A review by jedore
The Humans by Matt Haig

dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

“No one will understand you. It is not, ultimately, that important. What is important is that you understand you.”

This book follows an alien who inhabits the body of a Cambridge mathematician, Professor Andrew Martin, sent to Earth to prevent humanity from advancing too far technologically. As he navigates human life, the alien’s cold, logical perspective shifts as he discovers the complexities of love, relationships, and the beauty of imperfection. It’s a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be human, filled with humor, poignancy, and wisdom.  

Matt Haig is renowned for his ability to blend genres and explore themes of mental health and existentialism in his work. His inspiration for this book partly came from his own struggles with depression, which led him to reflect deeply on human life and what makes it both challenging and beautiful.  

I absolutely loved this book, which surprised me because it technically falls into the science fiction genre—my least favorite! But it really transcends its genre, using the alien perspective simply as a vehicle to explore profound truths about humanity.  

The character development, especially of the main character (the alien), was outstanding. Watching him evolve from a detached observer to someone deeply connected to the people around him was heartwarming and beautifully done. By the end, I was in love with all of the characters, even the less developed ones.  

What often makes a fiction book an all-time favorite for me is when it seamlessly blends story with self-help elements. <em>The Humans</em> does exactly that—it calls you to think about your own life in an organic, non-preachy way simply by telling the story. The emotional connection it creates is profound and lasting.  

There’s a chapter toward the end that clinched this book as one of my all-time favorites. I won’t spoil it for you—you’ll just have to read this stellar book to understand why it hit so deeply for me.  

One of the book’s greatest achievements is its universal appeal. It’s a rare gem that would resonate equally with men and women, science fiction fans and skeptics, and a wide variety of readers. The odds are you’ll love it as much as I did.  

If you’re in the mood for a book that’s heartfelt, thought-provoking, and thoroughly unique, pick this one up! It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and think about life in completely new ways.
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