Book Review: The Humans by Matt Haig
The Humans by Matt Haig isn’t just a book about an alien. Sure, it features an extraterrestrial, but it’s also a love story, a murder mystery, and a deep dive into what it means to be human.
Rediscovering Joy in the Familiar
People often wish they could experience their favorite book or movie again for the first time. However, there’s immense value in revisiting something familiar and finding new meaning in it. We are always searching for excitement, often abandoning or resenting the things we once loved as the initial thrill fades away. Many times, it’s not the activity itself that changes, but our perception of it.
This re-engagement is perfectly encapsulated in The Humans, where the protagonist experiences everything on Earth for the first time.
The Premise of The Humans
The main character in The Humans is an alien sent to Earth to prevent humans from advancing too far in Math and Science. Coming from a planet where logic reigns supreme, the emotional unpredictability of humans poses a threat. The alien’s mission starts with eliminating Professor Andrew Martin, who solved a major mathematical problem. Disguised as Andrew, the alien must erase all traces of the proof, even if it means getting close to Andrew’s family and eliminating anyone who knows about it.
Embracing Earth and Its Beauty
The Humans is not about an alien invasion or political drama. Instead, it’s a contemplative story of an alien learning what it means to be human, offering readers a renewed perspective on everyday life. As the alien interacts with Andrew’s family, he starts noticing the small joys in life, finding beauty in mundane things. This newfound appreciation helps him bond with Andrew’s wife and son, and he gradually embraces emotions and love.
Discovering Adventure in the Ordinary
The alien delights in simple experiences, like seeing a blade of grass, much like a curious child. It reminds us that adventure can be found right at our doorstep if we choose to see it. However, the alien also realizes that being human involves constant stress, as life seems to be a series of tests.
Thought-Provoking Insights
Throughout the book, there are many profound observations about life. The Humans might be short, but it’s packed with meaningful content, making it worth multiple reads.
Alien’s Take on Madness
The alien offers a humorous yet insightful perspective on what humans consider madness, noting that what’s deemed sane in one era can be seen as insane in another. This commentary on societal norms adds another layer of depth to the story.
Movie Adaptation Potential
News that Benedict Cumberbatch plans to star in and produce The Humans is exciting. His previous role as a Cambridge professor in Hawking makes him a fitting choice for this story, which could make a great film under the right direction.
Final Thoughts
The Humans uses humor and profound insights to explore the complexity of human life. It’s a book to turn to when life feels overwhelming, offering a refreshing perspective on what it means to be alive.
If you haven’t read The Humans, it’s a book that could offer you a new outlook on everyday life. It’s especially comforting during times when being human feels particularly challenging.
Have you read The Humans? What are your favorite insights from it? If you haven’t, what’s the one line that stood out to you the most from this review?
