This Is How We Are Human by Louise Beech

Sebastian James Murphy is twenty years, six months and two days old. He loves swimming, fried eggs and Billy Ocean. Sebastian is autistic. And lonely. Veronica wants her son Sebastian to be
happy, and she wants the world to accept him for who he is. She is also thinking about paying a professional to give him what he desperately wants.

Violetta is a high-class escort, who steps out into the night thinking only of money. Of her nursing degree. Paying for her dad’s care. Getting through the dark.
When these three lives collide, and intertwine in unexpected ways, everything changes. For everyone.

Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, This Is How We Are Human is a powerful, moving and thoughtful drama about a mother’s love for her son, about getting it wrong when we think we know what’s best, about the lengths we go to care for family and to survive.

My Thoughts

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This Is How We Are Human is a thought provoking story that follows the life of Sebastian, a man in his twenties who is autistic. Despite having the support of his ever devoted mother Veronica, Sebastian still finds himself feeling rather lonely. Wanting to help her son in any way she can, Veronica makes a rather unprecedented step to help solve his loneliness.

Isabelle is simply trying to get by. With a nursing degree to pay for along with the cost of her fathers care, she finds herself working as an escort in order to keep her head above water. It is whilst she is working this job that she finds her life intertwining with Sebastian and Veronica, and her life begins to change in ways she never could have imagined.

This is such a breathtakingly beautiful tale that is told from varying perspectives, allowing us to see the impact these individuals have on one another’s lives. The story is written in such a thought provoking way, telling the story of Sebastian in a sensitive, detailed manner that allows you to connect with him on a deeper level.

Each of the characters have their own stories to share, with each of them dealing with their own difficulties and uncertainties along the way. It really gives you a pause for thought as you find yourself putting yourself in Veronica’s shoes, and leaves you questioning what you would do in such a situation yourself.

This is such a moving tale that really captures your heart from the moment it begins. I adored everything about this book and would urge others to read this gorgeous story too.

About the Author

*Thank you to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours, Orenda Books and Louise Beech for providing me with a gifted copy of this book in return for my honest review. All thoughts are entirely my own and not influenced in any way.*