The Humans by Matt Haig: A Must-Read Heartwarming Tale of Empathy and Understanding
Pages: 304
Format: eBook
My Rating: 💙💙💙💙💙
I can’t express in words how much I loved “The Humans” by Matt Haig; it’s one of those books that will linger with you long after you finish reading it. It’s incredible how eloquently the author incorporated thought-provoking elements, addressing the concepts of existentialism and mortality, what it means to be human, and how to interact with one another, along with the exquisitely crafted characters and the intriguing storyline.
"The Humans" is a captivating novel that takes readers on a compelling and heartwarming journey through the eyes of an alien who becomes a human. The book serves as a powerful reminder that our imperfections are what make us uniquely human, and that embracing them can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of ourselves and others.
A
Closer Look at the Plot
The
novel centers around a Vonnadorian who takes the form of Professor Andrew
Martin to complete a task on Earth. The extraterrestrial imposter's mission is
to erase all evidence of a mathematical discovery made by Professor Martin, as
it poses a threat to the Vonnadorians' utopian society.
The
alien, who despises humans for their appearance, food, morals, and wars,
struggles to assimilate into human society at first. However, as he lives with
the family of Andrew Martin, including his wife Isobel, his son Gulliver, and
their dog Newton, he begins to experience a change of heart.
As
the alien spends more time with the Martin family, he witnesses their
compassion towards one another and learns to appreciate the unique qualities
and emotions of humans. Despite his mission, the alien finds himself torn
between loyalty to his own kind and the newfound connection he developed with
the Martins, making him question the Vonnadorians’ beliefs and wonder if his
utopian world is truly superior.
Love
and Acceptance
One
of the central themes in "The Humans" is love and acceptance. The
alien initially views humans as inferior beings, disgusted by their physical
appearance and their way of life. However, as he spends more time with the
Martin family, he starts to see the beauty in their imperfections. He learns to
appreciate their potential for love, compassion, and resilience. The novel
beautifully illustrates how acceptance can lead to personal growth and a deeper
understanding of oneself and others.
The
alien, who has never experienced emotions before, is bewildered by the love
that exists within the human world. He sees Isobel’s unconditional love and
care for her son Gulliver and Andrew Martin himself, despite their flaws and
struggles, in addition to the bond they share with their dog Newton. Through
his interactions with the family and others, the alien begins to understand the
power of love and its ability to transform lives. It’s through love that he
finds the strength to defy his own species and protect the humans he has come
to care for.
Existentialism
and Mortality
Before
arriving on Earth and taking the form of Andrew Martin, the Vonnadorian had no
identity on his planet; he had no name, no family, and no emotions. He comes
from a practical planet that only believes in mathematics and has already
solved the cases of immortality and pain. The extraterrestrial imposter makes
his own way towards self-discovery; he learns to integrate with humans,
developing his own identity. He becomes fond of Isobel, Gulliver, and, of
course, Newton, feeling responsible for protecting them from his own species.
He finds pleasure in reading Emily Dickson’s poetry, drinking Australian wine,
and sharing peanut butter sandwiches with Newton.
On
Earth, the nameless Vonnadorian exists and is remembered for his actions.
However, when he decides to turn against his own advanced species, chooses to
become a human, and gives up immortality and all the technologies he has, the
alien experiences feelings of anxiety, fear, and pain for the first time as he
grapples with the challenges of being human, opening his eyes to the fragility
of human existence.
The
Beauty of Flawed Humanity
"The
Humans" celebrates the flaws that make us humans. The alien, who initially
sees humans as nothing more than a collection of flaws, gradually learns the
value of imperfection. He witnesses moments of vulnerability, pain, and
despair, and realizes that these experiences are what make humans truly
remarkable. The novel reminds us that it’s through our imperfections that we
find our humanity.
The
alien's journey of self-discovery highlights the importance of embracing our
flaws and accepting ourselves for who we are. Through his transformation, he
teaches us that perfection is not what defines us as humans, but rather our
capacity to love, to feel, and to connect with one another.
Self-Acceptance
Reading
"The Humans" was a life-changing experience for me. It made me
realize the beauty of vulnerability and the importance of connection in our
lives. It challenged me to confront my own fears and loneliness, and to find
strength in accepting my flaws.
I highly recommend "The Humans" to anyone looking for a heartwarming read. It’s filled with emotion, daring suspense, and witty humor, making it utterly absorbing. It will challenge your perception of what it means to be human and inspire you to embrace your own humanity.
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