L'humaine - English edition

by Fanfan Delarose

Rose loves words. She loves daydreaming by the window and railing against society in her thoughts. Fragments of novels fill her room, but for now, she’s stuck in a business school she hates.

She searches for her place in a world inhabited by heartless robots, certain that only on an island will she at last find happiness. She still has no idea the role her rebellions will play in making her dreams come true.

Iris loves love. He traveled around the world in search of that feeling, until the day a fortune teller’s strange words lead him to Paris. Convinced that it’s underneath the Eiffel Tower he’ll meet his soulmate.

Between midnight wanderings along the Seine and stolen dances in the hidden corners of the city, will Rose find the courage to open her heart again, to life, and perhaps, to Iris ?

This novel is the journey of a metamorphosis, the story of a love that reignites the flame of possibility, and a voice that dares to challenge the silence of a world asleep.

195 pages, Paperback

Published June 22, 2025

About the author

Fanfan writes stories that explore meaningful questions about society, always with a touch of hope. She sprinkles romance throughout her stories because love is what makes life truly magical. Writing has been her dream since she was a kid, using words to touch hearts and open minds. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading outside, creating memories with loved ones, or capturing moments with disposable cameras. <33

Reviews

[ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️!!

⤷ ‘I am so proud of you, and believe me when I say you will save the world with your book, by giving humanity back to humans. I love you.’

🐙 L’humaine is a philosophical allegory on what it means to be a human in today’s society. In a way it’s almost dystopian, in a manner that chills you to the bone, because really, when you think about it, it’s all true present day, rather than simply in the distant future. Full of thoughts and criticism on how people live, stifling creativity in order to conform, this is a book that really gets you thinking on how you choose to live your own life and whether you too want to end up like those mindless robots.

₊⊹ With both Parisian and Greek settings, this book feels like a European holiday and instills a sense of peace within. I was borderline yearning for a quick little Greek getaway as I read and I genuinely feel inspired to finally get my thoughts and stories onto paper. Rose is a very introspective protagonist and reading this book is quite literally like reading her thoughts and commentary on society, every little comment translating to paper. I have to say, this is a really good debut for the author and it could’ve been so much longer and I still would’ve enjoyed it. At points, the romance and the story itself felt rather rushed but I think that translates exactly how Rose was feeling as she mentioned how swept away she felt upon meeting Iris.

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

L’humaine est le premier roman de l’autrice. On y suit Rose, une étudiante en école de commerce déçue par la vie et par les gens, jusqu’au jour où elle rencontre Iris, un nouvel étudiant qui va vite détruire les murs qu’elle a dressés autour d’elle. L’histoire se veut à la fois un récit initiatique, un roman de développement personnel et une histoire d’amour. De nombreux passages sur la condition humaine dans la société actuelle ou encore la peur de sortir de sa zone de confort ont résonné en moi. Cependant, la romance était trop survolée à mon goût. Les deux personnages tombent rapidement amoureux, au point de se connaître par cœur dès les premiers jours. Je crois au coup de foudre, mais ici, l’autrice en propose une vision, peut-être volontairement très idéalisée, à laquelle j’ai eu du mal à accrocher.

Au fur et à mesure de la lecture, le récit devient légèrement répétitif, ce qui le rend parfois un peu lourd, alors que l’écriture est simple et fluide. Il y a aussi un plot hole dans l’histoire qui m’a dérangé : Rose et Iris se retrouvent en Grèce du jour au lendemain sans qu’on sache comment — surtout qu’au moment des faits, Rose est sous l’effet d’un somnifère et est donc inconsciente. Il y a alors une dimension problématique au consentement, ce que Rose souligne malgré tout, mais semble vite pardonner. J’aurais préféré qu’il y ait davantage de conséquences ou de réflexion par rapport à ça.

À travers ses réflexions philosophiques sur la vie, la recherche du bonheur, et les problématiques de notre société, j’ai compris où l’autrice souhaitait emmener son histoire. L'humaine est un roman feel-good qui prête à l’évasion, vers une réalité où tout se passe sans encombre. Je pense juste que je n'étais pas la lectrice cible. Selon moi, ce roman conviendra davantage à un lectorat plus jeune, entre 15 et 20 ans, en quête d’une histoire optimiste et qui fait rêver. La plume de Fanfan reste prometteuse, et je suis curieuse de voir comment elle continuera à l’explorer dans ses futurs écrits.

[Prenat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read!
Behind this beautiful romantic story lies philosophical thoughts that open our eyes to life, our world, and our system!
The main character, Rose, is a young woman who pursues her dreams and questions us about love, happiness, our way of thinking, being, and living!
She reconnects us with our humanity!
Bravo!!!

[Ornella Prenot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very nice to read but it still makes you think about stuff. It evokes a lot of different themes through an incredible love story and an amazing self work on the heroin. I 100% recommend this book !

[Constantin Moizan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fanfan’s L'Humaine is as beautiful as it is moving. The writing is of great finesse, the characters vibrant with emotion, and the message profoundly human. A book that leaves no one unscathed. A must-read!

[Jessica Valter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which is fluid, simple, and profound all at once, questioning our humanity through a life-changing encounter with another, and with ourselves. I highly recommend it.