
Half Past Human by T.J. Bass is a classic science fiction novel set in a dystopian future where humanity has evolved into four-toed underground dwellers living in a highly controlled society known as the hive. The story follows characters like Tinker and Mu Ren who must escape the hive to join the savage wild humans on the surface. The book paints a convincing and plausible picture of a future where overpopulation and automation have created a world where humans are bred for specific tasks only with permission, leading to a struggle between conformity in the hive and survival in the wilderness above ground.
The writing style of Half Past Human is described as quirky, engaging, and filled with biological and medical terminology that adds to its charm. The novel offers a chilling view of the future of humans under totalitarian control, while also providing hope through characters like 'Olga' who aim to save the five-toed humans from the Big ES. Despite its flaws, such as casual sexism and excessive medical terminology, the book presents thought-provoking themes of freedom vs. safety, authority vs. free will, and the impact of overpopulation and ecological destruction on society.
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Content warnings include depictions of cannibalism, misogyny, body horror, and themes surrounding oppression and dehumanization.
From The Publisher:
A novel of dystopian future in the tradition of SOYLENT GREEN and H.G. Wells' THE TIME MACHINE, with an introduction by Ken MacLeod
Tinker was a good citizen of the Hive - a model worker. But when he was allowed sexual activation he found Mu Ren who, like him, harboured forbidden genes. And so began the cataclysm.
But in a world where half-wild humans are hunted for sport - and food - can anyone overthrow the Hive? Greater by far than its stunted, pink-blooded citizens, the Hive is more than prepared to rise and crush anyone who challenges its supremacy ...
About the Author:
Thomas Joseph Bassler was an American science fiction writer and doctor, principally known for his 'Hive' stories. The first of these, published in GALAXY SCIENCE FICTION and IF, were combined into the novel HALF PAST HUMAN, which was nominated for the NEBULA AWARD in 1972. Loose sequel, THE GODWHALE, was also nominated three years later. His work explored the theme of overpopulation and was notable for its strong command of biological extrapolation. He died in 2011.
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