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goesbyhenry 's review for:
The Children of Men
by P.D. James
Reading this for the first time in 2024, it is perhaps impossible to review this novel without mentioning the sublime, near-perfect 2006 film adaptation by Alfonso Cuáron. It's regarded as one of the finest films of the 21st century, rightfully so; it's gorgeously shot, well-acted, tight and taut and thrilling, instantly unforgettable. I love that movie.
Having said that, it has little to do with this book, except possibly from the basic premise.
The characterization of the protagonist, Theo, is the polar opposite of that in the film. Here, he is calculating to the point of apathy. A main criticism of this novel, one that I find frankly laughable, is that Theo is not likable enough. It is a bleak, dying world. I don't need my main character to be likeable; I would rather have him be realistic.
The pacing is much slower, but I didn't find that dull at all; P. D. James compensates for the lack of action by giving us line after line of beautiful writing, taking us deeper into Theo's psyche and therefore into the world he's inhabiting. Once the action picks up, it builds and builds, and I wasn't able to put it down during the last hundred pages.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
(P. S. That book cover is horrendous. Goodreads, please change it.)
Having said that, it has little to do with this book, except possibly from the basic premise.
The characterization of the protagonist, Theo, is the polar opposite of that in the film. Here, he is calculating to the point of apathy. A main criticism of this novel, one that I find frankly laughable, is that Theo is not likable enough. It is a bleak, dying world. I don't need my main character to be likeable; I would rather have him be realistic.
The pacing is much slower, but I didn't find that dull at all; P. D. James compensates for the lack of action by giving us line after line of beautiful writing, taking us deeper into Theo's psyche and therefore into the world he's inhabiting. Once the action picks up, it builds and builds, and I wasn't able to put it down during the last hundred pages.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
(P. S. That book cover is horrendous. Goodreads, please change it.)