“The Diary of a Good Neighbor,” which appears in Doris Lessing‘s The Diaries of Jane Somers, explores the important subjects of aging and how the elderly are treated. The story, which is vividly told from Jane (Janna) Somers’s first-person journal, centers on Janna, a sophisticated, fashionable, and talented middle-aged assistant editor at a hip women’s magazine. Her life is centered around her work and upholding a well-manicured public persona, with little time for meaningful interpersonal relationships.

But once her seemingly happy spouse passes away suddenly, Janna is forced to face the hard reality that she didn’t really talk to him while he was sick. This realization also includes her neglect of her sick mother and grandmother, which she transferred to her sister. A chance meeting with the gregarious ninety-year-old Maudie Fowler acts as a trigger, causing Janna’s perspective to change dramatically. Overwhelmed by guilt, she withdraws into Maudie’s filthy basement apartment to provide company and support, and they wind up becoming unexpected friends.

While juggling the rigors of her career with frequent trips to Maudie’s house, Janna finds comfort in their growing friendship. At the same time, she struggles with Joyce, her coworker, leaving for America in spite of her husband’s repeated adultery. Janna’s empathy grows as a result of her contacts with Maudie and other older people; she starts to understand the challenges these people face in maintaining their independence in the face of apathy from society.

Lessing depicts the difficulties of aging with painstaking detail, highlighting the limitations of limited movement, frailty, and the social shame associated with asking for help. Janna gradually changes and loses her preconceptions about old people being dirty and unimportant. Rather, she comes to value their tenacity and the wealth of life lessons they possess. In the end, she accepts their friendship and recognizes the value of paying respect to their experiences and life lessons.

Lessing’s tale invites readers to reflect on the vast complexities of human connection, the imperatives of empathy, and the sublime power of understanding. Janna’s path of self-discovery and repentance reminds us of the transformational power of loving the marginalized and recognizing the inherent worth of all people, regardless of age or circumstance.

By Swapna Peri