I was half way through reading ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ by Yuval Noah Harari on the tube the other week when a fellow commuter asked me what the book is about. Even though I have been writing reviews regularly for over five years, I still don’t enjoy being put on the spot about books I am still reading and mulling over, particularly at 8:15am on a crowded train. My initial response was to say that it’s about, well, pretty much everything. Even though that statement is fairly accurate, the expression on his face suggested that it was also quite unhelpful, so I added that it’s about how and why the human race has developed in the way that it has. This appeared to be a more satisfactory answer, which is just as well because I still can’t think of a better way to summarise its content.
‘Sapiens’ is a big sweeping account exploring everything from biology, justice, anthropology and philosophy and the often surprising ways in which these elements interact with each other. The first part outlines the early beginnings of Homo sapiens around 70,000 years ago and how their unique ability to cooperate flexibly led to the extinction of other human species such as the Neanderthals. Ironically, my brief exchange with a stranger on public transport in London could even be seen as a very small-scale example of the type of cooperation and interaction that has made Homo sapiens such an evolutionary success.
This is followed by three more parts outlining the agricultural revolution which began around 10,000 years ago, the unification of humankind and the scientific revolution up to the present day, and the influence and development of history, money, imperialism, religion and culture amongst many other things. These are huge topics to grasp in a purely academic sense but Harari makes them very accessible. Despite the broad subject matter, Harari finds specific and relevant examples to illustrate his ideas and theories, some of which are quite provocative and controversial. This adds some colour to what could otherwise have been a very dry text.
The non-fiction books I read usually explore relatively specific or niche topics and I tend to find “general” history books run the risk of oversimplifying events and their causes as there is little room for in-depth analysis. Harari thankfully avoids this for the most part although it was inevitable that some aspects were not addressed as thoroughly as I would have expected. However, overall, I think Harari has a great skill in writing a broad narrative with wide appeal and even though there are some aspects of his thesis which I don’t entirely agree with, his ideas are certainly thought-provoking.
It’s easy to see why ‘Sapiens’ has been such an enormous success across the world. It is an engaging and entertaining account which challenges the reader to consider their surroundings, beliefs and interactions in new or different ways. I look forward to reading its sequel ‘Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow’ which addresses the challenges facing human evolution in the future.
A Little Blog of Books 
I’d like to read this. Thanks.
LikeLike
Great, hope you enjoy it!
LikeLike
This sounds a bit like Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond, which was a popular text in my high school and university days. Your commuting story reminds me of when I accompanied my mother to a doctor’s appointment a couple of summers ago and was reading a proof copy of A Little Life. When the doctor asked what it was about I found it very difficult to sum up in a sentence or two!
LikeLike
Yes, it’s always the books which are difficult to summarise which people seem to ask me about! I’ve heard of Guns, Germs and Steel but haven’t read it – thanks for the recommendation 🙂
LikeLike
Great opening to this review. I hate it when ppl put me on the spot, but at least you were able to make use of this instance!
LikeLike
Thanks, yes I just about managed this time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw YNH being interviewed at last year’s Hay Fest and was so electrified that I bought his book instantly. But I got stuck halfway through – it’s an engrossing read, nonetheless, and I will finish it. Highly recommend.
LikeLike
Yes, I can see why you would need to put it down for a while – the chapters are on quite distinct topics so I think it’s an easy book to come back to and read in chunks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is on my TBR list. It sounds incredibly interesting, even though I usually prefer fiction over non-fiction. I think I’ll read it in my native language, because as much as I’m used to reading English, the subject sounds too complex. I want to fully grasp what he’s trying to get across. Thanks for the review!
LikeLike
Thanks – hope you enjoy it!
LikeLike
Something similar… even though I read a lot of books and blog about most of them, whenever anyone asks me on the spot what good books I’ve read lately, I go completely blank!
I have had this book on my shelf for over a year now – I think I’ll really enjoy it when I finally pick it up.
LikeLike
Yes, it happens to me too – I had a copy for nearly 2 years too but it is worth getting round to eventually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked the book, and as you said can defintely see why it has been an international success. I will read the sequel in the future!
LikeLike
Me too, I’m hoping to read Homo Deus soon!
LikeLike
Pingback: My Most Anticipated Books of 2018 | A Little Blog of Books
Hi Clare, coming late to the world of blogging. I absolutely loved this book. His writing style is wonderful. Glad to meet you fellow book lover and great blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person