Book info

• Title The Invisible Man
• Author H. G. Wells
• Year 1897
• Genre Science Fiction

Having devoted his studies to optics and refraction, an impulsive scientist named Griffin has rendered himself invisible. Unable to reverse the effects, his struggle to survive grows desperate until he realizes that there are benefits to living out of the public eye. Increasingly isolated, he soon spirals into a life of crime and degenerates into madness. He can’t see that he has become his own worst enemy. Exploring the loss of identity and the willful disappearance of conscience and morality, H. G. Wells crafted one of his most suspenseful and cautionary tales, which continues to intrigue to this day.

Thoughts

The book takes a little while to get going - and as it is short, there’s not that much time to pick up speed - but once it gathers some momentum, it’s really good. It crosses a few different genres, a bit of horror here and there, some mystery and of course the inevitible science fiction. The characters aren’t necessarily ones to root for, but at the same time, there are some moral dilemmas thrown up that are worth thinking about. I can see why it’s stood the test of time.

Rating: 4 / 5