scoopy_poo 's review for:

The Children of Men by P.D. James

3.0

emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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This is basically 2 books in 1. First 2/3s of the book are a beautiful, bleak, and poetic reflection on depression and regret. Very slow-moving and dives deep into main character Theo's thoughts on his past and the world around him. The last 1/3 of the book turns into a generic chase-thriller; almost as if it were a different book entirely. It basically just describes the main characters trying to survive and escape the enemies chasing them. Much faster-paced. I found it very drawn-out with nothing new or interesting to add, and I only finished the book in the hopes that it would return to the more reflective writing from the earlier parts, only to be disappointed. First part of the book is some of the best literature I've ever read; last part is mostly forgettable in my opinion.

Very different from the movie, which almost flips these 2 sections. The movie doesn't dwell very much on Theo's inner thoughts, but rather shows the bleakness and desperation of the world around them through the survival section of the story.