When Things Are Alive They Hum Paperback – 11 May 2023

Marlowe has to return home.When Things Are Alive They Hum is an intimate, emotional and affecting exploration of the deep bond between Marlowe and her younger sister Harper who has Down syndrome.I felt the story read rather like young adult fiction which gave it a greater realism through Harper’s individual and distinct voice. She retains a youthful optimism that feels like a tenet for Marlowe and reader alike to live their lives by. However, at the same time, Harper has a wisdom far beyond her years and, I suspect, far beyond what some in society might expect of her. What Hannah Bent does so eloquently here is to illustrate the value of those sometimes marginalised by society. Indeed, she also shows very clearly cultural expectations and prejudice not just in society at large, but also in the way Marlowe and Harper view their Stepmonster Irene, so that human frailty and judgment is very much a theme in the novel.What I enjoyed so much was the way in which When Things Are Alive They Hum wove in past events into present actions showing just how our early lives impact who we are as adults. There’s a resonance – a humming – that echoes the title of the book, especially with the iterative images of music and Lepidoptera and through Harper’s own physical heartbeat. This book feels as if it is ‘the butterfly effect’ personified and it is somehow comforting to discover Harper’s manner of looking at the world.Whilst much of the narrative is intense and emotional, I thought the light relief provided by Louis and his obsession with time and routine was spot on. Whilst I loved Harper the most, I felt Marlowe was more layered because she is by no means perfect, being rash, occasionally selfish and sometimes foolish as well as being fiercely loyal to Harper. That said, Harper is capable of duplicity and less than perfect behaviour too.I found When Things Are Alive They Hum a sensitive, heart rending narrative of the choices we make to protect those we love. At the same time I thought Hannah Bent’s deeply emotional prose was uplifting, educational and highly skilled. Be prepared to have your heart broken by this one!

This is a beautiful story about sisterhood, acceptance, grief, love and what it means to live. The narrative structure was perfect with each sister having a distinct voice and Harper's feeling authentic and real. I compulsively read this book enjoying spending time with this family even at it's saddest moments. The exploration of Chinese politics and culture was both informative and shocking. This was a beautiful read which was well developed in style, prose and characterisation. But most of all it was incredibly moving.This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Daughter of an English father and Chinese mother born and brought up in Hong Kong, Marlowe Eve is now studying the life cycles of butterflies and moths in London, and happily settled with boyfriend Ollie.Then she receives a call from her father James to tell her that her younger sister Harper is seriously ill. She needs a heart transplant, which doctors in Hong Kong are refusing, because she has Down Syndrome and the outlook for her quality of life is poor.And so we meet Harper, and how much richer our life is because of her. A keeper of diaries written in glittering purple ink, Harper defines herself as someone with Up Syndrome – appropriate, as she is never down. She is compassionate, loving and caring to all those around her, with a special place in her heart reserved for big sister Marlowe. How can her family bear to let her go?Marlowe, in particular, is determined that Harper shall have her heart transplant, and so begins a journey that takes her into dark places and has the potential to destroy the sisters’ loving bond, forged in childhood and strengthened by the tragic early death of their mother.For the irony of this story is that while it is Harper who has Down Syndrome, it is Marlowe who lacks understanding in this situation.I honestly can’t begin to say how emotional, how heart-wrenching and yet how deeply fulfilling I found this story.Just like her beloved butterflies, Marlowe wants nothing more than to protect the fragility of her sister’s life. But is she actually holding back Harper’s chance to gain wings and fly free, safe in her own decisions?The title of this book When Things Are Alive They Hum grows ever more poignant as the story progresses. As long as Harper’s heart beats, she hums with love, vibrancy, courage and hope.Marlowe must learn to let her heart do the same.

Absolutely beautiful, heart-wrenching, gorgeous book. I could not put it down. Broke my heart and gave me hope all at once, highly recommend.

I chose this book to read because of it’s unusual title and I must confess that I was not prepared for the emotional ride that it took me on. As I read from Marlowe and her sister Harper (who has Down syndrome but says all the right things at the right times) I felt deeply connected to their story in a way no book has made me feel in a long time. This is indeed a story of love and happiness even though the circumstances are sometimes so so sad and unfair! I fought alongside Marlowe as she desperately tried to find a fix for Harper’s broken heart, realizing as Harper did that Marlowe was doing it for herself, afraid of not being able to cope with another loss in her live… but Harper knew that their mother was watching over them from beyond as love never dies, it just takes up different shapes and sounds. As Harper helps Marlowe learn to cope with their mother’s death she prepares her sister to also be able to cope with her own death and in the process shows us all a much happier and honest version of love. I loved the Eve sisters, their strong yet vulnerable father, their ever present and loving grandmother forever cooking their favorite dishes as grandmothers do (how I miss my grandmother’s cooking!), and all the rest of their loving family, friends and boyfriends who feel helpless for loving so much and not being able to stop the inevitable turn of events in the end. Needless to say I ended this book with much sobbing and crying for the world is such a wonderful and happy and loving and unfair place! But at the end of my tears after having washed away my despair I found a soothing peace and I silently thanked Marlowe and Harper for helping me get there!

As a disabled person it is hard reading what other people write about us. But this felt like a song, like a love song dedicated to someone whose disability was a part of their soul.Thank you.

Surprised by some of the discrimination that is in place with regard to medical treatment of Downs Syndrome. Relationship between Marlowe and Harper is lovingly described. Harper insights on life are wonderful as is her love of writing.

I liked the point of view of the sister with down syndrome but there were a few holes in the story.