Now I think there are a few things that did not make sense which objectively makes the book less better, for example, if the aliens were this smart, why didn’t they do some research about the humans and send someone competent to finish the job (I think because that means there will be no story then).

I did not mind that because it was more about the journey and not the destination. The plot is very predictable and I think it has been done many times before, whether in books, movies, or anime. “The single biggest act of bravery or madness anyone can do is the act of change.” There is a focus on the characters but also a focus on humanity overall because it is literally about an alien discovering humans and their lives. Before reading the book I thought the protagonist is the professor’s son but it turned out to be the dad who is 43 and this makes it more of an adult book -the themes and cursing cemented that thought.

The characters are likable and I found myself rooting for the professor’s family. I specially liked the descriptions but to be honest, I did feel that the book is kind of preachy and if you read Haig’s other books, you know it has the same central ideas (With a fixation on mental illness, physical appearances, moles and hair and what it means to be human, also lists because Haig loves these). The writing is good, I enjoyed the short chapters and fast pacing which Haig is good at and which also makes those kind of books gripping ones. The book revolves around Professor Andrew Martin who solved one of the most complicated mathematical problems, but it is actually not the Professor himself but the alien who is taking his role in life and replacing him for a special mission from his planet.

I am giving this rating based on my enjoyment of the book mostly! The Humans was one of those books that I decided to try the first chapter in and found myself at 20% after one hour when I opened it for one chapter only! I am not saying the book is perfect -it is not at all- and I think if I am gonna be really critical then it does not deserve the 4 stars I am giving it for many things that did not make sense at all. What is important is that you understand you.”

The humans matt haig reviews