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Half Past Human

Book 1 in the series:The Hive

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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.

Characters:

The characters are varied, with a predominance of male figures and a notable lack of depth in female representation. The narrative provides a contrast between the societal structures of the Nebish and the more primal Buckeyes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is laden with medical and biological jargon, resulting in a dense narrative that can be difficult for readers. While some find it charming, others see it as a detriment, especially given the lack of engaging visual descriptions.

Plot/Storyline:

The story is set in a dystopian future characterized by overpopulation and a stark divide between the underground Nebish who are genetically modified for compliance and the surface-dwelling Buckeyes who live a primitive existence. The central conflict arises from the tension between these two societies, culminating in themes of freedom versus safety and the quest for humanity's survival.

Setting:

The setting is a grim, overpopulated Earth, primarily characterized by underground societies and a transformed surface dedicated to mechanized agriculture, reflecting a dire ecological state.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, featuring episodic segments that rush through significant time spans, which may lead to a fragmented reading experience.

Notes:

Half Past Human is a dystopian novel set in a future where humanity is divided into Nebish, four-toed underground dwellers, and Buckeyes, who live on the surface.
The underground society, known as the Hive, is a result of extreme population control and genetic modification, leading to a passive and weak population.
The book contains a lot of medical terminology, reflecting the author's background as a pathologist, which some readers found overwhelming.
Women in the novel are portrayed as largely marginalized, serving mainly reproductive roles, a point which many readers criticized as outdated and sexist.
The plot centers around the Nebish's struggle to gather the genes necessary to rebel against their dehumanizing society.
The surface world is depicted as a less populated area where the Buckeyes survive through primitive means, contrasting sharply with the Hive.
Characters encounter themes of freedom versus control, and the tension between authority and personal choice throughout the story.
The novel showcases a chilling view of a future with a destroyed ecosystem, cannibalism, and a society where humans are bred for specific roles.
Bass's writing style, heavily influenced by biological vocabulary, provides a unique but challenging experience for readers.
The story features several notable characters, including Tinker, who evolves from an enforcer of the Hive to an ally of the surface dwellers, and the AI OLGA, who plays a significant role in the plot.
Despite its flaws, Half Past Human is considered a key work in the science fiction genre and has earned recognition in the SF Masterworks series.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

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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