Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!
“Only Human: Neanderthals, Culture Clashes, and the Weirdest Time Travel Yet”
Gareth Roberts’ Only Human opens with a compelling mystery: a Neanderthal named Das, plucked from 28,000 years in the past, finds himself in modern-day Bromley. The prologue and early chapters establish the premise effectively, capturing the feel of a revival-era Doctor Who episode with its brisk pacing and sharp prose. However, the story quickly shifts focus, immersing readers in the Stone Age for the bulk of the narrative, where the Doctor, Rose, and Jack face new challenges.
The book shines through its clever exploration of culture clashes. Das’ observations of modern life are both humorous and thought-provoking, presented through diary entries that form a fascinating subplot. His evolution as a character defies stereotypes about Neanderthals, painting him as intelligent and resourceful. Meanwhile, Captain Jack’s mission reports—showcasing his bafflement at 21st-century norms—add depth and humour, though his on-page role is limited.
The blending of times is another highlight, as Rose navigates interactions with both a future society dulled by emotion-suppressing drugs and a Stone Age tribe, while the Doctor mediates between these disparate groups. This future society, where “wrong feelings” are chemically erased, is chillingly believable and provides an unsettling commentary on human behaviour.
Characterisation is strong across the board. The Ninth Doctor feels authentic, his sharp wit balanced by vulnerability as he grapples with the effects of the future society’s drugs. Rose is recognisably herself, though her brief alliance with the prehistoric tribe feels somewhat extraneous. Captain Jack is charming but underutilised, primarily appearing via his mission reports while acting as Das’ babysitter.
The supporting cast is memorable, particularly Das, who is an instant favourite in the Doctor Who franchise’s portrayals of Neanderthals. The prehistoric humans are well-drawn, and while the Osterberg people lack individuality, their manipulation through drug use adds intrigue. Chantal Osterberg, though not groundbreaking as a villain, stands out as the most compelling antagonist in the New Series Adventures so far, and the Hy-Bractors make for eerie, tragic monsters with an unsettling design.
The book ventures into darker, more graphic territory than typical Doctor Who fare, evoking the feel of a Virgin New Adventures novel. This is balanced by the inclusion of sharp humour and pop culture references that keep the tone dynamic. Roberts also takes risks with concepts that wouldn’t have worked on TV, such as Rose’s head being separated from her body, adding a surreal edge to the narrative.
📝Verdict: 9/10
Gareth Roberts blends wit, heart, and intrigue in a refreshingly imaginative Doctor Who novel that explores humanity’s past, present, and future with surprising depth.
Only Human stands out in the Doctor Who novel range for its rich characterisation, inventive setting, and deft balancing of suspense and humour. It’s a captivating adventure that feels both daring and quintessentially Doctor Who.
Random Observations:
- Bold of the author to suggest we haven't invented time travel by 2076!
- Knowing what we know about John Barrowan and his behaviour today, the scene where he stages a distraction by running around stark naked feels very wrong.
- The Doctor doesn't seem like a fan of Coldplay!
