The Children of Men ~ P D James

In the not too far distant future there have been no children born for the past 25 years.


The few clusters of people left living in the country are encouraged to move into the cities as Xan Liappiate the despot Warden of England can only guarantee essential services to those areas as the years start to roll on.

As the human race prepares itself for extinction people are encourage to learn new skills such as medical, electrical, and engineering to ensure the continuation of essential services until the end.

Young men and women are required to attend testing facilities to see if they are fertile on a regular basis, but only those of intelligence and good health are selected for this.

The elderly are encouraged to attend a ‘Quietus’ which although implied as being a voluntary mass suicide becomes enforced and regulated.

Theodore Faron, Dr of Philosophy, a middle aged solitary man decides to keep a diary on the day of the death of the worlds youngest person, who has died in a pub brawl in Buenos Aires. Burdened with the guilt that he was responsible for the accidental death of his toddler daughter which then resulted in the break down of his marriage, he is also the cousin and ex adviser to Xan Lippiate.

Whilst starting his diary and preparing his life for what few joys remain to him in the way of culture and travel he has a chance encounter with an ex student which will change his life and that of the world forever – her name is Julian and she is expecting a baby.

This novel asks many questions, mainly about power, and definitely gives you food for thought.

 If another country found a cure would they share it with the rest of the world, and if so at what price?

 If this baby is the only baby to ever be born, how will it survive its later years on it’s own?

 Is it right that only those who are of good breeding are tested for fertility?

Although the subject matter is serious and almost despondent in a way, there were some light hearted moments such as a church christening – of cats! The pregnancy and birth of domestic creatures becomes revered and a time to celebrate although also with its own rules and regulations. Whilst the schools and playgrounds slip into disrepair “Neighbours” is in vogue once again as the elderly enjoy a show that is full of young and vibrant people.

I did feel that PD James was not able to correctly convey the thoughts and feelings of a 50 year old male, and some of her observations were a little ‘archaic’. However it is a fascinating read, and a departure from the genre of other novels that I have read by this author.