BY EMMA POWELL

 

If ever a book's purpose was to make the reader evaluate themselves as 'humans' this is the one. Through the journey of an alien protagonist, we are re-introduced to what it is to be 'human' in a funny, strange and insightful way which raises many emotions in the reader from empathy to sadness and ultimately happiness.

Immediately as the novel begins, we meet the alien being who has been sent to Earth to destroy Andrew Martin, a Professor at Cambridge University, who has solved the greatest Mathematical mystery in the world and who must therefore be destroyed to prevent Earth and humans progressing as a result of this newfound knowledge. The alien being takes on the outward appearance of Andrew Martin but has no knowledge of what it is to be 'human', coming from a place where no-one ever dies, feels emotion or connects with other beings. Thus we are taken on a journey of discovery, as the alien slowly begins to realise the importance of emotions, such as love.

Tasked with destroying Andrew Martin, any evidence of his discovery and anyone else who knows of his discovery, the alien finds it difficult to finish his task as he starts to get to know Martin's wife and son and their complex family life.

Throughout the novel the alien begins to become more 'human' than the real Andrew Martin and makes the ultimate sacrifice in the novel by highlighting the miracle it is to be 'human' but also exposing human flaws.

This is a novel that makes you think, wonder and assess your life. It is funny, insightful and a brilliant read, quite unlike anything I have read before.

 

This book was published by Canongate Books Ltd and is available to buy for about £18. It can also be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out.