communication breakdown

Book Review: The Invisible Man (1897)

[ 8 / 10 ] The Invisible Man is one of H.G. Wells' four science-fiction masterpieces, written at the turn of the 20th century, near the beginning of the author's career. Ironically enough, Wells' early works (The Time Machine, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Invisible Man, and The War of the Worlds) received far more critical and popular acclaim than any of his subsequent projects. It seems as though Wells was at the height of his creative genius in the few years before 1900, and The Invisible Man is one of his most indelible and exciting works from that time...

It is the story of a man known only to the reader as Griffin, an ambitious scientist who has stumbled upon the secret to becoming invisible. When we meet Griffin, we are not immediately aware of his condition - his body is completely covered by clothing. However, the reader is soon enough let in on the secret, and through a series of misfortunes, the rest of the world is made known as well. In one of the more interesting sections of the novel, Griffin confides in an old friend and relates the story of how he became invisible, and the previously unforeseen difficulties that he faced as a result. This portion of the story provides the core of the science in this science-fiction work, and it is a well thought-out and crafted read.

Wells believed that the key to truly original science-fiction was to create an ordinary world, and inject a solitary, unbelievable alteration to that world, and thus narrate the inevitable results. This is evident in his classic The War of the Worlds, but particularly effective here in The Invisible Man. Set in rural Sussex, England, the landscape is one of serenity and utmost peacefulness, and the inhabitants of the town of Iping are quaint and charming. What more interesting environment could exist in which to drop an Invisble Man? The effects are predictably earth-shattering, and thus the novel tells a thrilling story, despite the sometimes-dated style of narration used by Wells.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the novel is the force with which it is written. It is a novel that would be considered violent even by today's standards - I cannot imagine how it was received 100 years ago. The boldness of the author results in a work which has aged fairly well and still generates powerful imagery over a century after its creation.

The focus of the book, the Invisible Man himself, is quite an interesting character - and necessarily so, since the novel is completely preoccupied by the man and his story. Wells takes an interesting position in his narration, exhibiting both contempt and understanding for his lead character. The transformation of the Invisible Man from aspiring pioneer to trapped dog is rapid and frightening, and the author certainly condemns his eventual turn to violence. But at distinct points throughout the novel, he relates subtle sympathy for Griffin, suggesting that he might - just might - be a victim of his circumstances and his ambition. So, which is it? Thankfully Wells leaves it up to the reader to decide what to make of him.

The Invisible Man is a perfect example of how good literature can withstand the test of time. It is a short, enjoyable read, provoking intelligent topics for discussion and thought, while providing enough excitement to prevent feeling like a lecture. I can almost guarantee that, as the Invisible Man tells his story, you will discover something about invisibility that you probably wouldn't have thought about before. And in the closing chapters of the novel, you will likely appreciate a level of suspense that has rarely been surpassed since. It is this ability to combine sound science and great fiction that made H.G. Wells such a beloved author.