The Children of Men by P.D. James is a dystopian novel set in recent times, in a world in which human fertility has failed and no more children have been born for 25 years.   The spirit of the people has been broken and as the population decreases, a universal malaise sets in.    Democracy fails and a dictator (Warden) rules, supported by State Police.    Criminals are sent to penal colonies for life, immigrants are put into service to support the work usually done by younger people, and suicide is indirectly supported by the state.    There is little opposition and any open criticism is met with a harsh hand.   The main character (Theo) is an Oxford Historian.    The early part of the story is slow as it follows Theo and it isn’t until he is approached by a former female student that the story moves along.    A small revolt has begun and Theo supports humanitarian efforts, but gets caught up in the conflict and the inevitable crack down.    It appears that the small revolt will be crushed and all rebels eliminated, except that an unexpected “miracle” occurs which changes everything.

This is a speculative fiction story that asks the question of how Society would change if there were no more children being born.   Themes of loss, hope, faith, power, and the human spirit are wound through the narrative.    It is a discouraging tale for most of the chapters, but some hope is provided at the end.

A recommended book, but readers will need patience and some inner strength to finish this fine book.   (4.6 stars/5)