A Reluctant Member of the Human Race: A Tale of Two Selves

By James Harrison-Greene

In recounting the lives of the author and his alter ego – in humorous and, at times, incisive tones – this book follows how their respective perceptions of the human race evolve along a path that takes them from youthful aspirations in the Swinging Sixties to predictable levels of disillusionment in the context in which we currently live.  From the outset, the author makes no apology for being a reluctant member of his own species, for which he has little time and vanishingly remote expectations. This detachment brings him a rare freedom to judge, to choose and to say ‘No!’, in other words, not to belong, to take part, or to be susceptible to unwanted pressures – or emotional blackmail. In contrast, his co-protagonist starts life as a showman who thrives on the approbation of his fellow humans, which has, for him, an addictive quality. Other humans are the props on which he builds his persona.   Over the years, however, the views of the two protagonists converge. Their story is told through an entertaining, easy-to-read, and yet perspicacious account of life’s happenstances, against the background of the galloping entropy of our civilisation. A very engaging tale of two friends’ journey from carefree London and Vienna in the 1960s to their later involvement in the worlds of business and international aid, including the early days of the AIDS epidemic. An immensely readable, iconoclastic, amusing and reflective account of our times, underpinned by a provoking view of human behaviour. Robert Winter, UK Emeritus Consultant Physician So many of us harbour thoughts about engaging a lot less with fellow humans. Now you don’t have to imagine. You just have to read this entertaining and surprising book and learn about how one person and his close friend accomplish this task. But even as you read along, little prepares you for the ending, which stays with you for a very long time. John Donnelly, US journalist and author In a fluid and elegant style, the author immerses you in this unusual story of two parallel lives. Events and anecdotes are told with humour and subtle irony, without losing sight of the fundamental premise – two protagonists who are members of the human race, reluctantly.  An endearing tale that leaves the reader in a reflective quandary over life’s relationships.  Hélène Martin-Fickel, Former international civil servant

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