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

“Isn’t that great news?” he said encouraging me with his eyes to agree.


Pushing my own selfishness to one side I managed a smile. “It’s…fantastic.” I got up and hugged him. “We’ll miss you more than oxygen.”


“I haven’t applied yet so it could be weeks or even months before I leave.” 9: Another Break


“We’re going to have to leave it there,” said Bergman. “Time for a toilet break.”


Sawyer didn’t mind one bit. His hand was moving back and forth across the paper in a virtual blur trying to record everything. His pen was still in motion when Bergman returned.


“You know most of the public buildings here were built with material from the old towns.”


“Yes, I did know that,” said Sawyer.


“Waste not, want not,” said Bergman, who had made it back to his chair but remained standing, holding onto the back of it for support. “That’s the old saying, isn’t it?”


“Have you visited one lately? You can hardly tell it from the forest.”


Chapter 14