The Ice People

The Ice People is a 1999 science fiction novel by Maggie Gee, set in a future world dominated by a new ice age. The novel examines different elements of contemporary society: the fundamental roles and relationships of men and women, sexuality, politics and the issue of global warming.
Global warming is the initial context, where increases in temperature are then followed by the cyclic appearance of an ice age. The reaction of society and individuals to these dramatic extremes sites the novel within the genre of dystopian science fiction, but closer to the author's heart seem to be the changes within such a scenario of issues we face today: the changes in racism as different parts of the planet change in their attractiveness; the changes in social position as "Insiders" and "Outsiders" - the "haves" and the "have-nots" - live within differing conditions; the value, status and interpretation of marriage; parenthood - the increasing difficulties in conception and the...