A very frightening, chilling tale about how mankind reacts to the knowledge of its sure extinction. What was most disturbing to me was how quickly the human race devolved into a group of uncaring, bored, apathetic, selfish, savage creatures in such a short time with the horrifying realization that there was no hope whatsoever that humankind would continue to inhabit the earth when the present population was gone. It made me wonder what the tiny thread of hope is that we cling to that keeps us (at least in our own minds) from being no better than savage animals. Is it faith? knowledge? prosperity? For we know that when things such as these are missing (Darfur, for example) we really are savages.

A good read. Frightening, but worthy of reading.

From Publishers Weekly :
In her 12th book, the British author of the two series featuring Adam Dalgleish and Cordelia Gray ( Devices and Desires and An Unsuitable Job for a Woman , respectively) poses a premise that chills and darkens its setting in the year 2021. Near the end of the 20th century, for reasons beyond the grasp of modern science, human sperm count went to zero. The last birth occurred in 1995, and in the space of a generation humanity has lost its future. In England, under the rule of an increasingly despotic Warden, the infirm are encouraged to commit group suicide, criminals are exiled and abandoned and immigrants are subjected to semi-legalized slavery. Divorced, middle-aged Oxford history professor Theo Faron, an emotionally constrained man of means and intelligence who is the Warden's cousin, plods through an ordered, bleak existence. But a chance involvement with a group of dissidents moves him onto unexpected paths, leading him, in the novel's compelling second half, toward risk, commitment and the joys and anguish of love. In this convincingly detailed world--where kittens are (illegally) christened, sex has lost its allure and the arts have been abandoned--James concretely explores an unthinkable prospect. Readers should persevere through the slow start, for the rewards of this story, including its reminder of the transforming power of hope, are many and lasting. 125,000 first printing; BOMC main selection.

WAY better than the movie, this is a book about hope. PD James explores life without children, despair, faith, selfishness, and love. It's a short read -- less than 200 pages, but powerful with messages and ideas that will stay with you. Great book.

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The book wasn't as great as the movie was due to its lackluster ending and lack of real depth for the characters. It was hard to care for anyone in the book besides Theo. The book was still good and shined the light a lot more on the culture of the time but failed to build up as much suspense or emotion as the movie did.

Decent apocalyptic science fiction by an exceptional mystery writer.

New movin coming out in 2007 with Clive Owen.
The year is 2021 and the world is in dispair. No children have been born since 1995. gripping futuristic story.

Dystopia with a very British sense of character development. Have not read any other PD James - but this is a very good start!

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