After a devastating pandemic kills off most of the male population, 'Afterland' by Lauren Beukes follows the story of Cole and her son Miles, who is one of the few remaining males immune to the virus. The novel explores their journey as they try to escape captivity in the United States and make their way back to South Africa. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including dealing with a religious cult, dodging authorities, and navigating a world where women are now in charge. The alternating points of view between Cole, Miles, and Cole's sister Billie provide insight into their struggles and motivations as they navigate a post-pandemic world.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with strong motivations, particularly Cole and Miles, while Billie serves as a conflicting force.

Writing/Prose:

The author employs a captivating, detailed writing style that maintains tension and engagement throughout the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a pandemic that kills most men, leading a mother and her immune son on a dangerous escape to freedom.

Setting:

The setting is a dystopian landscape affected by a global pandemic, primarily taking place across the United States.

Pacing:

The pacing of the narrative is swift and tense, creating an urgent atmosphere throughout the book.

“Look at me,” Cole says. “Hey.” Checking Miles’s pupils, which are still huge. Shock and fear and the drugs working their way out of his system. Scrambling to remember her first-aid training. Checklis...

Notes:

A virus causes accelerated prostate cancer, killing off most men in the world.

Women are left in charge as men become precious commodities for study and repopulation efforts.

The story follows Cole and her son Miles as they escape from a government facility in the U.S.

Cole disguises Miles as a girl to protect him during their escape.

They travel across America on a dangerous chase to reach South Africa.

The novel features a religious cult called Apologia that offers shelter and hides Cole and Miles.

The writing is described as propulsive and engaging, keeping readers invested until the end.

The book raises questions about gender identity as Miles is referred to by feminine pronouns while in disguise.

There are critiques about the treatment of race and identity in the story, particularly regarding Miles's biracial background.

The author, Lauren Beukes, is noted for her strong storytelling but some readers feel that the characters lack development.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of violence, exploitation, and trauma, warranting a medium content warning.

From The Publisher:

THE INTELLIGENT NEW POST-APOCALYPTIC THRILLER ABOUT A WOMAN FIGHTING TO SAVE HER SON

'A smartly written thriller that opens with a satisfying bang . . . splendid' STEPHEN KING

'Powerful and intelligent' GUARDIAN

'A major, major talent' GEORGE R.R. MARTIN

A WORLD OF WOMEN

A MOTHER AND SON ON THE RUN

Three years after a virus wiped out most men on earth, Cole's son, Miles, is one of the rare survivors.

Yet in this changed world, there are women who would kill to get their hands on that most prized commodity - a living boy.

Getting Miles to safety means crossing America with deadly pursuers hot on their heels - including Cole's own sister, Billie.

But if there are some who will commit any crime to possess Miles, Cole must face some terrible choices to protect her son . . .

The powerful and intelligent new thriller from the author of Richard and Judy bestseller The Shining Girls and the prize-winning Zoo City

Included in 'Best Books of Summer 2020' in Elle, Entertainment Weekly, Publisher's Weekly and Oprah Magazine

'Bowstring-taut, visceral, and incredibly timely: Beukes's plague-tale is a parable about the glory and terror of Americanism in times of calamity' Cory Doctorow

'A fast-moving thriller [that] splices gut-punching action sequences and feminist gender politics with an impressively light touch. Bubbles with big ideas. This intelligent speculative novel about a pandemic feels alarmingly close to home' Metro

'Afterland is that rare creature, a ripping tale that neither shies away from big questions nor interesting answers' New Scientist

'Lauren Beukes is a writer with a startling imagination, and a masterful ability to rewrite the rules of whatever genre she turns to' Ben Winters, author of Underground Airlines and Golden State

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About the Author:

Lauren Beukes is the award-winning and internationally best-selling South African author of The Shining Girls, Zoo City and Broken Monsters, among other works. Her novels have been published in 24 countries and are being adapted for film and TV. She's also a screenwriter, comics writer journalist and award-winning documentary maker. She lives in Cape Town, South Africa with her daughter and two troublesome cats.

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Afterland

Lauren Beukes