Monday
Mar262007
Monday, March 26, 2007 at 12:14PM Mini-review: Children of Men by PD James (audiobook)
The Children of Men by PD James was actually published back in 1993 and the story is set in 2021. The basic premise is that no human babies have been born since 1995 (for 25 years). This is an interesting premise, but the book was disappointing. Obviously such an situation would would have many consequences, most of them bad. James concentrates on the psychological consequences, which fine, but the problem is that none of the characters, including the narrator and the younger woman he falls in love with, are engaging.The plot becomes rather predictable. Instead of finding myself sitting in the car wanting hear more, I found myself procrastinating. Finally I forced myself to listen to the last hour. I won't give away the end, but I will say that it did not change my overall disappointment.
I haven't seen the movie so I do not know if they changed anything significant. Unfortunately, this is the first PD James book I have read and I do not feel inclined to read more. If any of you have read more PD James, please leave a comment comparing this to her other work.
Reader Comments (9)
I'm very curious what you'll think of the movie. It was one of the most memorable of the year for me. And it's technically brilliant. Hopefully reading the book first doesn't spoil it for you. (I haven't read the book, or any others by P.D. James.)
Thank you for posting your comment about "The Children of Men." I actually read the book because of all the good things I heard about the movie. I'll get back to you when I have seen the movie.
As for the movie being spoiled by the book, I usually like to read the book first and take the chance, because to me its hard to read the book with my own imagination if I have already seen the movie.
I haven't read _Children of Men_, but I've read most of P.D. James's Adam Dalgliesh series. Honestly, I was very surprised to hear that the book was adapted from a P.D. James novel. It seems quite unlike her series on the surface. The Adam Dalgliesh novels are British procedurals, but very focused on the psychological motivations of each character. That's what sounds the same from your description -- that inner focus on each character. I'd recommend her books, but everyone's reading tastes are different!
I do want to give her writing another chance.
If I wanted to try the Adam Dalgliesh series, should I start at the beginning or is there one you think is particularly outstanding?
You really should see the movie. It's a great film, especially on a technical level (expecially cinematography). While the story wasn't as strong as it might have been, I think your concerns have been addressed. It's really a look into a dystopian future which seems not too distant or unrealistic (despite probably never coming to pass in this way). The film has been very much informed by 9/11 and the years after, which obviously the book couldn't be. Check it out, it's one of my top movies from 2006 (maybe even #1).
I just tried to watch the movie and I didn't make it very far. While the cinematography is definitely impressive, I actually too dystopian, and the 9/11 influence was down right oppressive.
I know many of my fellow science fiction fans really loved this movie, I didn't watch the whole thing because I didn't feel I was going to come away with any new ideas.
Perhaps if I hadn't already read the book my curiosity would have compelled me to watch the entire film.
By the way, I enjoy the film reviews on your website (http://www.p-pricken.de" rel="nofollow">http://www.p-pricken.de), although the translations from German sometimes are a little garbled. Your review was actually one of the reasons I tried to watch the movie.
Heh. The translations show how not-far we've actually become in computer tools. Especially when I try to be creative with language, they come up with hilarious things.
Thanks for the link, and I'm flattered that someone actually took my advice. Well, considering the outcome, I guess it was the last time you did... (j/k) I can understand if someone feels this movie is too dark or dystopian for one's tastes.
HERE BEGIN SPOILER
After all, everybody dies in the end (except the formerly pregnant woman and her child).
Since you didn't see the movie to the end, the (to me) most poignant scene was when The woman had been taken by the rebels, and Clive Owen rescues here during a fight between rebels and military. He does, and as he comes out of the beleaguered building, everybody stops what he or she's doing and just stares at the baby, dumbfounded. Some mutter a prayer, but they go unhindered by the military. And then, just as they're past the frontline, someone fires a gun, and the military starts shooting again, bringing out the rocket launchers. They all just saw what must seem like a miracle to them, and a second later they're killing each other again for stupid reasons.
by the way, http://www.p-pricken.de/?p=519" rel="nofollow">this is the direct link to my review of Children of Men.
Sounds like it ends a little differently than the book, but not in a significant way.
Actually, just because I didn't like this movie doesn't mean I won't see more that you like. I look forward to your reviews.