The Children of Men

The Children of Men is a dystopian novel by English writer P. D. James, published in 1992. The story takes place in England in 2021 and explores the consequences of global infertility. James depicts a United Kingdom whose population is steadily declining, and the narrative follows a small band of resisters who do not share the widespread despair.

The book was well received by critics. Caryn James of The New York Times described it as "wonderfully rich" and "a trenchant analysis of politics and power that speaks urgently." Academic Alan Jacobs noted that among James's novels, this one is "probably the most pointed in its social criticism, certainly the deepest in its theological reflection." James herself said of writing the story, "I thought, if there was no future, how would we behave?"

**Plot**

**Book One: Omega**

This section shifts between first-person diary entries from Dr. Theodore "Theo" Faron, an Oxford don, and third-person narration that stays close to Theo's perspective.

The story begins in January 2021, but the crisis started in 1995, called "Year Omega." All human sperm, even frozen, had lost its ability to fertilize, and with no scientific solution, humanity is preparing for extinction. People born in 1995 are known as Omegas. They are considered "a race apart" and enjoy special privileges. Omegas are physically attractive—beautiful women and handsome men—but are spoiled, entitled, and egotistical due to their youth and luxurious lifestyle. They are violent, distant, and unstable, treating older people with open contempt while being exempt from punishment because of their age. Rumors claim some countries sacrifice Omegas in fertility rituals. The last Omega ever born had just been killed in a pub brawl.

In 2006, Xan Lyppiatt, Theo's wealthy and charismatic cousin, made himself Warden of England during the final general election. With the public losing interest in politics, Lyppiatt ended democracy. Opponents call him a despot and tyrant, but the regime officially describes itself as egalitarian.

Theo is approached by Julian, a former student and member of a dissident group called the Five Fishes. Her husband Rolf, the group's leader, is hostile, while the others—Miriam (a former midwife), Gascoigne (from a military family), Luke (a priest), and Julian (the only other Christian among them)—are more approachable.