The End Of Men - Christina Sweeney-Baird

Genre: Dystopian | Science Fiction | Speculative Fiction

Released: 27th April 2021

Publisher: Doubleday Canada

CW: Death, Illness, Infant Death, Fertility.

Only men carry the virus. Only women can save us.

The year is 2025. In a Glaswegian Hospital, Dr Amanda Maclean gets a call like the countless others that day - a young man who came in with a mild fever. It should've been simple treatment, but he was dead within hours.

There's barely any time to figure out the cause before this mystery virus ravages its way through the hospital, infecting every man it crosses. This isn't like anything the world has seen before, and even though Dr Maclean tries to raise the alarm it's too late - the Illness has started spreading like wildfire across the globe, leaving women to try and find their way in the ashes of civil unrest and decimation left behind.

Is this the end of the world, or the start of a new one?

"I've noticed when people talk about 'people' they say 'women' now."

The End Of Men is told from multiple perspectives from just before 'Day Zero' of the virus all the way through - Following not just Dr Maclean as she tries to navigate her terrifying discovery but the other Doctors, Scientists, Politicians, Journalists and just regular women who are all trying to deal with the impact. Each character was masterfully crafted, the true definition of a strong female lead - each one so unique and memorable for their own reasons. The characters were the star of this show - their development was the driving force behind this masterpiece. Despite the constant changes in time, country and perspective - this book flowed seamlessly and was easy to follow.

Immersive and gripping, I was instantly thrown into the dystopian world Christina has created. Speculating on the aftermath of a world without men; the issues with male-dominated workforces, fertility concerns, and having to reconsider the way a large amount of the population think about family but also the possibilities that practically resetting the world could bring.

Despite being set in a global pandemic, this was actually originally concieved two years before the COVID-19 outbreak - but it handles the concept tastefully and respectfully. Also it makes me slightly concerned Christina is psychic and I'm going to have a keep an eye on whatever she does next just in case.

A compelling exploration into humanity and hope, with little pockets of wickedly clever humour - this is a classic in the making.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This review is published without influence from the publishers or author and is based on my own opinion.

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