The bestselling, award-winning author of The Radleys is back with what may be his best, funniest, and most devastating dark comedy yet. When an extraterrestrial visitor arrives on Earth, his first impressions of the human species are less than positive. Taking the form of Professor Andrew Martin, a prominent mathematician at Cambridge University, the visitor is eager to complete the gruesome task assigned him and hurry back home to the utopian world of his own planet, where everyone enjoys immortality and infinite knowledge. He is disgusted by the way humans look, what they eat, and their capacity for murder and war, and he is equally baffled by the concepts of love and family. But as time goes on, he starts to realize there may be more to this weird species than he has been led to believe. Disguised as Martin, he drinks wine, reads poetry, and develops an ear for rock music and a taste for peanut butter. Slowly, unexpectedly, he forges bonds with Martin's family, and in picking up the pieces of the professor's shattered personal life, he begins to see hope and beauty in the humans' imperfections and to question the mission that brought him here. Praised by The New York Times as a "novelist of great seriousness and talent," Matt Haig delivers an unlikely story about human nature and the joy found in the messiness of life on Earth. The Humans is a funny, compulsively readable tale that playfully and movingly explores the ultimate subject--ourselves.
Matt Haig
Matt Haig is a British author known for his novels, non-fiction books, and children's literature. His works often explore themes of mental health, identity, and the human experience. Haig's most notable works include "The Humans," a humorous and heartfelt novel about an alien experiencing life on Earth, and "Reasons to Stay Alive," a memoir detailing his struggles with depression and anxiety. Haig's writing style is characterized by its honesty, empathy, and wit, making his works accessible and relatable to readers of all ages. He has made significant contributions to literature by shedding light on mental health issues and promoting conversations around mental well-being. Haig's impact on the literary genre can be seen through his ability to connect with readers on a personal level and offer insights into the complexities of the human mind. His most famous work, "The Midnight Library," has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its poignant exploration of regret, second chances, and the power of choice.