The Children of Men by P.D. James Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Children of Men
Book Review: Food for thought
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw the trailer for the movie first, and thought that I had better read the book before I saw the movie. I read the entire book in 4 days, and with a 3 year old, that is a feat that could only be accomplished by writing that makes you hungry to read more. There is so much beauty in this book, even though it speaks of the end of mankind as we know it. The main character, Theo, changes completely from a man who has lost all hope and feeling, to a man with strength of heart who, even in "middle age" learns to love and to allow himself to be loved. The book is fabulous, from beginning to end. Book Review: Good but certainly no "1984"
Summary: 3 Stars
I recommended this novel for our book club based on the recommendation of a colleague who had read it and then seen the film. Mind you, I have had mixed reactions to other books by PD James, but I undertook this novel with a somewhat open mind and positive expectations. First of all, PD James writes beautifully. It is almost a pleasure to read this book from the standpoint of its structure and power of description. The book is what I would call a "dystopic" novel--like Orwell's more famous "1984" or Wells' "Brave New World,"--as it attempts to describe a future that is not very pleasant and a "dictatorial" government (personified here as the all-powerful "Xan))interferes with even the most personal aspects of human life. The novel's premise, that mankind is on the way to oblivion because human reproduction inexplicably and suddenly has grinded to a halt--is very disturbing and thought-provoking. (One wonders why there has been no further attempts at human cloning?) There are some very disturbing scenes in the first half ("Omega") of the book,including a scene where one middle-aged woman "assaults" the surrogate doll-baby of a "mother." The "Quietus"--an alleged volunteer group suidide of the elderly--is equally shocking. However, this is also a story about a 50 year-old university professor who learns how to love under the most difficult of circumstances. It is at this level, however, and at the level of the characters in the book, that I felt most disappointed. They never seem to be fully fleshed out. As a result, the second half ("Alpha") doesn't seem to deliver the goods. And though well written, the book falls a bit hollow and flat with none of the resonance of "1984." Book Review: Dystopic Future
Summary: 3 Stars
Differs somewhat from the Britain portrayed in the movie. Way to personaly reflective at some points. Otherwise well written.Book Review: Excellent book
Summary: 4 Stars
I have to admit, I'd never heard of this book before the Clive Owen movie was made. I saw one trailer and decided I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. I was not disappointed and I can't wait to see the movie now.Book Review: The importance of being a baby
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an excellent sci-fi film in an age and genre full of computurized plots and gizmos. It emphasizes the importance of man (after all, without him what is it all for?) and yet his vulnerability. It depicts an age in which babies are a thing of the past, until one girl turns up pregnant. She becomes the focul point of a struggle that is fast-paced and yet thougtful. You can't relax during this film and you can't help thinking what if. Enhanced with Good performances by all.