We Read Science Fiction

More Than Human by Theodore Sturgeon is number 10 on my all-time top 10 favourite science fiction stories. It is, quite simply, one of the best and most original science fiction novels of all time.

It centers around the concept of a Gestalt species as the next step in evolution for humanity and was, as far as I know, the first ever to do so.

Summary: This often neglected classic simply must be experienced to be understood. There is no other story in existence that deals with these themes as powerfully and realistically as More Than Human.

Though you may want one, a plot summary could never do this story justice, and certainly none of those I read while researching this review even came close. Due to Sturgeon’s careful and poetic pacing, nothing can be adequately distilled that would still retain any relationship to the novel. As a result, this review will simply contain a few teasers that I hope will convince you that this is a book you should read SOON.

The novel contains some interesting and significant plot twists and, to my dismay, I felt that Sturgeon was wandering in search of a plan while I read. However, rest assured that Sturgeon knows exactly where he is going from page one, though it’s not apparent until the last word.

Sturgeon is best known for his skill at writing short stories, and as a result this book is formatted into three parts; all distinct and self-contained. If you read any other reviews for this story — and there are thousands — you’ll discover at least one common comparison in every single one: The characters form a whole greater than the sum of their parts, as does this book. I doubt anyone can deny that this must have been deliberate on Sturgeon’s part, nor that it takes a master craftsmen to find a writing-structure that mirrors the main theme of the story contained within.

Lastly, though many feel the ending is as bluntly and plainly laid out as a mathematical proof, I disagree. I found that, after reading the last word, the ideas lingered in my mind until the conclusion congealed as if from the last blank page. Don’t simply put this book down, turn out the light and go to sleep after finishing this book. You’ll miss the punchline if you do.

You might have trouble finding it in your local book store due to the fact that it is so neglected and under-appreciated, so try the library and if that fails, go online. You won’t regret the time it takes to track a copy down nor having this book as part of your permanent library. It’s part of mine.