The Children of Men
I picked up this book at the library so I could read it before I saw the movie, and I am so glad I did. I’ve never read any of Ms. James’ work before, and although she is not publicized as a Christian author, her Christian world-view comes through in her writing.
This book vividly demonstrates what happens when humankind vales sex more for pleasure than for procreation, when they value pleasure and comfort over justice and mercy, when they seek for perfection and despise human frailty. It is not an easy read, in the sense that it is disheartening to read such a clear picture of what humankind is capable of if left to it’s own designs.
The book opens in 2021. It has been 25 years since the Omega, the name given to the last year that included any human births. No babies have been born or conceived since. Doctors and scientists have exhausted all resources in their search for a reason for this phenomenon, as well as a solution. All efforts have failed, and the human race has accepted the fact that it is dying out.
The book is told in two ways: through the journal entries of “Theodore Faron, Doctor of Philosophy, Fellow of Merton College in the University of Oxford, historian of the Victorian age, divorced, childless, solitary, whose only claim to notice is that he is cousin to Xan Lyppiatt, the dictator and Warden of England…” and through third-person narration following Theo’s experiences with a subversive group known as The Five Fishes.
I don’t want to give too much of the plot away to those of you who are planning to read this book or see the film, but I will say that Ms. James gives a strong argument for valuing each and every human life. I am now a little reluctant to watch the movie, because I will be surprised if that message comes through.
4 stars out of 5
Sounds interesting. I’ve placed it on my list.
February 5th, 2007 at 5:19 amSounds creepy… *Chuckle*
February 5th, 2007 at 6:05 amI enjoyed the movie althought there were a few obvious holes in the plotline. Honestly, I didn’t know that the story originated from a book! I would definitly like to read it!
February 5th, 2007 at 7:01 amI saw the movie, but have not read the book. I’m afraid that a lot that you are picking up from the book on Christian values is not really in the movie.
OTH, it is one of the best movies that I’ve seen in a while and is ‘in your face’ stark. It will leave you thinking about human nature and motivations.
February 5th, 2007 at 9:46 amJodi - I think you’ll enjoy it.
Lisa - and I don’t think you would!
Randi - it will be interesting to see if the holes in the plotline of the movie are because they didn’t stick to the book.
Meg - I’m looking forward to seeing the movie, but I’m assuming that the message will be watered down. But Clive Owen - I couldn’t not see it!
February 5th, 2007 at 11:31 amI just dove into PD James last summer. I have enjoyed several books on tape from our library. They have Children of Men but it didn’t appeal to me at first glance. But I’m more intrigued now. I came to love Lord of the Rings late in life (in my late 30s).
Who is Clive Owen?
February 5th, 2007 at 1:42 pmCarol - This book isn’t what I would consider sci-fi, even though it is futuristic. It’s extremely well-written, not like the “pulp sci-fi” I used to read in college. And I just added a new post to answer your question.
February 5th, 2007 at 1:55 pmI’ll be checking into this book. I almost saw the movie but thought it would be too offensive. Now I’m intrigued.
February 10th, 2007 at 12:29 amI just finished the book last weekend. I agree it’s not really sci-fi- more like distopian fiction.
Very thought-provoking.
February 10th, 2007 at 9:37 amI might have to put this on my TBR list. Thanks for the review!
February 10th, 2007 at 4:37 pmRicMama, Deput Headmistress, and 3M - thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments.
February 11th, 2007 at 5:29 pm[…] 1. Carrie (Children of Men)2. Carrie (Happiness Sold Separately)3. RicMama (Flannery Reprieve)4. Kevin Stilley (Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning)5. Kevin Stilley (Monster Blood)6. Krakovianka (Death at the Dolphin)7. Krakovianka (potpourri of current reading)8. Stephen (The Book Thief)9. Sage (Crossing to Safety)10. Ruth (Recent Readalouds)11. Ruth (The Constant Princess)12. 3M (Silas Marner)13. Blest (The Man Born To Be King)14. Cathy (Lizzie’s War)15. Heather(Gone Away Lake)16. Eileen (With Love, Libby)17. MFS (Piano Lessons) […]
February 17th, 2007 at 7:57 pm[…] Last month, I read and reviewed the book Children of Men by P. D. James. I knew the movie was coming out (starring one of my favorites - Clive Owen), and I wanted to read the book first. Unfortunately, I think I would have enjoyed the movie much more if I hadn’t. […]
March 25th, 2007 at 2:08 pm