adversaries, are working together towards a common goal – the evolution of the human stock. But while Sirius’s efforts are directed towards improving the stock by means of physical breeding, Canopus’s efforts (one gathers as the tale unfolds) are directed towards strengthening the moral fibre of the people. Sirius works on the physical plane, Canopus on the mental. At times these efforts are complimentary, and at other times they are not. Klorathy seems to suggest that many of the Sirian
experiments (especially with regard to subject populations) are unnecessary, as the desired information could be obtained by simpler means.
Canopus is the inspiration. Canopus builds – be it a city, a jewel or a song; but no longer has it been built that it begins to fall away. Things decay, things fall apart. This is the shammat (misfortune), and that is why the planet has been named
shikasta (defeat). Yet, Shikasta has both a life and a vitality that Sirius needs but lacks. Nasar’s falling away is explained by the fact that he has to build, knowing full well that his work will be undone by the ravages of time. In Sirius, Nasar (her guide and interlocutor) finds both strength and sense of duty.
Canopus is not willing to abandon Shikasta to its fate. Always and everywhere, Canopus is working to soften the impact of shammat, and mitigate the suffering of its people. In other words, they are trying to do the best they can under difficult conditions. Compassion is seen along with detachment, ideals are accompanied by neccessity – that is the way of Canopus, a way that Ambien II struggles to understand amidst her passion and her impatience. Ambien II wants to learn the ways of Canopus, perhaps to do as Canopus did. And silently, yet relentlessly, Ambien II is being educated though she is not fully aware of it.