Title: Human Traces
Author: Sebastian Faulks
First published August 29, 2005
793 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780099458265 (ISBN10: 0099458268)
Rating: 3.67
Overview
Enter the world of Jacques Rebière and Thomas Midwinter, two young boys with a shared fascination for understanding the complexities of the human mind. As their journeys take them from the confines of Victorian asylums to the bustling lecture halls of Professor Charcot in Paris, they’ll explore the depths of the human psyche.
From the rugged Sierra Madre mountains to the uncharted plains of Africa, their search for knowledge will take them to the furthest corners of the globe. But as the First World War looms on the horizon, their relationship is tested by the turbulent times they live in.
Follow their story, as they navigate their way through life with the help of one exceptional woman: Thomas’s sister, Sonia. A powerful and moving prequel to Snow Country, Human Traces is a novel of magnificent scope that will leave you captivated until the very last page.
About the Author
Sebastian Faulks, a novelist and journalist, was born in 1953 in Newbury. His parents were a judge and a repertory actress.
Faulks attended Wellington College and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, but he didn’t enjoy either institution. He recalls that Cambridge during the 70s was still quite male-dominated, and meeting girls required cycling about 5 miles.
Faulks was the inaugural literary editor of “The Independent” and later became the deputy editor of “The Sunday Independent.” In 2002, he was awarded the CBE. Faulks and his family reside in London.
Editoral Review
Human Traces by Sebastian Faulks is a beautifully written novel that transports readers to the world of psychiatry during the late 19th century. Known for his ability to craft vividly descriptive prose, Faulks creates a complex and nuanced world that explores the human mind and the limits of scientific understanding.
The novel tells the story of Jacques Rebière and Thomas Midwinter, two young men who are drawn to the study of the mind and the mysteries of human behavior. Set against a backdrop of societal upheaval and scientific progress, Human Traces follows Jacques and Thomas as they navigate their personal and professional lives, struggling to understand the complexities of the human mind and the implications of their newfound knowledge.
Faulks creates a rich and detailed world that is both immersive and thought-provoking. Through his vivid descriptions of the characters and settings, Faulks is able to transport readers to a different time and place, inviting them to ponder the historical and cultural significance of the events and individuals portrayed in the novel.
One of the strengths of the book is the depth and complexity of the characters. Faulks has a gift for creating characters who are both human and relatable, while also being flawed and imperfect.
Jacques and Thomas are no exception, and readers are drawn into their struggles and triumphs as they navigate the challenges of their personal and professional lives. Another strength of the book is the pacing and plot structure.
The story unfolds slowly and deliberately, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world and the characters. Yet, there are also moments of tension and drama that keep the reader engaged and invested in the story.
However, there are a few weaknesses in the book. At times, the descriptions can become overly detailed and cumbersome, slowing the pace and detracting from the overall flow of the story.
Additionally, some readers may find the subject matter too dense or academic, which could limit its appeal to a wider audience. Overall, Human Traces is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of the human mind and the limits of scientific understanding.
Although it may not appeal to everyone, those who are interested in the history of psychiatry or the intricacies of human behavior will find it to be a captivating read. Rating: 4/5 stars.
