38 pages • 1 hour read
P. D. JamesThe Children of Men
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Children of Men by P. D. James is a dystopian novel set in 2021 after a mass infertility epidemic threatens human extinction. Oxford professor Theo Faron, whose cousin Xan Lyppiatt governs England, encounters Julian from the rebel group Five Fishes, who oppose Xan’s regime. Theo agrees to help the group, leading to dangerous conflicts and revelations. The story is narrated via Theo's diary entries and an omniscient narrator.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Children of Men by P. D. James is praised for its rich, evocative prose and thought-provoking, dystopian narrative, which explores themes of infertility, hope, and societal collapse. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the character development lacking. Overall, its compelling plot and imaginative world-building captivate most readers.
Who Should Read The Children of Men?
Readers who enjoy thought-provoking dystopian fiction with deep philosophical questions will appreciate The Children of Men by P. D. James. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 or Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale will be drawn to its exploration of societal collapse and human resilience.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction
Action / Adventure
British Literature
Climate Change
Depression / Suicide
Grief / Death
Emotions/Behavior: Apathy
Emotions/Behavior: Hope
Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness