The Humans by Matt Haig

 

The title ‘The Humans’ made me ask the question what about us humans? intrigued I left the library with a copy.

The story begins with an unknown narrator speaking to readers as an introduction the book he has written explaining his time with us. The readers of the book have the belief that humans are a myth, he tells them we are not and that he has visited, spoken to lived among us. The narrator then goes on to give the readers a clear and deep insight into the human psyche, through the book he has written which in the style of a human novel.

We then see the narrator confused and naked in a service station reading Cosmopolitan, at the start of his journey. All he remembers is suddenly being on a road and in the way of the funny thing’s humans travel around in called cars. Then we see him running from people and desperate to get out of the terrifying rain, as he runs, drivers and passengers spit at him – which he understands as being a friendly greeting.

We learn that the narrator is workacholic Cambridge Mathematics Professor Andrew Martin. He has no deep memories of who he is and believes humans are only interested in violence and greed, yet he also feels our love for one another is our saving grace. We follow him as he learns what it is to be human and who he is, as well as him learning the answers to the many questions he has – such as Why are clothes so important? And What is the correct way to greet people?

Professor Martin is a man who many people I feel could relate to. Many of us at some point will have felt the sense of wondering who we are and what it is to be human, due to mental health issues – although this is not a book about mental health.

Professor Martin is I feel a loveable character who is trying to understand himself, his wife and son – who are encountering who he was before work took their place in his life – and his role in life and in theirs.

Yet we also come across a violent side to him, which could bring everything crashing down.

This is a book which is not afraid to explore human life in its mess and deprivation as well as love and kindness. It could have been shallow and dry, yet it is I feel a deep and sensitive insight into human life, relationships and our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world as an individual and as a member of several groups.

The book is filled with mathematics mainly prime numbers as well as an odd dip into physics and quantum mechanics. A lack of understanding of these areas, I felt did not detract me from the plot or from enjoying the book.

A delightful and insightful read.