In the years after the Final War, the Council of Women decide to secede from men. They create a world of their own away from men, where they can raise their children without fear. Once a year men may visit briefly to procreate. Boys are sent to the Land of Men when they reach puberty. At eleven, Bergman was sent across the sea and placed with his fathers, Spencer and Harris. Years later, he meets Hastings at the Beach Festival, an annual event for young men. It’s love at first sight for Bergman. But the course of true love never runs smoothly. In time Hastings desires a son, a subject Bergman paid little thought to. Yet their son Taylor brings great joy to their lives. Life is further complicated when Hastings is chosen to travel to the Land of Women to father children. He wants to accept, but Bergman can’t understand why he would consider going. Isn’t he happy with what he already has? If he goes, what will that do to their relationship? To their future? Is this a betrayal, or is it something else?

In the Land of Men

“Passed on.” Bergman’s eyes became misty. He looked up at the ceiling, blinking his eyes. “Everyone in the story, apart from me, has passed on. You think it’s remarkable I’ve lived so long, and I’d have to agree. But it’s also lonely. Extremely lonely. Desperatelylonely sometimes.”


Bergman shook his head. “Not people I grew up with, or even people I grew old with. Even my son, Taylor, has gone. No, the loneliness I feel can’t be remedied. I’m lonely for my friends, for my fathers, even for times gone by when life was exciting, but most of all I’m lonely for Hastings.”


Tears slipped down the old man’s cheeks and Sawyer hurried to offer him a piece of cloth to wipe his eyes with.


“Not really. There’s someone I’m interested in, though.”


Bergman continued dabbing at his tears. “I can only hope the man you choose loves you as completely as Hastings loved me.”


Chapter 9