As I have mentioned several times, so probably to repeat myself rather, I do not read the blurb on books. So, ‘The Humans’ has been on my shelf because I am a fan of Matt Haig’s books – so I was just as surprised as Mr Bookwormandtheatremouse when it turned out that I was reading a science fiction book by official genre. However, I like to think of it as contemporary science fiction – it was nothing too intense, there just happened to be an alien race as a central character.
However, I really enjoyed this book. This was less to do with science fiction than it was a study of humans – what makes us tick, how our relationships are formed, and what it really means to be human. It was a strangely page-turning read as you follow Professor Andrew Martin, or so you think, from the moment he is found naked wandering the streets of Cambridge to living his normal everyday life – or so those around him think. However, Professor Andrew Martin, that we know, is the form taken by a visiting alien who is trying to supress the knowledge that has been gained by the real Professor Andrew Martin. Yet, he becomes easily distracted as he studies what it is to be human and begins to develop empathy and possibly even love for those around him.
I hope I have not given too much away about this book, because it is one that I hope many people will read, even if science fiction is not their usual taste, because I found this a brilliant read. It did exactly what I admire about Matt Haig’s work: it creates fascinating characters and closely examines human nature. I found it a rather thought-provoking read, thinking about if I really understand those around me or if sometimes we just carry on with our lives without giving those around us a second thought – a rather selfish attitude that the modern world may have instilled in us, whether we realise it or not.
If you are a fan of Matt Haig, then you will be a fan of this book and his creative imagination. And something I really like about Matt Haig’s fiction is the creativity in the stories; although sometimes those who feel isolated are often the central characters, the creative situations he puts them in makes each reading experience a unique and enjoyable one.
I really enjoy reading your blog and thought I’d say hi! I was wondering whether you’d consider joining the Reedsy Discovery book review community — I think we could potentially be a good fit. At Reedsy Discovery, we spotlight gems of the indie publishing world, with passionate reviewers who decide which books to recommend to our community. If you think you might like to join us, here’s our application form: https://reedsy.com/discovery/reviewers/apply?source=cf. I’m also happy to chat more via email! You can reach me at hallie@reedsy.com.
All the best,
Hallie, Professional Book Nerd @ Discovery