After Some Tomorrow

"After Some Tomorrow" by Mack Reynolds is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where societal structures have changed drastically, particularly regarding gender roles and the meaning of family within clans. It explores themes of survival, the function of men and women in society, and the biological imperatives driving human relationships in a time of existential threat. The plot follows Alan, the only husband of the Wolf clan, who finds himself in a precarious situation as rival clans attempt to raid and capture him. The story begins with Alan instructing the clan’s children when a raid erupts, leading to a tense battle where he realizes the fragility of their existence. As the plot unfolds, Alan grapples with his role as a man in a society that has relegated men to a secondary status due to fertility issues. After successfully repelling the raid, he proposes a controversial plan to breed with women from the rival clans to preserve the human race. The climax comes as Alan advocates for radical changes in their society, facing resistance from the other women in the clan who are reluctant to abandon their traditional values. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about gender, power, and the future of humanity in the wake of societal collapse.