The Children of Men

by P.D. James, P. D. James
The Children of Men cover
Good Books rating 3.81
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 4997
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2026-02-06
  • ISBN: 9780571248681
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2008-11-20
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Set in a grim future where humanity is on the brink of extinction, P.D. James' 'The Children of Men' explores a world under the oppressive rule of Xan Lyppiatt. Theo Faren, a cousin of the Warden, lives a secluded life until he meets a young woman who draws him into a group of dissenters. This encounter forces Theo to confront choices that could alter the course of human history. /n/n The novel delves into themes of despair, cruelty, and the struggle for survival in a world devoid of hope. James' masterful storytelling and atmospheric prose create a chilling vision of a future that is both haunting and thought-provoking. The book was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2006, directed by Alfonso Cuarón.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2026-02-06
thought-provoking 4.75

The book is well-written and poignant, encouraging readers to think about diverse themes. It is a thought-provoking and engaging read that leaves a lasting impact.

This review praises the novel for its well-crafted writing and poignant storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to tackle a wide range of themes, from euthanasia to the nature of hope, in a thought-provoking manner. The novel's engaging narrative and well-developed characters make it a compelling read, and the reviewer finds it to be a deeply impactful story. The atmosphere of despair and the struggle for hope are particularly striking, and the reviewer commends the author for creating a world that is both bleak and thought-provoking. Despite the darkness, the reviewer finds the novel to be a powerful and engaging exploration of the human condition.

Quick quotes

    The book has numerous good points being well-written, often poignant and always encouraging the reader to think about diverse themes.

    It is a thought-provoking and engaging read that leaves a lasting impact.

    The atmosphere of despair and the struggle for hope are particularly striking.

AllSciFiAllTheTime · 2025-10-22
compelling 4.50

The novel is praised for its suspenseful storytelling and insightful characterization, creating a compelling dystopian world. The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to explore themes of hope and despair in a bleak future.

This reviewer really enjoyed the novel, highlighting its suspenseful storytelling and insightful characterization. They appreciate how the novel creates a compelling dystopian world that explores themes of hope and despair. The reviewer also notes that the novel's exploration of a world without children is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Overall, they find the novel to be a powerful and engaging read that stays with the reader long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    James's trademark suspense, insightful characterization, and riveting storytelling

    The Children of Men is a story of a world with no children and no future

    A story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant

Telescoper Blog · 2024-04-28
heavy-handed 2.50

The reviewer finds the novel heavy-handed and overly didactic, with too much sermonizing. They appreciate the allegorical elements but find the execution flawed.

This reviewer had a more critical take on the novel, finding it heavy-handed and overly didactic. They appreciate the allegorical elements and the themes explored, but feel that the execution is flawed. The reviewer notes that the novel verges on being a sort of allegory, but the heavy-handed approach detracts from the overall impact. They also mention that the novel's exploration of a world without children is thought-provoking, but the execution falls short of the mark.

Quick quotes

    I found it rather heavy-handed, with too much sermonizing

    While Book 1 verges on a sort of allegory, no doubt inspired by the author's own ...

    The novel's exploration of a world without children is thought-provoking

Patrick Treardon · 2016-10-19
desolate 3.50

The novel is described as profoundly desolate, with a dark and bleak tone. The reviewer appreciates the novel's exploration of hope despite its dark themes.

This reviewer found the novel to be profoundly desolate, with a dark and bleak tone that permeates the story. They appreciate the novel's exploration of hope despite its dark themes, noting that the author's attempt to find hope in a bleak world is commendable. The reviewer also highlights the novel's exploration of a world without children as both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Overall, they find the novel to be a powerful and engaging read that stays with the reader long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    This is one profoundly desolate novel

    James had no business at all conjuring up a feel-good conclusion

    I think she wanted to find hope despite her dark ...

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