The Children of Men
by P.D. James
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Book Reviews of The Children of Men
Book Review: It's a book, not a film, please
Summary: 5 Stars
I'll admit that I am in the middle of reading this book, and thus base my five stars on only a portion; in the unlikely event I feel differently after I've read the whole book, I'll amend my review.
So far, I'm completely enthralled. This is a deeply disturbing story, very vividly told.
I've also seen the movie, which I thought engrossing and very well-made. But the reason I'm writing this now, before having finished the book, is to express my dismay at those reviewers who insist on comparing the book to the film. The book came first. It stands on its own merits, independent of any adaptation, faithful or loose (as is the movie), derived from it. It's really meaningless to say "the book isn't as good as the movie" because the book came first. It's also rather meaningless to express the opposite opinion, to the effect that the movie "ruined the book," because, to paraphrase Stephen King, the movie and the book are separate entities, and the book is unchanged by the existence of a movie derived from it.
I would suggest that if you want to review the book, this is the place to do it, but if you want to review the movie, go to the DVD section.
And so far, this is an amazing book.
Book Review: Not believable, but entertaining
Summary: 3 Stars
There were things about this book that dated it - the lack of a cloning attempt, for one. But my biggest problem with the story was the idea that sex without the possibility of procreation was... uninteresting to people. That the government was funding adult entertainment just to try to keep people interested. And I don't think the book needed this plot point that was relentlessly rammed down your throat at every turn. It was, in fact, a bit insulting. If sex is just about procreation, and without the ability people lose interest, what about people who are sterile or choose not to have children? And what about homosexuality? Is the author implying that they have no reason to have sex? This is obviously not at all true, and that section of the story just needs to be cut - it wouldn't hurt the good part of the story in the least.
The good part, the power struggle and the slightly ambiguous end, were masterfully done with James's usual flair and attention to detail. The characters weren't as likeable or understandable as they are in the Dauglish series, but they were still relatively well done, and the plot was nicely paced with the right number of unexpected twists and turns.
Book Review: A P.D. James Worldview Primer
Summary: 4 Stars
Very intriguing concept and she does a great job making it believable. The first half is fantastic, the second a bit plodding and slow and even more far-fetched. But, there are dozens of memorable sentences and observations. Def. worth reading in advance of seeing the movie which just opened. James is a thoughtful Anglican, and this is one of her more explicitly Christian novels, though not in the "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life" sort of way. The Children of Men, among other things, shows the futility of life without some redemptive eschatology, without future grace and judgment, by portraying characters who do and do not possess a worldview with such components. I am sure that the movie will move this into the background in favor of something more palatable, like the tyranny of dogmatic leaders or the dangers of the loss of civil liberties. Certainly, these are valid concerns and apropos to our present political situation, but they are secondary issues in the book. And, the book is written by a Brit, not an American, and its 14 years old, so making these latter concerns preeminent would seem to me rather presumptive and anachronistic. - blogophobe -Book Review: A Eulogy for Mankind
Summary: 4 Stars
I have been reading P.D. James for over twenty years and enjoy her writing style. In Children of Men, the author has created a dystopic vision of a futuristic society that is childless, hopeless, devoid of faith and belief.
Mankind is facing oblivion because worldwide, women are unable to conceive and as a result not one baby has been born in over twenty years. Inasmuch as there are no children to care for and no future to hope or, the spark of life is gradually extinguishing, resulting in the rise of dictatorial, dogmatic leaders.
Comparison the book against the movie version is a true disservice to the novel. A movie is based upon the ideas outlined in the book and is not exact representation of the author's creation. Each medium stands upon its own merits and I found both versions to be entertaining, engrossing and well-executed.
P.D James is a vivid and descriptive storyteller who is thorough in her presentation of the subject matter. Children of Men is as intriguing, disturbing, engrossing, and compelling as Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World. Very nicely done and highly recommended.
Book Review: The Book vs The Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
The Children of Men, by P.D. James, the book on which the recent film was based, is a dire what-if tale of a world without a future, caused by sudden, inexplicable universal sterility. The story unfolds twenty-five years after the last baby was born, around a middle-aged university professor in London, who had become detached from life and humanity far before this crisis. Through his journal entries the reader learns how society is dying: the emergent pathologies, the devolutions, the apathy. One day, however, a compelling young woman crosses his path and captures his attention. This is where the story takes off.
The basic premise of the book and film are the same (worldwide inability to procreate); however, James tells a much better, a much more psychologically and emotionally haunting story. I saw the movie first and thought that it was a pretty good story and well-acted (by Michael Caine, Clive Owen, Julianne Moore) despite the pro-illegal sob-story subplot. Then I read the book and thought, this a great and provocative story as is - can stand alone, without the Hollywood political posturing.