Falling birth rates are being met in many nations with a backlash: in China, Poland, Hungary and elsewhere, natalism is making a comeback, and the line between policies that are ‘pro-family’ (benefits and incentives) and those that are ‘anti-woman’ (abortion bans and the rescinding of workplace rights) is skin-thin.

He wore his suit and best hat, but he didn't want to overimpress Cyril. The mine owner would know for sure something suspicious was underway if he did too much to make an impression on him.

Were you girls at the lunch? my father asked. What a ratfuck, huh?

He answered me in his characteristically thick Creole patois.