---
product_id: 453356010
title: "When Things Are Alive They Hum Paperback – 11 May 2023"
brand: "hannah bent"
price: "RM114"
currency: MYR
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.com.my/products/453356010-when-things-are-alive-they-hum-paperback-11-may-2023
store_origin: MY
region: Malaysia
---

# When Things Are Alive They Hum Paperback – 11 May 2023

**Brand:** hannah bent
**Price:** RM114
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** When Things Are Alive They Hum Paperback – 11 May 2023 by hannah bent
- **How much does it cost?** RM114 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.my](https://www.desertcart.com.my/products/453356010-when-things-are-alive-they-hum-paperback-11-may-2023)

## Best For

- hannah bent enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted hannah bent brand quality
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## Description

Full description not available

## Images

![When Things Are Alive They Hum Paperback – 11 May 2023 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81xdkQjsxtL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    A moving portrayal of fierce loyalty and love
  

*by L***G on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 September 2022*

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!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Incredibly moving
  

*by M***C on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 June 2023*

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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    An emotional, heart-wrenching and wonderful story!
  

*by K***G on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 September 2022*

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.

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*Product available on Desertcart Malaysia*
*Store origin: MY*
*Last updated: 2026-02-14*