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The Children of Men
The Children of Men is a dystopian novel by English writer P. D. James, published in 1992. Set in England in 2021, it centres on the results of mass infertility. James describes a United Kingdom that is steadily depopulating and focuses on a small group of resisters who do not share the disillusionment of the masses.
The book received very positive reviews from many critics such as Caryn James of The New York Times, who called it "wonderfully rich" and "a trenchant analysis of politics and power that speaks urgently". The academic Alan Jacobs said, "Of all James' novels, The Children of Men is probably the most pointed in its social criticism, certainly the deepest in its theological reflection."
About writing the story P. D. James said, "I thought, if there was no future, how would we behave?"
This part alternates between first-person narrative in a diary of Dr. Theodore "Theo" Faron, an Oxford don, and the third person, still tightly focused on Theo.
It is January 2021, but the novel's events have their origin in 1995, "Year Omega". All human sperm, even frozen, "had lost its potency" and, with no scientific breakthroughs, mankind is preparing for extinction. People born in 1995 are called Omegas. "A race apart", they enjoy various prerogatives. The Omegas are beautiful (for females) and handsome (males), but spoiled, over-entitled, and egotistical because of their youth and luxurious lifestyle. They are violent, remote, and unstable. They regard elders with undisguised contempt, yet they are spared punishment due to their age. According to rumours, some countries sacrifice Omegas in fertility rituals. The last Omega ever born had just been killed in a pub brawl.
In 2006, Xan Lyppiatt, Theo's rich and charismatic cousin, appointed himself Warden of England in the last general election. As people have lost all interest in politics, Lyppiatt abolishes democracy. He is called a despot and tyrant by his opponents, but the new society is officially referred to as egalitarian.
Theo is approached by his ex-student, a woman named Julian, a member of a dissident group calling themselves the Five Fishes. Rolf, their leader and Julian's husband, is hostile; the others — Miriam (a former midwife), Gascoigne (a man from a military family), Luke (a priest), and Julian (the only other Christian of the five) — are more personable. They want Theo to approach Xan and ask for various reforms, including a return to a more democratic system. During their discussions, as Theo prepares to meet with Xan, the reader learns about the situation in the UK:
Theo's meeting, which turns out to be with the full Council of England, does not go well. Some members resent him because he resigned as Xan's advisor rather than share the responsibility of governing. Xan realises that Theo's suggestions came from others and makes clear that he will take action against dissidents if they are not "sensible".
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The Children of Men
The Children of Men is a dystopian novel by English writer P. D. James, published in 1992. Set in England in 2021, it centres on the results of mass infertility. James describes a United Kingdom that is steadily depopulating and focuses on a small group of resisters who do not share the disillusionment of the masses.
The book received very positive reviews from many critics such as Caryn James of The New York Times, who called it "wonderfully rich" and "a trenchant analysis of politics and power that speaks urgently". The academic Alan Jacobs said, "Of all James' novels, The Children of Men is probably the most pointed in its social criticism, certainly the deepest in its theological reflection."
About writing the story P. D. James said, "I thought, if there was no future, how would we behave?"
This part alternates between first-person narrative in a diary of Dr. Theodore "Theo" Faron, an Oxford don, and the third person, still tightly focused on Theo.
It is January 2021, but the novel's events have their origin in 1995, "Year Omega". All human sperm, even frozen, "had lost its potency" and, with no scientific breakthroughs, mankind is preparing for extinction. People born in 1995 are called Omegas. "A race apart", they enjoy various prerogatives. The Omegas are beautiful (for females) and handsome (males), but spoiled, over-entitled, and egotistical because of their youth and luxurious lifestyle. They are violent, remote, and unstable. They regard elders with undisguised contempt, yet they are spared punishment due to their age. According to rumours, some countries sacrifice Omegas in fertility rituals. The last Omega ever born had just been killed in a pub brawl.
In 2006, Xan Lyppiatt, Theo's rich and charismatic cousin, appointed himself Warden of England in the last general election. As people have lost all interest in politics, Lyppiatt abolishes democracy. He is called a despot and tyrant by his opponents, but the new society is officially referred to as egalitarian.
Theo is approached by his ex-student, a woman named Julian, a member of a dissident group calling themselves the Five Fishes. Rolf, their leader and Julian's husband, is hostile; the others — Miriam (a former midwife), Gascoigne (a man from a military family), Luke (a priest), and Julian (the only other Christian of the five) — are more personable. They want Theo to approach Xan and ask for various reforms, including a return to a more democratic system. During their discussions, as Theo prepares to meet with Xan, the reader learns about the situation in the UK:
Theo's meeting, which turns out to be with the full Council of England, does not go well. Some members resent him because he resigned as Xan's advisor rather than share the responsibility of governing. Xan realises that Theo's suggestions came from others and makes clear that he will take action against dissidents if they are not "sensible".