The Children of Men
by P.D. James
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Book Reviews of The Children of Men
Book Review: Great potential, but disappointing
Summary: 3 Stars
There is a lot to like about this book, including the premise and the literary, expressive writing style, which I enjoyed. The plot moves along and a decent clip, with some interesting diversions into Theo's past.
My biggest complaint is Theo himself. He just isn't all that compelling, and in fact, he's easy to dislike: self-absorbed (although he knows it) and, well, dull.
I also disliked the ending, which I won't give away here. Suffice it to say, it felt like a cop-out and, in my view, came somewhat out of left field.
So while I enjoyed the act of reading the book, in the end I found it disappointing.
The movie is completely different--and actually better, in my opinion.
Book Review: Perspective in Children of Men
Summary: 4 Stars
P. D. James' novel, Children of Men is quite different from the film in that the action is, particularly in the first section (Omega), very internal and driven from the point of view of Theo, the protagonist. The chapters alternate from first person to third person. The reader is thus more or less experiencing the action from Theo's perspective. In the novel, the narrative is very internal. In the film, although the viewer shares Theo's perspective in a number of ways, the narrative is more external. I recommend reading the novel and viewing the film, as different experiences. The film is an action film but the novel, although less so, is very taut. James is a strong stylist and the book is a good read.Book Review: Gret concept, great plot, poor execution
Summary: 3 Stars
Children of Men has a very intriguing concept and a solid plotline. And yet enjoyment of a book stems as well from the execution. The style of writing and the treatment of the main character bog down this book. I knew where the story was headed, I wanted to see the plot unfold, but I was constantly frustrated having to wade through paragraph after paragraph of drivel. Drivel that can only spout from history professors. While the author has done a great job of showing the inner mindset and trips down memory lane of a middle aged history professor, the inner working of this particular history professor are not very interesting, and detract from the book reading experience.Book Review: An interesting--but not compelling--read
Summary: 3 Stars
The premise--the impending extinction of the human race because it can no longer reproduce itself--is interesting. The prospect of mass calamity, whether through disease or war, is not so remote, and James's imaginings about how human beings would behave in such a situation are the best part of this novel. However, the characters themselves are rather thinly drawn, and the plot devices for bringing the novel to a close are too apparent. The novel, however, is far superior to the film, which is pretty bad. If this subject interests you, read Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," a truly compelling novel. McCarthy's style is far more suitable to a contemplation of apocalypse.Book Review: disquieting distopia
Summary: 3 Stars
P. D. James has a very particular style, it may be slow sometimes, but she succeed in creating a convincing atmosphere, and conveying disquieting and dreary feelings. This book depict the life of a lonely middle aged profesor, who has to deal with guilt and the lack of a real purpose in life. In a dying world, when no new babies were born for 25 years, and people take their pets or dolls in perambulators, this man leads a similar melancholy and sad existence, until he finds a group of people who still have ideals, and want to fight for a better world, and revolution. I enjoyed the book. I liked it better than the movie (wich is no bad in any way).